Date:         Wed, 29 Jun 2011 07:44:53 -0500
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: the 5th seat
Comments: To: pickle vanagon <greenvanagon@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BANLkTims0kuA_FhnQP2QEk3mXSmE2XmwDA@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

---- pickle vanagon <greenvanagon@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Regarding adding a 5th seat to a westy...
>
> supposedly these 5th seats really exist.  Gary even has a photo of one on
> his website, just to prove that they do:
> http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/5thseat/5thseat.htm
>
> Notice how it folds up.  Neat!
>
> Some questions:
> 1) Occasionally 5th seats pop up on the samba for large amounts of money.
> But these appear to have a storage compartment, and it seems like they may
> not flip up.  What's up with the ones that flip up?  Are they really
> different from the ones with the storage compartment?  Are they even rarer?
>

The standard jump seat is the one that flips up.  I am not familiar with one that has a storage compartment.  If you are patient, a standard jump seat can be had for a hundred dollars or so.  These came stock in certain van configurations.  I would consider any installation of a seat other than the standard jump seat in that position to be of questionable safety.  The jump seat bracket and floor sockets can be properly welded in and the seat is made to fit them, complete with lab belt.  A shoulder belt can be added.  A seat not made to fit the bracket would not likely be as safe.  Just my thoughts.

mcneely