Swivel for Power Seat Update

[VanFan]

Casey's swivel passenger seat inspired me to look into (again) adding a swivel to Moby's front passenger seat.&nbsp; It is a '96 Chevy Express with after market seats by Weiland Designs.&nbsp; The seat is mounted on a 6-way power base, which sits atop a 5" open frame style riser bolted directly to the floor.<br><br>After removing the seat to get accurate bolt pattern measurements, scouring related threads on van forums, and talking to vendors (including Discount) and conversion shops, I've tabled the project for now.<br><br>Currently, no one manufactures a swivel with a bolt pattern corresponding to the factory floor mounting bolts for front seats.&nbsp; Nothing available matches the power base or seat bolts either.&nbsp; A "universal" swivel can be installed by drilling new holes in the floor and possibly using adapter bars on top.&nbsp; If available adapters cannot be used, an adapter will have to be made.<br><br>A conversion shop I talked with will sell the swivel for $225 and undertake installation for $83/hour, with a rough estimate of 3 hours.&nbsp; They were very supportive, offering tips for self installation as well.&nbsp; (For instance, they recommend off setting the new bolts somewhat toward the driver's seat to provide clearance to swivel.)<br><br>If I had $450-500 to burn, I'd probably let them do it.&nbsp; For now, a bag chair in the back will have to do.<br><br>Thanks Casey for sharing the information on yours!<br><br><br>Vickie

 

[caseyc]

Hi Vickie,<br><br>You're welcome! What's a bag chair?&nbsp; BTW: did the conversion shop give you a hard time for installing a swivel base due to any potential conflict with airbag safety? I had one conversion shop tell me positively no they won't do it, and another different shop said yes they will as long as it's off the record. <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif"><br><br>I haven't yet fully had the chance to appreciate my swivel seat. But I will later this month as I go on my first real road trip.&nbsp; I will have the passenger chair swiveled backwards, and have the removable swivel&nbsp;table set up too.&nbsp; Will have the seat reclined to feel more like a sofa in my living room. I can set up my portable Iwatani butane stove to boil water for making coffee or tea.&nbsp; On my Thetford porta-potty, I have velcro-taped a&nbsp;memory foam&nbsp;Kensington back-rest cushion to the top of the toilet lid. I can then use the toilet as a foot rest while I'm laid back on my swivel chair!&nbsp; The toilet also makes for a comfy&nbsp;extra seat with the Kensington back-rest velcro-taped on top of the lid!&nbsp;<img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>Anything&nbsp;I can do to make my life slightly more comfy and cushy, I will do, haha! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>Casey

 

[Kevin H]

Check out these RV seat swivel bases:<br><br><a href="http://www.factoryrvsurplus.com/products.php?product_id=1615" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.factoryrvsurplus.com/products.php?product_id=1615<br><br></a>they are not powered but they may work for you.

 

[VanFan]

Casey:&nbsp; The kind of bag chair I am thinking of is a folding chair that stows in a long bag with a strap for portability, like this: http://www.sears.com/search=folding camp bag chair&nbsp; We always have a pair on board.<br><br>The conversion shop I spoke with had no apparent reservations about doing the installation.&nbsp; They seem reputable.&nbsp; One of the vendor's, however,&nbsp; mentioned that swivels for front seats are no longer manufactured to the factory bolt pattern because of restrictions.&nbsp; Several of the threads I read included references to industry standards and/or laws governing swivels on front seats, but no one seemed to be terribly clear on the "rules".&nbsp; There was one mention of changing it back before selling the vehicle to avoid liability.<br><br>Enjoy!<br><br>Vickie

 

[VanFan]

Kevin H:&nbsp; Thanks for the link.&nbsp; I did look at this one, along with a few others.&nbsp; The bolt pattern for the power base top/seat bottom if 14" front to back, and 12-3/4" side to side, so unfortunately it won't work without modification.<br><br>Vickie

 

[Kevin H]

G'Morning Vicki - Not surprised the bolt patterns don't match. &nbsp;I have these swivel mounts in my motorhome and have removed them on occasion for projects. &nbsp; Only 4 bolts hold them in. &nbsp;EZ-PZ.<br><br>Anyway, installing them would not be much of a project. &nbsp;I am curious over your hesitation to do it. &nbsp; Can you elaborate?<br><br>Also, are you blogging your progress on Moby? &nbsp;I looked at past posts but missed any links or pics.<br><br>Wish we were close - I could help out on this. &nbsp; Looks like it should be just a couple hours - which means it would morph into a full weekend ordeal, but we would git 'er done!