(sorry in advance, the text editor does not let me put paragraph breaks in!) I didn't realize it would be so difficult to find some captains chairs for my 148" Transit, but am finding it a challenge - even in Houston, TX. I keep coming across www.shop4seats.com/ when web searching but my phone call to them today was mediocre at best. The sales lady, seemingly quite knowledgeable at first, didn't seem to understand that Transits are a competing product of the Sprinter. They have a whole dedicated line of seats that work with Sprinters which have integrated seatbelts, but for non-Sprinters (i.e. "Econo-lines") we would be limited on selections because non-Sprinters do not have the ability to reinforce the seat (plates on the bottom). Even though I said that we are looking for seats for the Transit, at the end of our conversation she asked "what is the make/model and year of your van?". We want to put 4 of the best (comfort, durability, safety, and just plain awesome) captains chairs in the rear of our Transit followed by a bench/sofa/bed seat in the back. Does anyone out there know of any places (preferably in Houston/Texas but could go further out)? Thanks!
I'd like some Captains Chairs in my Trainsit but...
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I was in the same boat. I Wanted two more captains chairs for second row seating that swiveled and were on a quick release. I looked around quite a bit, but ended up going with my local shop, Van Specialties (a very long way from Texas, unfortunately). It was expensive, but I need them sooner than later. Were I to do it again, I'd look at adapting some Toyota Sienna integrated belt rear seats. There is a guy who makes adapters :MG Metalworks - Universal mount for Sienna reclining bucket seats
and the seats pop up on Ebay quite often. I think the quality would be higher.
The seats I got are just ok. They are not oozing OEM quality, more like motor home furniture, but are reasonably comfortable and get the job done.
The other thing to watch out for is installation. People are used to installing these in Sprinters with a wooden floor, which is flat. I had them installed over my stock rubber floor mat and had to have it redone because the installer (new young guy) didn't realize they wouldn't sit flat with the floor corrugations.
The good news is there is enough room to mount the seats without dropping the gas tank, so it would be a pretty easy DIY project with some careful measuring. I've done it before myself.
Some of the aftermarket seat companies don't want to sell to individuals due to liability, so that's another thing that can make them hard to source.
Good hunting.
Try: Office Seats Online Custom Van Seats Online Custom Truck Seats Recreation Vehicle Seats RV Furniture from Superior Seats
They make/supply to some conversion van companys. I've installed their seats in the past.
Epps
They make/supply to some conversion van companys. I've installed their seats in the past.
Epps
These guys are out of Austin Texas, may help
Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - Seats & Beds
Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - Seats & Beds
JP4
Thanks for the photo. That is exactly the same type of pedestal I was looking for. That is what I have installed on my 1998 Van. The difference is that the bracket, in mine, is mounted lower in the floor and is pretty much level. I contacted Van Specialties several months ago and was quoted about Grand each. That would suit my needs and looks good, just a little pricey. I'm hoping with more Transits being built (hopefully) there will be more people willing to do something like you have. Long drive from Colorado and everyone keeps telling me about the liability thing being the problem. I need something removable.
Thanks for the photo. That is exactly the same type of pedestal I was looking for. That is what I have installed on my 1998 Van. The difference is that the bracket, in mine, is mounted lower in the floor and is pretty much level. I contacted Van Specialties several months ago and was quoted about Grand each. That would suit my needs and looks good, just a little pricey. I'm hoping with more Transits being built (hopefully) there will be more people willing to do something like you have. Long drive from Colorado and everyone keeps telling me about the liability thing being the problem. I need something removable.
These are bolted to a universal swivel, quick release bracket, same one as I had on a Flexsteel seat in my old van years ago. They do make the seat a little higher (my 10 year old daughter can't reach the floor), but not uncomfortably so.
Also, they can swivel around backwards without any excessive seat adjustment, which is nice.
They price adds up fast if you figure a grand each for the seats, brackets at about $350, and then installation. The Sienna seats are a much more economical way to go if you can find some.
JP
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mhnatt
Since you are in Houston, you might make a trip up north to Austin and go see Sportsmobile Custom vans. They have captain chairs as well as other additions like couches, sofas, beds, and other built-ins.
Website is Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - Your Home Away From Home. Give credit to Shawn (ilovehotshot) on this forum as she is going to this place sometime in the next week.
Since you are in Houston, you might make a trip up north to Austin and go see Sportsmobile Custom vans. They have captain chairs as well as other additions like couches, sofas, beds, and other built-ins.
Website is Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - Your Home Away From Home. Give credit to Shawn (ilovehotshot) on this forum as she is going to this place sometime in the next week.
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371 Posts
Someone might be interested in these seats.
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/pts/5433844344.html
Toyota Sienna Middle seats for sale.
http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/pts/5433844344.html
Toyota Sienna Middle seats for sale.
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371 Posts
Good catch klp. I will keep my eyes open for some that will work.
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