Bolt-on Swivel Seat for Vanagons

[inorganic]

Aryana - this is a really smart build. I have a small electric leak some where which means I access the battery to charge somewhat frequently. A couple of questions =

(1) Where did you get that connector?

(2) It looks like your negative/ground to the connector goes from the terminal (via braided copper wire) to a nut bolted to frame - is that correct?

[syncrodoka]

That is a Anderson SB connector or some copy of it.

I shortened the plate and welded reinforcement on it to make battery access and removable possible.

[inorganic]

Thanks for the info about the cord.

Your approach sounds interesting. Can you share any photos of it? I have a welder and plenty of steel to over engineer solutions!

[Aryana]

1.) I bought the cord from the Samba famous, Terry Kay

Scroll near the end of this page to “Vanagon Permanent Mount 12 Volt Jumper Cable Plug & Cables”. Make sure you’re really polite and don’t ask too many questions or else he can get a bit upset and may start to blow you off even if you want to buy something.

http://vanagonwestfaliaaccessories.com/

2.) Yes, the ground strap is bolted to the chassis as you describe.

[vanagonjr]

[Aryana]

LOL!

Exactly

[floodwood]

Has anyone installed this swivel converter recently?

A quick call to bus depot informed me that the swivel base will hang over the battery cover by 1-2", and that the easiest solution is to disconnect the battery box hinge, essentially allowing you to slide the cover off rather than "hinge" it off.

Does anybody have any pictures of their install so I can ensure the swivel base won't interfere with my battery terminals as well?

Link to busdepot product: https://www.busdepot.com/59500

Cheers!

[Wellington]

That connector is a typical forklift connector.

[DuncanS]

And you can also mount it at 90º without a swivel. Had a turntable once, but got rid of it as it eliminated the under seat storage--at least for my usage. Careful grinding is all it takes, but you can't drive with it sideways. Not secure enough, but fine for lounging.

[Slimvest]

[Squidfish]

[jimf909]

[Aryana]

[floodwood]

Thanks all for the advise.

Would it be possible/advisable to simply cut out the portion of the swivel that gets in the way - cutting in-between the rail portion? Crappy drawing below.

[DuncanS]

Of course. I thought that's what everybody did. I did. Worked fine. The extra carpet can flap in the breeze just fine. It doesn't need supporting. Or cut that too if you like.

[crazyvwvanman]

You asked about cutting the swivel base plate so the full cover door can open. Cutting the battery cover door is preferable in my book. That is what I do when I install a front seat swivel assembly. The door hinge is held to the van by a few pop rivets. Drill the heads off the rivets, cut the door to fit, pop rivet it back where it was. Cut slightly more than what you think, so the carpet flap has room to flip too.

Mark

[floodwood]

[DuncanS]

About 6 months ago, a guy sent a bunch of good posts and photos showing how he hinged the swivel base on one side. He had a pull out pin which allowed it to hinge up. This is the only way I would consider putting in a swivel seat. Interior storage is at a super premium and why would you give that up for the few times you want to swivel the seat? Far simpler to just install the seat backwards. If you drill out the pop rivets on the flap, the whole thing will hinge back on the carpet and give clearance for the seat slides so it can go in from the back as well. Remove the tabs which prevent this on the base slides. Also get rid of the spring thingy which keeps the seat from being able to go out the front without releasing it. Why would you ever need that?

IMHO, the swivel isn't worth it. Too expensive, robs stowage, screws up the batter location and raises the seat an uncomfortable inch. And not really needed with the mods I advocate.

[syncrodoka]

[floodwood]