help with moto van seats

So I got this '97 ex-conversion Express. v6, regular length.

Gutted the interior (it was already mostly gone), only driver/pass seats left.

These things are from the conversion co ("Gladiator" heh). Comfy as all get out but they STINK and they're old and I absolutely want to get rid of the buggers before I proceed with building up the interior.

But I have no idea what to look for as far as replacement seats go.

Biggest question is what is my liability story if I change the seats. Same question for the rear seat. I can live with ignoring that subject but would like to know what are the rules of the game.

Next is the tech stuff. How hard/easy is it to make brackets if I set out to put say BMW X5 seats there? Or, put it in different way, what to look for if I go pick up seats on CL or junkyard as far as mounting brackets?

TIA!

 

Just go find some seats out of a wrecked conversion van that aren't all nasty. You've got to be quick though - they go fast. I've been casually looking for a couple of years and have yet to see a decent seat that doesn't get swiped in a few days.

 

Do I need to find the exact same conversion or they're generally the same? Since it's a 97 I doubt I'll be able to find something good soon. Stock seats were same until 2002 but don't know if that's even relevant.

 

Why don't you take the ones you have to an upholsterer and have them redone the way you want it?

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-new-GRAY-...otrod-rv-/140904956363?_trksid=p2054897.l4275


http://www.rvandvansurplus.com/seating_van.asp?Vehicletype=Van

 

Aye, these things look exactly like the ones in the van! And are about the same price as the van as well

 

They should be similar. Seat brackets are one of those things that don't change a lot. Probably any van seat for a GM full size van will fit across several years. You may want to check on an RV/Conversion van site to confirm.

 

see the second link i added?

 

I have bench seats in great shape with brackets that are beige. In Ohio...

 

Ah got it, thank you. I'll ask the seller what's up. Looks to me these are stock seats that they take out for conversions.

 

Thanks! Bench seats I got covered though, plenty to choose from locally. Front seats seem a bigger challenge.

 

Hm that appeals to me 'cause I'd rather not produce waste. Thanks, will investigate that option. There are a couple of places around that might be able to help.

 

So if it just stinks, before you spend any money on them, spray them good with Lysol unscented room deodorant, or Febreze. Yknow, like you do in your helmet and leathers when you don't have time to clean them. It's free and worth a try, can't hurt.

 

I've taken car seats to a car wash place and they detailed up nice for me. It was like $40 for the pair.

I've also bought seats from the RV and Van surplus place. They are not take outs but new seats.

 

Got a response from the eBay dude. What he got is stock Honda seats and there's no bracket that just bolts to the floor with them, have to either make one or use u-bolts.


I'll try to soak the buggers up in soapy water and hose down a few times to see if that takes the stink away.

 

The conversion van seat covers should be put on with hog rings. Unhook them with pliers and throw them in the washer. Hang dry and you are set..

 

You can just cut the hog rings and buy new ones at ace. If you go down that route I would order a decent set of hog ring pliers from grainger.

 

Hog rings? I had to look that up. Will try when I get back home, thanks a lot! Seats are cloth not leather so should was Ok.

I'm glad I asked!

 

We have a buy here, pay here lot and many of the vehicles come in smelling of cheap cologne and cigarettes. We have always thrown them in the washing machine with great results.

Use a regular household detergent, but not fabric softener. You may even run them through through twice if they are still smelly.
Cold water and DO NOT PUT THEM IN THE DRYER!. They will shrink and you won't get them back on. Best to lay them on a flat surface and air dry.

And yes. +1000 on the hog ring pliers. So much easier.

 

Yep. The bottom cushion is cake to do. The back rest is a little more challenging but no biggie. I have a bunch of sets of hog ring pliers so if you're local PM me I'll give you a set. I may even have hog rings.


I did leather seating for dealerships for a while so I still have most of the tools for it.