Econoline front seat options?

seal · 07-26-2018, 11:30 AM

Im building out an 06 E350 4x4 and the first thing I want to do is replace the seats as I find them pretty uncomfortable. Im either looking to purchase some captain chairs or swap in something more comfortable(possibly superduty). So im trying to weigh out all my options. Current driver seat is power but thats not a requirement, Im mainly after comfort, headrest, armrest, swivel would be cool but not required. Additionally what impact can swapping seats have on the SRS system? My SRS light comes and goes as I understand I need to take it to the ford dealer to have it diagnosed but possibly I should swap seats first so that I dont get it fixed and than have to go back.

Any input would be appreciated, thanks

mgmetalworks · 07-26-2018, 12:19 PM

The E-series has a seat belt pre-tensioner on each seat that connects to the air bag system. When we swap out the stock seats for either Sienna seats or the Scheel-Mann seats, we retain the pre-tensioner. For the Sienna, it's a simple drilled hole and bolt it on to the seat base. With the Scheel-Mann seats, we have a custom adapter and pre-tensioner mount/cover.

JWA · 07-27-2018, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seal

what impact can swapping seats have on the SRS system? My SRS light comes and goes as I understand I need to take it to the ford dealer to have it diagnosed but possibly I should swap seats first so that I dont get it fixed and than have to go back.

Ford's SRS has its own separate DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) indication should faults occur. The instrument cluster symbol for the SRS will flash in a way that gives a code which can be translated into what the fault actually is. Issues from pinched wires that run under the stock front floor covered up to and including a bad pre-tensioner can be discovered by those flashes.

There should be a plethora of info online or here showing you how to read those DTC's should they happen. Always feel free to ask and save a trip (and $$$ at the stealership.

)

If you're swapping seats and need to disconnect any part of the SRS please make sure you remove the battery cables at least 15 minutes before hand. This is done so you don't accidentally trigger the SRS which can be expensive along with a bit dangerous----the air bags deploy with considerable force and can injure someone whose sitting in a seat as per the original design.

Rothy · 11-21-2018, 11:31 AM

Hey guys, I have a 2013 E-350 without power seats that I'd like to replace with leather ( powered or not) Sienna seats up front. So I was wondering two things
1- What model year Sienna seats should I be searching for?
2- Do they have to be the front seats?
I apologize if this has already been covered but extensive searching both here and through the google hasn't answered either question with any certainty.
Thanks in advance to all the van oracles

mikracer · 11-21-2018, 12:12 PM

1. 2011+
2. The Sienna seats people are using are the second row recliners.

You can get the mounting brackets, swivels, etc. from expovans.com.

Rothy · 11-21-2018, 02:15 PM

Thanks for the quick reply mikracer, beautiful ride you have there!
I noticed everyone was using the recliners for their rear seating options, are those what people are replacing front seats with too? I was really only planning to replace the front seats and probably won't put swivel bases on them (definitely not on driver side) so the reclining feature is useless to me.
Just trying to keep the SRS working properly...

mikracer · 11-21-2018, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rothy

Thanks for the quick reply mikracer, beautiful ride you have there!
I noticed everyone was using the recliners for their rear seating options, are those what people are replacing front seats with too? I was really only planning to replace the front seats and probably won't put swivel bases on them (definitely not on driver side) so the reclining feature is useless to me.
Just trying to keep the SRS working properly...

I haven't sat in the Sienna seats, but yes, people are putting the recliners in the fronts too. Would be an expensive retrofit if you have no need for the recliner, but maybe they're super comfy??

mgmetalworks · 11-21-2018, 08:11 PM

There are a couple of good options for Eseries front seats. The Sienna recliner has been popular since we first introduced the adapter mounts several years ago. We also highly recommend the Scheel-Mann seats and we offer bolt-in adapters for those as well.

We have a regular supply of Sienna seats and sell them frequently and usually have mounts in stock ready to ship. We can also order Scheel-Mann seats in many different fabric styles and colors. The US distributor is local to us too so there are usually options for seats he has in stock.

Please check out our website https://base-fab.com/. Base Fab has evolved from MG Metalworks/ExpoVans as seating and flooring specialists.

Regarding the SRS system... in the E-series, the only part on the seat related to the system is the seatbelt pre-tensioner. All of our front mounts incorporate bolt-on adaptation for the pre-tensioner and easy to follow instructions are provided.

Rothy · 11-22-2018, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgmetalworks

Please check out our website https://base-fab.com/. Base Fab has evolved from MG Metalworks/ExpoVans as seating and flooring specialists.

Regarding the SRS system... in the E-series, the only part on the seat related to the system is the seatbelt pre-tensioner. All of our front mounts incorporate bolt-on adaptation for the pre-tensioner and easy to follow instructions are provided.

Thanks for the heads up MG! Was already planning on using your adapters if I go thru with the swap, probably throw the swivel on the passenger side while I'm at it. I must acknowledge you have created some really amazing products as well as builds, I think there is still a little movement in my pants from the new diesel swap / restoration. Yup , it's still there

So what's keeping someone from adapting the seatbelt pre-tensioner to say seats out of a F-150 or another slightly larger than factory E series seat? Obviously would eliminate possibility of swiveling but if not needed...
Sorry if it's a stupid question but I haven't pulled the front seats so don't know exactly what I'm dealing with

Happy Thanksgiving to all the SB community. I hope you get to relax and spend it with loved ones

dokaman · 11-22-2018, 11:27 PM

I love my Scheel-Mann seats with the Expovans / Base-Fab adaptors and dual swivel bases. When you look at seats, think of it as an investment in yourself.

If you want to test them out, PM me and we can meet up sometime. I am located near Portland OR.