Seat question

[Baldwelder]

Just aquired an uber comfortable brand new pair of seats similar to these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KAB-85-E6-Del ... 3ef76c5062" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
can anybody tell me what is involved in fitting them?

[CovKid]

At first sight, unless everything beneath the actual seat base is removed, they will not fit. Or of they do, you'll need to cut a hole in the roof above

[jimpainter]

They are quite high. Are they off what i think they are .
Can you post a pic of the base?

[Baldwelder]

Yes Jim - they are

actual seat


Bottom


another view


I forgot that they sat partially on the front wheel arch which has a fixed height so,

does this mean that I have to strip them down to basics with no uppy downy tilty twisty electircs buttons etc?

[jamesc76]

they might just fit in the hollow between the runners??? then if you cut the front out on the van between the runners still have for and aft?

[Baldwelder]

they might just fit in the hollow between the runners??? then if you cut the front out on the van between the runners still have for and aft?

Yes you could be right - 395mm between runner centers on the original and only 30mm from center to the edge of the hollow - new seats are 8 1/2 inch centers(uk company)
I think I`ll have to take out the seat to try but will just the sides be strong enough to support or would I have to make up a frame?

The passenger side is not so much of a problem as the position is not governed by the steering wheel

[jimpainter]

You could maybe cut the front out and weld in a piece of box section across the sides and sit the seat on the box section. Hope that makes sense. It would hold the sides together....
Maybe a little more working out than that needed but thats just a simple starting point.
Jim

[Baldwelder]

I`ll prolly leave it till after you`ve had it mate - I don`t want to not be able to drive it.
Incidently the seats were originally on swivel mounts but i thought they were too tall.

Similar to this;

They are about 300mm high but have a large mid section available to cut and weld to suit and with a smaller footprint should slot in nicely.
I`ll have to reinforce the floor though I guess?

[jimpainter]

I would guess so. Maybe a piece of 2mm plate over the top of existing. That should give you a fair amount of strength.

[Baldwelder]

Well after all that - there isn`t a hope in hell of them fitting - not a t25 at any rate - i didn`t allow for the wheelarches being in the way so time to sell them on.
The money will go towards buying a diesel Golf or similar for the seats and engine - shame though as these seats are the mutts nuts

[jimpainter]

Changing the motor now as well...?
Its not gone bang has it?

What about saab seats, everyone i have met with them fitted says they are comfortable.

[waltraud]

Saab seats are comfy BUT they're not the only ones that will fit relatively easily and in fact some of the older Merc seats in leather look better and are even from the same country of origin...as if that matters.....i have saab somethingf or other and they are comfy and well made but don't be shy to try other makes. I used some tan coloured leather seats from a merc estate previously in a bay and they were just as good and looked better probably.

[Baldwelder]

Hi jim - no mate the engine is same as ever... running ok but like a rasta and as we want to tour france next year, i wouldn`t trust the current lump so.... I`m looking for a complete mk3 diesel golf thinking it could work out cheaper than a lump and all the accessories but i`ll play it by ear.

Hi Walt thanks for the merc heads up, i have wondered what else would fit and was prepared to go to my local scrappy with a tape measure to find out