Fitting swivel seats

[therealchrisgray]

I have a T3 panel van with internal bulkhead behind the seats. The passenger bench seat is fastened to it with a bracket.

Is there any structural reason why I can't remove that bulkhead and fit swivel seat(s). Or will the van flop over to one side like an old cardboard box? I am assuming it's there to protect the people from flying boxes in an accident, but thought I should check with you guys first.

Swivel seats look expensive, even second hand, and it sounds like not a straightforward job to install them. I've done a search and opened a bunch of tabs to read now, but feel free to give suggestions/advice!

I'm assuming I want seats that don't have too big (thick) a base, especially if adding a swivel base. Also I saw some mention somewhere of big steering wheels getting in the way of the driver's seat swivelling.

Is it all crazy complicated, or is it just a case of buying some rightish-sized seats and moving the runners?

Thanks all

[davidoft1]

You can just take it out , seat swivels are fairly straightforward I have a bolt in one in for sale pm me for details

[therealchrisgray]

Thanks David

I forgot to mention that I'm in Spain! Fortunately there was a big storm came through recently and wrote off lots of cars. I haven't been round the scrapyards yet, but there are plenty of seats online in the 50-300euro range for a pair.

No Saab 9000 seats listed yet, but there is a nice pair of electric, heated, swivel seats from a Peugeot 806. Does anyone have any opinion?

Thanks again

[R0B]

Maybe add your location to your profile fella.

[therealchrisgray]

Maybe add your location to your profile fella.

Just added that, thanks. It was mentioned in my sig line though.

[rollercoaster]

Worth doing.
I just bought new swivels to suit.

Something to consider is access to that underseat area.
I have my leisure batteries under there but poor access.
Often regret that I didnt spend more time on access ideas.

Its a tiny bit faffy swivelling drivers seat,
theres the handbrake in the way that needs letting off.
(theres some good mods to help with that problem)
then slide seat, back upright, and open door to get it round.

Smaller the seats you fit the easier I guess.

I had an 806 with swivels, loved it,
you might consider getting as much seat base as possible,
of the donor car in case its useful.

Play safe whatever you do,
safe was why I bought new and tested for what I was doing.

[therealchrisgray]

Something to consider is access to that underseat area.
I have my leisure batteries under there but poor access.
Often regret that I didnt spend more time on access ideas.

Yeah, I've seen a lot of comments about that. Fortunately I'm starting from a bare panel van, so my plan is to get the seats in before I start figuring out where to put anything else.

I use the van mostly in warm places, so I'm not sure I really need the conventional layout. I'm thinking in terms of external kitchen under the tailgate, bed in poptop, and only the 2 seats. I live nomadically, have a house in Spain now for a few months, so the van has to carry more than a week's supply of clothes. I use it more as a transporter more than a camper.