Date:         Fri, 11 Nov 2005 13:54:17 EST
Reply-To:     Oxroad@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Oxroad <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: re. BMW seats in Vanagon?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 11/11/2005 6:31:14 AM Pacific Standard Time,
joefederici@EARTHLINK.NET writes:

>>>2 Saab/Volvo junk


On this subject, wasn't there a subaru powered Syncro on theSamba for  sale a
few weeks back that had a Volvo seat for the driver? Was the owner of  that
rig a listee? How tough was the Volvo install?

Seems to me the thick back of the Volvo seat might make adjustment  difficult
in a full Westy as it bumps up against the kitchen (?)  But then,  I dunno.

Someone also had a website with Subaru Forester seats up front which looked
pretty good aesthetically. But of course I can't remember where, and don;t
know how they "worked" as far as height and thickness.

I think what we've decided is the three issues with seat upgrades  are:

1. The ability to mount. Seems an original flat mounting makes the install
in the Vanagon easier. (Of course you could make almost any mount work with
some  time and ingenuity, but #2 could become an issue.)

2. Seat cushion height. Obviously too high creates headroom issues, eye  line
to the gauge issues, and I'm guessing steering wheel issues.

3. Seat back thickness. I suppose on a passenger Vanagon this isn't so much
of an issue. But with the kitchen right up behind the driver on the Westfalia,
 the driver's seat can't afford to be too thick.

It should be great for listees who have successful seat conversions to  chime
in.  Volvo? Saab? Subaru? Bentley?

I will agree the Volvo seats are darn comfortable. Can't speak to Saabs
because I've never owned one. I can speak to Westfalia Vanagons though. Them
striped fabric seats aren't all that thoughtful when it comes to comfort.

Best,
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA