I would like to give a shout out to Catfish for the photos and tips on this swivel project.
We are new "van people" after buying a used 1994 GMC Vandura in great condition. Immediately tore out the middle and back seats, crappy curtains, etc. and went to work. After many youtube videos we have the convertible bed/couch, galley with stove and sink, folding shelf for barn doors, and more. The only thing missing was the passenger swivel seat.
Thank goodness for Google coming up with this thread that included PICS from Catfish with detail. Bonus: I reached out to him via this forum with a pm and he responded with some great additional clarifications and help with a few questions I had. Even offered to answer my questions via PHONE if needed. Very classy.
Bottom line: If you have a GMC van with the same kind of base and stock seat, the swivel from Northern Tool and the pics from Catfish will get you where you need to be. We even added the "recline" feature that Catfish recommended to us and it makes a BIG difference when the seat is swiveled around. The seat was raised a small amount, but the "co-pilot" of our van barely noticed. Totally changes the functionality of the space when parked with the seat swiveled 180.
The one online shop that seemed to have a compatible swivel for this project ($200) told me by phone that they were "8-10 weeks out" for shipping. I spent less, did the fabrication myself, and had the job done one day. Ready for summer.
Anyone finding this thread via google looking for info on this project found has found the right place.
Figured I'd ask here instead of starting a new thread, but does anyone know the size of the stock pedestal bolts that go through the floor? I could pull one and go to the hardware store looking for a match but I'd rather just order some.
I don't know the size of the bolts, but I'm going to order the northern tool swivel soon.
I am going to use Express seats I got in the scrap yard today, but I'm happy to share photos when I do it anyhow. I found a thread here, it looks like the northern tool swivel mount up to the express seats pretty easy, so I'm exited about that.
I never knew this is how you had it setup. This seems to be a really good option to get swivel seats with the stock seat risers. I would think it would work on the drivers side too as long the arm rests clear the steering wheel.
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Well, went to take a look at putting in this northern tool sucker today. I basically hit a dead end because of the existing seat supports. These seat supports swapped out into the van by the previous owner, then I put express seats on them. Since a second bolt pattern has already been drilled in the floor, I'm only going to use these supports. Two of the holes on the bottom of swivel plate line up on the seat support knuckles, and two on the top line up with the cushion. So like others, I'll need something fabbed up to mount it. I don't have any equipment to cut, grind, or weld, so I'm going to have a local guy help me out after the motor goes in. The swivel is really nice and beefy though. If I wanted to spend the money, I'd definitely put one on my driver seat. Maybe later.
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