Can I use a boat swivel for van seat?

[decodancer]

I rarely have a passenger and once I hit the road it's even more unlikely. I'm having trouble finding a swivel for my passengers captains chair without paying a fortune. Could I adapt a boat swivel. They are easier to find and much less expensive. I'll be living in the van for a few months soon and would love to have a comfy chair.

 

[VanFan]

I hope you find something that will work! One challenge is matching bolt patterns on the seat bottom and floor or riser. I haven't even been able to find an adapter that will work. My installation is complicated by a power seat base. I've spoken with suppliers and van shops, and have yet to come up with a solution at a cost I can reasonably justify given the van's age.

Vickie

 

[Lucky mike]

Junkyard conversion van would have a few......depending on where you are will very the cost

I bought 2 matching power highback captains , passenger was a foot recliner , both power on swivels like new for 400.00 for my RV in the scrap yard.....even the upholstery matched

 

[user 423]

I don't know about Fords but on Dodges you can reverse the seat using the same base mounting holes and bolts. It can't be switched back very easily though. A passenger can ride there but not have a very good view of the road, LOL.

Or maybe you can use one of these:

http://www.discountvantruck.com/rvvanseatbases/rvvanFordseatbases.htm

 

[GotSmart]

I took the swivel seat from the back of my dodge, drilled new holes in the mounting plate, and used it in the front. But I have a hardened set of drills for that 1/4 inch steel!

I have an extra seat to get rid of still~~~

 

[Bdog1]

http://www.rvsurplus.net/catalog/display.php

$55 best I've found.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Being the crazy guy I am, I'd be inclined to get a comfy office chair, pop off the wheels, shoot a couple screws, and call it macaroni.
Sure won't pass a state inspection (don't have them here) and a cop ain't gonna buy it for a passenger, but it will sure do the job.

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/301437/True-Innovations-Sport-Mesh-Mid-Back/

 

[decodancer]

Thanks to all! That is a great price B-Dog, I think you solved the problem.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

That link isn't showing right for me...can you repost, please?

 

[sassypickins]

@decodancer ~ I've been researching the same thing today and found this site offering 4-point swivel bases in various heights for $50. Not sure what shipping costs are.

Factory RV Surplus

@bindi&us - Wow are chairs expensive, even used! I'm with you - tempted to get a reclining office chair welded to a swivel base as a replacement passenger seat, fit the seat belt to the base, and add a few comfy pillows.

Do you think it could be done to be sturdy and safe or would it just be a death seat and fly apart in an accident? Delivery trucks have pedestal seats... is the metal so much stronger that they're allowed and diy seats are not? I haven't tracked down any codes giving me direction.

 

[decodancer]

Bindi, I had trouble too. I put the word swivel in the search space at the top of the site and found them on page 2. I checked your site to Sassy, thanks. Only way to find out shipping costs is to put all my info in. Too tired tonight but will look into it.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Cool, wanted to look at options for future info. Good to know market value on these things.

Sassy, I'd be the guy who pulls up to a dumpster to toss the unbolted seat if I couldn't give it away. The office recliner would be screwed down (sans casters) using pipe strap...only enough to stay put. This is something I'd do only if I lived alone and didn't carry passengers in my rig. In a normal traffic stop it probably wouldn't be noticed with a decorative throw draping over it.
I'm afraid the law dogs would bark loudly if it were used as a passenger seat, even with seatbelts still in place.


Just because I'd do it doesn't mean anyone should violate any vehicle laws.

 

[sassypickins]

@bindi&us - Might you know where regulations about that are stated? I have been looking but haven't found anything specific pertaining to seat requirements other than seat design specs. Thanks for any help, as always!

 

[user 423]

Every state will be different.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Hi Sassy,
Each state will have their own regulations and those are probably found under the DMV. For example...you build a sandrail (dunebuggy) you want to license for the road. Out here, it has to have a basic inspection for required equipment (seatbelts, lights, brakes, horn, etc). These machines often use a simple padded, fiberglass bucket seat. The last one I registered the state cop checked the mounting bolts for both seats, as well as seatbelt mounts.
Since we have no annual vehicle safety inspection, changing the passenger seat in a van might never be noticed, but I'd hate to argue the point with a cop on the side of the road.
If I were to do the office chair trick, I'd drape it with a colorful Native or Mexican blanket that hides the base. I just don't think I'd feel comfortable with a passenger using it safely.

I'm sorry I don't have any hard facts to offer.

---

Oh, if I were in a van and did this, the footwell would be converted to a vented battery compartment most likely.


`

 

[Belinda2]

Wow, Jay and Margie,
Genius point!!!

 

[euhuguenin]

I rarely have a passenger and once I hit the road it's even more unlikely.  I'm having trouble finding a swivel for my passengers captains chair without paying a fortune.  Could I adapt a boat swivel.   They are easier to find and much less expensive.  I'll be living in the van for a few months soon and would love to have a comfy chair.

Swivel Pedestal for Captains Chair $50.00. Hope this helps!


http://www.factoryrvsurplus.com/products.php?product_id=1615