bench seat structure

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Apr 18, 2005 | 10:57 AM

Torsen Rick

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Rochester, NY

bench seat structure

I was toying with the idea over the weekend of getting an extra 3-person bench for my van and striping all the covering and padding off of the frame, then building a shelf unit onto the seat frame. That way, I would have a removable racking unit that locks into the floor. I plan to use the van for towing a rally car, so having an reconfigurable internal shelf unit that can keep small parts, tools, oil bottles, etc all organized has real appeal to me - especially if I can take it out and set in on the ground next to the car during service work.

Has anyone tried anything like this before, or I am I the first nut to come up with it? Does anyone at least know what the seat framing looks like and how it's structured? I would imagine that if it can hold 3 adults safely in place in an accident and given that it weighs what it does that there mush be a substantial frame to it...

Apr 18, 2005 | 03:43 PM

aerocolorado

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Joined: Apr 2001

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That sounds like a terrific idea. A fold out section would also give you a small workbench as well. While I've never had mine apart, there is a full length steel frame along the rear edge of the bottom seat - ditto for the upper back cushion. A standard wire mesh basket w/spring steel clips supports a one piece molded foam bottom seat. There is plenty of structure to support your idea. My only concern would be how to keep it from tipping over once out of the van. You would need some auxillary leg supports or other base anchor. Keep us appraised of your project.