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Old 04-09-2020, 01:44 PM   #11
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Just a note about Base Fab since it has come up... I've shutter that entity and took down the website. I still supply Scheel-Mann USA with the adapter mounts but they're sold through Scheel-Mann now, not BF. My other company MG Metalworks/ExpoVans is still very much alive and well and focused on different things besides seats and seat mounts. I'm still happy to answer any questions you folks may have about Scheel-Mann seats or the adapter mounts. I have 4 different models of seats in three different vehicles here at the shop and I have nothing but good things to say about the seats and what they've done for my driving comfort. I've also installed numerous sets of seats in Eseries and Transit vans and can help with instructions if needed.

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Old 04-09-2020, 01:49 PM   #12
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Just a note about Base Fab since it has come up...
Thank you for your clarification. I admit I was a little confused between the discussion of your MG Metalworks adapter and the BF. Now, I know. To add to the confusion, the adapter instructions still say Base fab on the cover.
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Old 04-09-2020, 01:50 PM   #13
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Thank you for your clarification. I admit I was a little confused between the discussion of your MG Metalworks adapter and the BF. Now, I know. To add to the confusion, the adapter instructions still say Base fab on the cover.
That is an easy change that I can make. Noted, thank you.
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Old 04-09-2020, 02:58 PM   #14
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Awesome seats. The funny thing about really good seats is that they aren't super soft. Firm seats providing correct support are much more comfortable on long trips than really soft seats.
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Old 04-09-2020, 03:03 PM   #15
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Grampswrx, you are correct, they certainly are the firmest seats I've ever had. I love them.
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Old 04-10-2020, 08:31 AM   #16
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Botchan, I wasn't able to get decent photos of the base in my van, but below is the assembly manual from Base Fabrication, LLC, the company that manufactured the base adapter. I bought the base adapter from Scheel-Mann and it was shipped directly from BF. I hope that helps.

Both seats, passenger and driver swivel. Personally, I think it's easier to swivel these than the stock seats they replaced. As with the stock seats, you have to move the setback forward (de-recline?) in order to swivel around. I was a little concerned about this aspect, because the Scheel-Mann seat backs recline via a knob, rather than the lever on the stock seats. But, thankfully, the screw has a course thread, so they move very quickly with the added bonus of infinite adjustment.

Initial Impressions:
1. Seating height: I first noticed the seats sit higher from the floor than the stock seats. This was a welcome surprise because, as I mentioned in my OP, my problem was always my legs, not my back. A higher seat height will allow more distance for my legs to stretch. Before, I was sitting almost Indian Style, now I can point my legs straight at the pedals with a small bend at the knee - JOY!
2. Femer position: Going along with 1, above, instead of my femer (leg bone between the hip and the knee) heading down hill, my femer is at a slight incline. This helps with leg room, because it elevates the knee and puts it farther from the pedals. I'm sure there are other ergonomic benefits.
3. Armrest (option): The armrest angle when in the down position is also adjusted by a screw, so is infinitely adjustable. It just so happens, my right arm feels like its at the exact same elevation and orientation as my left arm, which rests on the door arm rest. I think that will help me from feeling twisted on long drives.
4. Seat Bottom Adjustment: Another thing to help my poor legs is the fact that the seat bottom extends and contracts forward or backward with the use of a screw. This will help provide more support for longer femers, like mine.
5. Under-seat storage: As an unexpected bonus from the mounting brackets (I think), there's more storage under the seats. Anything I store on the floor under the seats will be easier to access, but there's also space between the swivel and the seat bottom, which would be a great place for maps, books, binoculars, etc.

That's it. Honestly, I had heard many positive reviews of these seats, almost to the point of worshipful. I was desperate and these seats appeared to be the closest I could find to a solution. I'm becoming a believer. I admit I haven't driven any long distances, but am very encouraged. I'll be driving it from Wisconsin to SW Missouri in early May when we move down there - about a 10 hour drive. After that trip, I'll try to remember to do a write up, but I expect it will be hectic.

Thanks!
UPDATE: I think the Scheel-Mann seats are overall larger than the stock seats. What this means, functionally, with the thigh support extended, they can be more difficult to swivel around to face the cabin. Thankfully, with the thigh support somewhat retracted, the Scheel-Mann driver's seat is easier than the stock seats. I could never get the stock driver's seat to face the cabin. Another issue, for me, anyway, is that I can only get the passenger door closed if I face the passenger seat straight back. Even then, the arm rest interferes with the closed door to to the extent that it's difficult to access the door release handle.

I've also noticed there is less room behind the driver's seat where I used to store my cab window shades, shoes, and camp stool. I don't know if the seat is deeper, sitting back farther, or a combination. I do know I have better leg room, so I'll take it.

Still, great seats and glad I bought them!
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Old 04-11-2020, 06:02 AM   #17
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Still, great seats and glad I bought them!
Oh man I hate even asking this----I'm weak ya understand...............

What's the final cost on your particular installation? Naturally shipping would be a concern as I'm in Ohio, would need the seat and a fixed base of some sort.

In general if you were using the Sheel-Mann's in a semi-frequent entry and exit function would they still be great for such use? I'm not talking delivery-type service but certainly not 10-12 trips all at once either. Most of my long trips are 2 1/4 hours max, most no more than 30 minutes one-way.

Down a rabbit hole I go...........
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Old 04-11-2020, 07:53 AM   #18
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My seats are the Vario F XXL (I'm a big boy) with cloth insets/leather bolsters and arm rest. No seat heater or back pocket. I also bought the adapter kit and the sliding rails. The total package was a little less than $5,000.

I can't tell you how they will hold up to more frequent ingress/egress. Scheel-Mann-Mann seats have a high reputation for quality, so I would expect them to be at least as good, but probably better than any other seat out there - stock or aftermarket.

I hope this helps.
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Old 04-11-2020, 01:04 PM   #19
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I have about 7500 miles on mine, still look new! This is mixed use, around town and on road trips. I drive all sorts of vans for work and continue to be very happy every time I sit in mine.

I find tilting the seats forward with the top release handle helps with the swivel on both sides. No complaints at all.
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Old 04-11-2020, 02:17 PM   #20
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I have about 7500 miles on mine, still look new! This is mixed use, around town and on road trips. I drive all sorts of vans for work and continue to be very happy every time I sit in mine.

I find tilting the seats forward with the top release handle helps with the swivel on both sides. No complaints at all.
Yes, tilting the seat forward to swivel. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks!
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