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04-27-2017, 09:16 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Posts: 120
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Modifying old bench seat for new bucket seats?
I have a 1997 E 350 with a 3 person bench seat (quick connect). I just picked up a double bucket seat out of newer E 350.
I don't want to drill anymore holes in my floor/bed since it wouldn't have proper backing so I want to use my existing quick connect frame and bolt the bucket seats to it.
Has anyone attempted this?
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04-27-2017, 09:37 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: TN
Posts: 10,245
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I haven't yet but am just about to. I'm planning this same setup with buckets replacing a bench on a Chevy van.
All things are possible with a welder.
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04-27-2017, 09:52 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Posts: 2,554
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I haven't done this but have wanted to do something similar by repurposing the quick release. SMB repurposes the quick release in their transformer setup in the rear as a removable bed. I think if you can build some sort of frame to hold the quick release mechanism to the proper width, then mount the buckets to the frame, you should be good to go.
As 86Scotty said above, welding will be your friend.
__________________
2005 E350 Chateau - V10 - Agile Offroad 4x4
2012 CTS-V Wagon - For the baby...
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04-27-2017, 10:26 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Newberg, OR
Posts: 1,385
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 86Scotty
...All things are possible with a welder and the skills to properly use it
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fixed that for ya.
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04-27-2017, 10:47 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Posts: 120
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mgmetalworks
fixed that for ya.
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That's my issue. Haven't welded since my 8th grade shop class.
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04-27-2017, 12:43 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Posts: 2,554
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I'm sure you can find a shop to weld whatever you come up with. Or hit up Jeremy at Weldtec Designs in El Cajon. He can probably fab up whatever you want. Not sure of his rates, but he builds/sells lifts kits for the Ford and Chevy vans as well as bumpers and other goodies.
__________________
2005 E350 Chateau - V10 - Agile Offroad 4x4
2012 CTS-V Wagon - For the baby...
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04-27-2017, 12:45 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: TN
Posts: 10,245
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Well if you don't do it everyday it may've well have been that long for anyone. Welding is all about practice. It will come back to you quickly enough. If you want it pretty hire it out.
MG, thanks, come on over........and bring your welder.
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04-27-2017, 08:53 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Corvallis, OR
Posts: 5,300
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Did you pick up 2nd row bucket seats? If yes, you just need the bucket seat bases, which are also quick release, and mount them using the same bolts as the bench seat.
__________________
2000 E450 dually V10 wagon
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04-27-2017, 11:51 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Posts: 120
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Quote:
Originally Posted by carringb
Did you pick up 2nd row bucket seats? If yes, you just need the bucket seat bases, which are also quick release, and mount them using the same bolts as the bench seat.
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My van is a 1997. The holes in the floor are a different pattern than the newer bucket seats from newer van.
Upon initial inspection, I may chop chop off the top rails of the base that the bucket seats bolt to and weld them to the old base of the quick release bench seat.
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04-28-2017, 06:45 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Denver, Colorado
Posts: 211
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Talk with red oval, I purchased some factory buckets awhile back and he talked about a simple mod to mount the bench seats to the bucket base plate.
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