Are stock Vanagon seats still wanted?

[brundl3fly]

Hi, I know I could have placed an ad but I didn't want to waste time. I have no idea if people still restore/reupholster these or not. I replaced mine but did not discard the originals because it just seemed horrible.

What's the general feel? Are these still something people are looking for generally? Van is 84 and they are generally intact, upholstery is as to be expected.. deteriorated horse hair or whatever from that time period, etc.

Thanks!

[Mateo83]

I see a decent amount available on here, eBay and OfferUp ranging up $300+. There’s some brown leather seats in good shape local to me the seller said I could pick up for $100

[Xevin]

Depends on the condition. Some late bay window bus owners might want them. I put some in my 76. So much better then original. I think I paid $200 for late Vanagon style in really good condition. I didn’t like the adjustable arm rests. Sold those for $75.

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Keep on Busin'

[CanStan]

Early seats with bad upholstery? I don't think there's much demand for them personally. But there's someone out there who will want them I'm sure. Maybe put them up for free or cheap locally. Shipping wouldn't be worth while for buyer or seller.

Later model seats with nice upholstery seem to be in high demand, and hold some pretty good value still.

[16CVs]

85 and earlier seats with no armrests really have no value. I think the non adjustable armrest are not as desirable as the late model adjustable units.

Those early horsehair seats are not worth fixing, The later foam based seats are are a better seat in my opinion.

Stacy
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[Robw_z]

If the upholstery is bad, the steel seat rails/seat bases still have value. They are a critical part of making adapters to put in other types of seats.

-Rob

[Xevin]

To the OP. Before tossing your seats. You might find people in the bay classifieds or local CL, FB market place, or whatever that would want your seats. You just might make a buck or two. Some bay owners want a wider seat and a period look. Sewfine makes plaid covers for Vanagon seats for bay owners that want the orginal look. These seats slip into the rails of late 76 and on.

[DuncanS]

Threw out the adjustable arm rests? Why not make them into what you wanted?

[ZsZ]

Here in europe the captain chairs with armrests going for crazy money. Like 500-700 EUR each.
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Zoltan
1.9 MTdi 2wd Multivan (ex Caravelle)
Van since 2006, engine since 2008

[Xevin]

[djkeev]

When I got my 90 one of the very first tasks before it was even running was to pull those front seats.

I offered them for free in the Karma thread and they were quickly snatched up.

They have no value according to my butt…….. but other butts like them.

Dave
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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[Abscate]

There is a donkey for every chair, translated from the Hebrew
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[ZsZ]

I think we have a winner: 900GBP
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265431631459?hash=item3dccf54663:g:kVkAAOSwl4Vhp95q
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Zoltan
1.9 MTdi 2wd Multivan (ex Caravelle)
Van since 2006, engine since 2008

[campism]

Early seats and many Westy seats are not so desirable unless someone wants OEM stuff. I put '93 Eurovan seats in my '87 Westy but kept the originals in case a future buyer wants them. I think they're extremely uncomfortable and, after several hours of driving, painful.

Years ago I pulled nice non-Westy tan seats from an '86 and sold them for $300 + shipping.
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'87 Westy in Wolfram Grey Metallic

[jlrftype7]

I had the stock Vinyl Non-Arm Rest seats in our Vanagon when we got it.
Hot in the Summer and Cold in the Winter, and no arm rests made it extra tiring for long trips or slow traffic that didn't allow you to switch body positions much since the Steering Wheel became more of a support for your upper body.
This meant I caught myself slumping over the wheel after awhile.
Not good.

So, I snatched up some later Grey Cloth Seats from a local Seller, and gave my Stock seats away.
Love the Dual Arm Rests, and with the Cloth we're pretty comfortable temp wise year around.

Would not want to go back to the Stock Seats.

Still need to get a later Rear Bench Seat to match them,,,, If I come across a local Vanagon being parted out complete with the body hardware for the later, foldable seat and the Cloth is in decent shape, I'll drive a few hours for that one....
Have to admit though that the tough old vinyl is holding up to our new Dog's paws very well since we haven't sewn or bought a Duck Cloth type Rear Bench Seat cover yet.
THAT would be job 1 before allowing him anywhere near a Cloth Rear Seat, unless we cover it with blankets as a temporary measure...
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'69 Semi-Auto Stick Shift Beetle-gone
2017 MINI Coopers, our current DDs
‘84 Tin Top - Hilga....Auto

[DuncanS]

[brundl3fly]

I appreciate everyone's input. I will advertise them here for local pickup to see if I get any bites. Expand to FB or something if not. Really just want the space in my garage.

They are the horse hair kind and the upholstery is not awful, no tears except some vinyl in the back. They would make an upgrade for a truly awful pair of seats.

[Diy2k]

Lake havasu,

Just advertise them as boat chairs!
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1987 VW Vanagon Wolfsburg Weekender
2012 Ford Transit Connect Xlt

[DuncanS]

Post a pic of them. Someone might like to buy the upholstery cloth. I know I might as I'm always looking for cloth for various projects that need to match what I have.

Duncan

[jtauxe]

These seats, with or without armrests (I happen to love the armrests) can readily be rebuilt, and are a significant upgrade for Bay Windows from 1976.5 through 1979. If I had another suitable vehicle, that is definitely one of the things I would do, and I'd be happy to pay for just the frames and build it from there.

Also, of course you know, never throw away anything original.
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John
"Travelling in a fried-out Kombi, on a hippie trail, head full of zombie..." - Colin Hay and Ron Strykert
http://vw.tauxe.net
1969 Transporter, 1971 Westfalia, 1976, 1977, 1976, 1977, 1971, 1973, 1977 Westfalias,
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