How do I install partial flooring in a van?

[tealchevron]

Hey guys! I'm new here. I've been creeping all over the interwebs and I love all the van campers I've seen.

I recently aquired a Ford Aerostar, and it needs a lot of TLC. The carpet is awful, and I think it will be easier to take it out than to clean it. I want to put in flooring, but since I will still be using the two middle row seats I'm not sure how to work around them. Taking them out is a non negotiable.

The side door does not open, so to get my son into his car seat I have to go through the back hatch door. Even more of a reason for why I want flooring instead of hard to clean carpet.

Can anyone give me some guidance on how to install flooring in part of the van, without removing the seats?

 

[user 423]

Welcome to the forum. Do you know for sure it would be really difficult to remove the seats? Do they attach with bolts or some kind of clamp? What type of flooring do you plan to use? There are 1'x1' tiles available that would let you work around the seat bases with a minimum of cutting.

BTW: You really should see about getting the side door fixed! That could be a real safety hazard if you ever needed to get your son out of the vehicle quickly.

 

[Zil]

Yes, first fix the side door.

 

[GotSmart]

Yes, first fix the side door.

Agree.

Then pull the seats and check out the carpet. Seats are not that hard to remove and replace. Carpet cleans up fairly easy, and if you are still set on removing it, having the seats out of the way makes it a much easier job.

 

[highdesertranger]

that's what I say fix the side door. then clean the carpet. highdesertranger

 

[DC Fuse]

I've owned a couple of Aerostars for work and they're a great van.

Re: your side door not opening.
Does the lever handle move? Can you feel some resistance?
I'd pull the inside panel off and look around. you probably have that clip holding the linkage is off is all. Their just is'nt much that can go wrong-really basic- control arms,clips, and lube is it.

Good Luck!

---

This might also be a frozen lock stopping everything. Does key in lock turn. Still should be a simple repair. Lube,Lube,Lube.

 

[akrvbob]

How strange, no one wants to answer your question. Maybe it's just too hard to do.

I can't be much help, all the vans I've lived in came without seat so I've never fussed with them. My only thought is to take out the seats, rip up the carpet and put down new carpet. I'd give strong thought to a plywood floor and either a piece of linoleum or wood flooring of some kind (real or fake) instead of carpeting. Then put the seats back in. I'm not sure what would be involved with that. At worst I would think you'd just need to cut a hole in the new carpet or in the plywood.

It's extra work but then you know there is no mold or bad grunge under there. The linoleum will make your life in the future much easier!
Bob
Bob

 

[ZOFCHAK]

Take the seats out, pull out carpet, powerwash carpet, dry in sun and reinstall (Carpet then seats) That's exactly what I did to my last Aerostar and it turned out great. Just make sure and thoroughly dry the carpet and backing before your reinstall it.