I would like to make the passenger seat swivel -- of my '01 cargo van with stock seats. Where might I get a swivel base? I can't seem to find one. Would I need to replace the stock console to accommodate the swivel (sticks out a good 12-14")? Thanks.

-mat

 

Last time I did this, I found a set in a junk yard. That was years ago though.
I am starting to look around again. Used to be able to get them from JC Whitney.

 

I was told by a custom van shop that they are not legal any longer. That was last week, I did no research to confirm his statement. He said he would do it my way, but he would not put it on my work order or my invoice. maybe BS I do not know.

 

They may correct.
Mine has Quad Captain chairs, and none of them swivel, nor any in the others I have looked at....

 

The word I got from my local van conversion shop is that they modify some swivel base so that Ford seats fit onto it, however they will not mount/install it -- presumably for legal/liability reasons. So ...

 

You might check with RV parts suppliers. They did use swivel seats in motorhomes etc.
Also, check locally with companys that custom build vans for wheelchair users. They use power seats that swivel either right or left, for driver and passenger seats.

 

Man, times are a changing. I have been running Ford Vans for a long time, and I have purchased several swivel bases over the years. BUT, it has been about five years since I purchased one, and I wouldn't be surprised if they are not "legal" anymore. I currently have a couple of them in my 1979 E150. I used to buy captains chairs and swivels from the "Speed Shops". I can give you a few tips. If you want the swivel to work in the front, the seats need to have two things. The seat have built in the slider, for forward and backward motion, and the seat needs to be a recliner type. In order for the front seats to move through the range, the seat needs to go forward on the slider, and tilt the back of the seat "forward". In this position you can turn the seat back and forth until your seat belt stops it. Once the seat is in position, you put the slider and recliner where you want it. Preferably, so you can lean back and stretch out. Some swivels came with seat belt attachments that swivel with the seat. They work pretty good. If there is no seat belt attachment on the spinning part of the swivel you will need to buy or make your own seat belt brackets. It may take a little time to find the right combination of parts, but it will be well worth it. One more thing. The swivels have roller bearings that need to be lubed and maintained. If the roller bearings, or roller bearing surface of the swivel is worn, your seat will wobble, and that takes all the fun out of it. A wobbily seat just plain stinks. No one will be comfortable in a wobbly seat. A couple of mine are getting to that point and I plan on a heavy duty bearing upgrade for them.

 

IceWagon hit it on the nose to make the seats work right. If you don't have that set up, it just will not work.

I sure miss the old style van set ups. There was a Vanin' website up untill just recently, but it seems to be gone now...

Matloik,
Did you ask the shop if they would sell the mounts or tell you the supplier??

 

Hmm... I have the swivel bases from my second set of chairs I removed and I thought about installing them on the front seats... but the pedestal bolts didn't line up. I may try again, though... would have been really cool when I was camping to be able to swival the front seats around to face the rear when parked...

 

The guy at my local shop said that they would in fact sell me the modified base (~$180) if they had one. And they don't expect to be able to get any base to modify for a couple of months ...

 

Just had a little brain fart, Lots of fishing boats have swivel seats in them, you might consider checking out boat suppliers but I would wonder about their strength. The best place I would think is an autowrecker since almost all conversion vans from the late 70's to the late 80's had them, heck even my mom's 89 safari has them.

Good luck in your hunt

 

Matloik,


I have three swivel basis that came off a Dodge Van. They are all in very good shape, swivel fine and are tight. Probably need to drill new mounting holes in the floor and then mount the sliders off your existing seats to the swivel.

I do not have mounting bolts and nuts but you can get those and steel backing plates from Home Depot /Lowes

You can have all three for fifty bucks if you want them. Let me know if you want pics or dimensions...

 

I found this at V-sales.com:

Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208 was set by the Department of Transportation in 1992 to reduce the injuries caused during collisions involving van conversions. Van conversions created after 1992 must have all seating and tables locked down to the floor. Also, captain's chairs can no longer swivel. Adapters are available for pre-1992 vehicles.

Patrick

 

Vannin sites.....
Try vannin.com

Patrick

 

Interesting... and explains why my van has the floor sockets for a table, but newer vans I've seen don't...