Quote:
Originally Posted by thescottgivens
Hi Ray,
I think I asked previously, I have a 1996 van. On your site it says the swivel seats will not work. Is there some fabrication that I can do or remounting that can be done to install them? I was thinking of ordering scheel Mann seats and just wanted a swiveling passenger seat base…
Thanks!
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Thxs for the question.
Note: The swivel bases were designed and crash tested gif 1997 and newer vans. Any install in other than that platform will be outside of the design and testing parameters.
So, here is what you are facing: a 1996 and prior used a very different seat AND seat belt latch system. You will have to work around this wether you go stock or the really nice Scheel Mann seats and adapter plates
First - the bolt pattern of the seat pedestal (stock seat mounts to this) to floor is different than 1997 and up. For 1996 van retrofit one would have to find the exact locations of a 1997 seat mount relative to the B Pillar and transfer those holes to the 1996 van floor. This will register the swivel base mounting location
exactly where it needs to be to be able to swivel and clear the door armrest and engine hatch/doghouse. The new mounting holes in the floor would have to be strongly reinforced for safety /crash loads.
Second - the 1996 van seat belt latch is mounted to the floor in board of the seat. The 1997 seat belt latch is mounted to the seat. Very different how load is being handled. Also, the pyro seat belt cinching system is incorporated into the 1997 seat belt latch unit. The SM seats utilize the stock 1997&up seat belt retractors. These will have to be adapted to the 1996. This will likely require adapting the B pillar mounted belt retractor. Why? Because the latch / retractor fittings /mechanisms are not the same from year to year from 1997 on. So, if getting the seat belt units at a yard it would be best to get that all as a complete unit.
I have no idea how the seat belt / crash retraction system works on a 1996 or if even has this feature.. This would have to be worked out in the seat swap.
Essentially, acquiring a 1997+ set of seats w seat belt latch, pedestals and B Pillar matching seat belt retractors would give you a jump on the swap. Getting the 1997+ floor mounting hole locations (passenger and driver are different) would give you the proper location.
If going directly to the SM seats then there might be a slightly different path, I would have to think about that more.
PM me your ph number or email me via BlingMyRig.com contact page and we can discuss further. If you are up for the swap and effort involved I am happy to help with advice.