Double Swivel Seat - Mercedes Sprinter Van
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- Опубликовано: 1 июн 2018
- Mercedes Sprinter Van Conversion - How to fit a double swivel seat base for the front passenger seats.
The idea came from a van called Angel that we hired from Quirky Campers. You can watch our van tour video here:-
• Camp Quirky 2018 - Van...
The swivel base we purchased from TrimJim on this website link
www.vwinterior.co.uk/-VW-CRAF...
The unit will not come with fitting instructions but you now have this video to watch and it is very simple to do yourself.
Thank you for watching. #gregvirgoe #vanlife #tinyhome 
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That looks super easy to fit and using the sliding bolt to protect the sensor cable is indeed, as someone mentioned earlier, a super idea. We didnt realise that you could still have full access to the storge below. Thats where our batteries etc are located. This video shows that we can and its also very easy to follow. Another great tutorial!
I know someone who wants one of these now! 🤔
Fiona Jayne, the hinges make access to that area really easy and safe, no fear of the seat falling off just need someone or something behind it to rest it on when open. We are planning to make use of that extra space to store some non essential items.
Greg Virgoe, yes like the leisure batteries
Fiona Jayne, cut and extend the cable rather that taking off the yellow plastic plug. In order to tip the seat right back you need some extra length.
Yeah I expect that we might go for this in the future!
Brilliant ! Got a link for where I can purchase said item ?
Really well done. Perfect solution! Thank you :) You get seats for two people for the living space without loosing the two seats in the front.
You are brilliant.
Michael
Another fantastic video and a great space saving idea to add 3/4 feet is amazing,
Thank you Greg. First time i see something like that.
As always,,, great information. I like how you reattached the wires,,, Best Regards
Amazingly clear and well thought out presentation of this swivel system. It will no doubt give many folks the confidence to do this part of a build. Attention to detail as always Greg. R & T
Great video , I only recently found out these existed and it seems an excellent use of space.
thanks Greg
The good news: Another outstanding video that was totally worth the wait + extra points for the bolt tip.
The bad news: Now I don't think I can live without one of those for my van.
Great job as always. Thanks so much Greg!
I’m shocked how well that worked on a double seat great design !
That’s a very clever piece of equipment. Those rear hinges that still allow access to the inside of the seat base are perfect. Thanks!
Hi Greg,that's a brilliant bit of kit,so much more space, great stuff,
Very clever to drill the bolt. I've watched a few of your videos, and you're a pretty smart fella.
Exceptional! Thanks for sharing.
Never been so happy to see this done. The hole drill trough the nut, bloody genius and the heads up on no radio while the air bag system is disconnected, cheers.
As usual, Greg, a very informative and helpful video. Well done.
....bloody beautiful, great explanation, keep those videos flowing, cheers from Sydney, Australia....
Really nice to know you guys appreciate the content. Thank you very much
We were removing our seat today and I remembered something about the (seatbelt) wire so I came back to verify! Thank you for always being so informative!
I'm really enjoying these series of videos. Greg makes all the other van conversions look like real 'bodge jobs'. The work he carries out is so professional and exacting it puts all the other similar projects done by others to shame! I'm sure once finished it'll be of the finest quality and will give years of brilliant service. Keep those videos coming please :-)
Hi Chris, it’s not my intention to do that. I just was trying to show that you can get a production look for this vehicle from a DIY person.
I do love the reclaimed timber and quirky look of a lot of self build vans. Love it that no two are the same. The little details give it its individuality. It’s all about having a go and the pride in knowing you built it.
Thanks so much from Spain!!
Thanks for putting this up, didn't know it existed. I was just about to remove my Bench to make room for a Captain and Swivel, but this would be much better IMO and allow me to keep access to the Double Cubby Storage, where I run wiring and electronics.
Simply and brilliant .
Thank you Mario
Great addition to the van. That’s a must have feature. Love it‼️👍👍. Vinny 🇺🇸
Thanks for the video again! 👍👍👍👍
Amazing video series. I just hope and dream I can make something like this when I get back home.
Thanks for the uploads Greg, just incredible work :)
2 glamorous assistants!
great addition that Greg nice one
Great works.
😁🍰🍰😁🍷🍷☕️☕️🚐☀️🌎🍦🍦🍺🍺
Ima do this in my sprinter van and u r a game changer
Excellent video ,you make it look easy,well done
Fantastic!
You are a true inventor, such a joy to watch your videos! Subscribed. That seat really opens up the space.
Lass-in Angeles it’s totally changed our living space and has given us so many more options. We love it. Thank you for lovely comment too 😊
What an utterly amazing idea! So many pluses. Preserves van creds for stealth purposes. No need to buy new seats. Simply brilliant! Thanks for sharing. This will come in incredibly useful. Thank you, sir. 👍
Sam Haslam it is surprising how much extra room it gives us in the living area. We can comfortably hosts 4 adults with plenty of space. 😊
@@GregVirgoe I can imagine it has made the space much more versatile. I love it and it's the perfect solution for my van conversion project, that I'm just embarking on. It's ideal!
I may tap you up for a contact regarding purchasing the swivel unit, once I'm at that stage, if you don't mind please? 👍
Sam Haslam all the links you need are in the video description 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoe thanks Greg, I hadn't spotted that! Can't wait to get the swivel seats installed. Thanks once again. 👍
Just love you always modify things 😂😂👍 bloody genius love it, another great video thanks Greg 👍😉
Well done great job Greg👍👍👍love that swivel seat have done ,have watching few of ur video clip nice explanation on every part 👏👏👏👏.
Most of the sprinter campervan conversion u r the best on RUclips
Best regards from Malaysian
I think you made a good decision Greg. With the bikes in the back I was concerned that the living area was going to be very claustrophobic. You've gone a long way to reducing that enclosed feeling by having that double swivel seat and opening the living space up. Love ya work as always. ✌️
Genius. absolute genius.
Great idea 👍
Excellent! The only thing I was wondering about was if the base plate of the swivel could been lightened with some cutouts. No matter what, it looks like it is very sturdy and very good quality. Thanks for sharing.
Some white lithium grease on the seat hinges and a couple of nylon washers on that swivel bolt, and done! (The inevitable rattle from the necessarily loose fit of the bolt would drive me to distraction!)
BRILLIANT work, as always Greg! Especially drilling out the bolt. Perhaps the manufacturer will catch a clue from your excellent job.
Great idea
That looks great I fancy something like this for our Relay.
Thanks for sharing Greg 🏴👍🏻
It makes such a huge difference to space inside. 👍🏼😃
brilliant design that dbl swivel seat
Absolutely changed our van and given us so much more room 😃
That was such a simple, brilliant idea to drill the bolt! I hope the manufacturer will watch the video. There would be an other solution too, to completely disconnect the plug and fit a resistor to fool the sensor, so it won't trigger the SRS light. Pros: you can forget about the wiring, cons: in case of an accident the passenger airbag activates even if there is no one sitting on the seat. Great video as always! Thanks!
Hi thanks for this - it does open up the van. I wonder if that could be used as part of an additional bed perhaps using the table top and a couple of much shorter table legs....
Amazing!! 😳👍👍👍
Hi Greg. Loving all your videos. I have just bought a LWB Sprinter in order to convert with a large enough garage for my mobility scooter. I have converted a few Mercs in my time and travelled all over Europe in them. I'm looking forward to my new build and thank you for all the info and links that you share. Just ordered a TrimJim double swivel for my van (now for only £350 and M1 tested) which now comes complete with a drilled screw of your design. The extra height will be just perfect for my knees lol. Well done mate and thank you
It's funny how things go, the drilled bolt and the curtain rail jig, now both been supplied by the manufacturer. :D
Hi Greg, a great addition to the van. 👍
Thank you, we really love it.
Top class as always Greg
Echlin Wright thank you 😊
Now that is brilliant, a well thought out piece of kit and what an ingenious idea with the cable....you should patent that mate 👍🏼
Everything is coming together really well and I’m stoked for you all.....European tour here we come!!!……👍🏼😊😉
Thank you Marc for your continued support and great feedback. Things are moving along much quicker now we have some decent weather. 😀
Greg Virgoe hey, don’t speak to soon, this is Britain!! LOL
It’s been a pleasure watching this to fruition and slightly envious in the process 😉😊👍🏼
You always manage to teach me something new Greg. Wish I'd seen this video b4 i sold my bench seat lol
Ah that's a real shame, everyone that seen it has said what a good idea it is. Sorry, it wasn't sooner :D
Hi mate you are a life saver
This looks very easy. Thanks for the video. We will check out more of your vids. :)
Hope you find them to be useful 👍🏼😊
Great videos you make. I would recommend they make big holes in the plates for easy access to under side compartment. We doing our own van and love your videos. Keep it rocking!
AheadTv the two plates are hinged so you simply remove 4 of the 6 bolts and lay the seat backwards to access the storage space.
I was wondering if I could fit this myself and am happy to know I can after watching your video, so well presented and clear. I believe you can now buy the bases with a hole drilled for the sensor cable to go through too.
Yes you can 🤩👍🏼
Excellent video!!
Thank you :D
Great Job
Nice mod Greg, worth remembering that the yellow sensor connectors have notoriously unreliable contacts, often producing 'Air bag error' messages when 'bum on seat' is detected. I usually dispense with them and solder the wires.
I can see you going back in there and putting anti rattle fibre washers either side of the drilled out centre bolt, once you've gone over the first speed bump.
I'll keep you posted on that one :D
Excellent video, I am getting lots of wonderfull ideas from your channel before starting my build.
Thats great :D what are you planning to build yourself?
Great video Greg as always really good to see the progress you’re making keep up the good work fella. 👍🏻
Thank you Dave, enjoyed your last two bowl videos, we're using zebrano for our van furniture :D
Greg Virgoe can’t wait to see that mate it’s a lovely wood.
Thank you
The swivel base manufactures should copy your idea for the wire , that`s brilliant.
I’m sending them a link to my install video so watch this space 😀👍🏼 I’ll see what they say.
absolutely
We've ordered one and - fantastically - they have indeed made that a hollow bolt!
Awesome.
Yet another excellent video, informative, and easy to follow, what an amazing product, I need one of these, but being in Finland, need to see how much shipping will be, thats if they will even ship here, fingers crossed.
Another great video.
If I would add anything it would be a couple of teflon/nylon washers between the large steel washers on the centre pivot bolt to reduce friction and loss of paint which will eventually corrode, also periodically wipe some silicon spray in the groove.
I would also leave 6 small high powered magnets under the seat to hold the 6 hold down bolts in place so I never after look at them stored on the dashboard between swivels.
Just my two penn’th. :)
Some really sound ideas there, thank you for sharing. The nylon washers is a good shout. I have some silicone spray which use on my jointer although I will say it slides really super easily.
Maybe having the knobs on the dash I won’t forget to refit them before driving off? 😊
More than just teflon washers, it could be a layer of teflon or even some kind of acrilic, I live in Buenos Aires and here we have a street (Uruguay) in downtown Buenos AIres where you can find acrilic sheets, I'm pretty sure that some kind of material can be found there. In fact I will make by myself a swivel base for my Renault Master for both, driver and double passenger seat.
That is a very good instructional video (as usual) and good catch on the sensor wire with a great solution. Would be interested if the manufacturer feeds back to you after reviewing this video. For sure you will have increased their sales! However - I know of a chap who could design a better solution 😉👍
Hi Norman, I have emailed them a link to my video so it’ll be interesting to read their reply. I may pin an update to this comment thread if it’s interesting enough. Cheers
Hi Greg, Great vid again, I so wish I had double passenger seats in my Van rather than the captains chairs. Would suit my needs so much better. May be next time ? cheers
Hiya Greg awesome video once again. And I see your sporting the dewalt ( boooooo) haha . Milwaukee man myself. This video is what if been looking for . Only one thing on a negative is the coat for a swivel base that has not been crash rated. I personally think it's a tad steep for what it is. I am still gonna purchase one as it's the best I've seen so far but it is expensive. But your video had 100% from me.
Hope they have this swivel plate for the ProMaster !
I've been looking for a used ProMaster, each time I see that double seat I cross that Van of the list.
Now I can consider those vans too . . . if this plate is available for the ProMaster.
nice job,
Thanks Ray
nice T-shirt!
Really great work, save some money as well by not buying a new seat, hope they used your idea for the middle plug as it will be hard for me to do this hole.....
Some Nylon washer on the Piviot bolt might stop it from rattling (if it does rattle), maybe the cable will stop it from rattling anyway. Also maybe use 4 or 6 rivnuts in a handy location to store the 'hold down bolts' when they are not in use. You know its a good reason to use your powerful rivnut tool. Live the Swivelly Dream!
One thing I noticed the sensor cable seems to be a little bit short so you can't fully tilt the seat backwards otherwise you'd break the cable. Maybe there's a possibility to run it diagonally and fix it to the underside of the plate with some stick-on cable holders to gain some length?
Thanks for sharing this! ideal timing for me beginning to plan our van! I need an additional double seat to go in behind the drivers seat. Do you know if this could also be put on a swivel to turn to face the door?
cool!!!
Thanks
@ 14:50 Genius!
Thank you, I purchased a VW LT35 and I think that system would work in Mine.
I’m pretty sure they make a version for your van 🚐👍🏼😊
I like the idea of the swivel seat but I can see those removable bolts disappearing into the fourth dimension. Shame there isn't a fixed lever that can be used instead to lock the plate at certain positions. Great idea with the hollow bolt for the seat belt sensor cabling!
We always place the wheel knobs in the passenger side storage tray on the dashboard, that way we always know where they are to put them back. 👍🏼
I'm guessing that drilling the center out of the safety bolt in order to run the sensor wires doesn't weaken it enough to possibly fail. Great idea and spot on information!
Hi Ken, it was an M12 bolt and I drilled a 6mm hole through it.
It's still super strong and is never under any kind of load as not tightened.
I can only imagine it is there to stop you dropping the seat if you are silly enough to let it slide too far.
Agree with the other commenters about your drilled out bolt. I initially thought your plate would stop you having access to the storage. Excellent design!
Swivel options for the Ducato are rubbish, frankly. The centre headrest has to come out before swivelling, and it looks like a wrestle to turn it around.
Hi Mevi, hope everything is good with your van now.
Only thing I may do is lengthen the sensor cable to give me more slack when hinging the seat backwards. Best wishes
Yeah, the van has behaved itself. In fact, the extra miles covered have improved the way it starts and drives.
Just me in the van, I'm not so concerned about the space, just the otherwise wasted seating up front.
Perfekt
Great Video! Like you said in the video it opens up so much more living space that would be un-used when not driving. I have to ask if you are contemplating putting a swivel on the drivers seat? Depending on your design you could fit six for dinner.
Jeff Steinmetz we didn’t plan to fit a drivers one as we have bench seat right behind the driver and there would be no leg room for that person in our layout.
Perhaps some people fitting this just connect the wires together permanently so the seat-belt will always read as connected. This would be fine in my book as, if the air bag ( bags) employ without passengers it still offers more protection for the driver especially from side impact .
It would have been interesting if quirky campers ran into this issue and what they did as a work around.
Your idea is better in the long run though for keeping things as close to the standard operation of that particular feature.
I find both my captains seats ( chairs ) brilliant and can not believe how many conversions leave them out.
Another great video Greg, I'm slowly catching up. It's reading the comments that slow me down lol.
Well done for powering through, there are quite a few videos now 😊 Do you have details of your own van?
@@GregVirgoe It's a Talbot express 1000d fitted out by autohomes rather that autosleeper but to some extent similar.
It's had some modifications done, suspension helpers ( two coil springs added both sides between the leaf springs).
Modified gear selector, Eberspacher diesel heater and power steering plus refit inside to modernise.
It's not big but having the front seats swivel gives it a nice roomy feel inside and I can carry three passengers all legally belted.
Inside it's 12.5' long and 5.5' wide.
It's my daily driver as well so it's a good compromise between both and to be honest, I was thinking of doing a conversion when I came across this for a price that was way lower than buying a van and converting to a similar spec so that was that lol.
I love watching van builds though as I like to learn and as I'm fitting 200 watts of solar for example and your video on the subject was very helpful reinforcing what I'd learnt.
I couldn't resist earlier and went to take a peak at your finished van, the MOT one but glad you hadn't shown it off and I know people can't wait to get the full tour ha ha.
Keep em waiting until I catch up in a day or two lol,
Cheers for taking the time Greg to make these videos and I'm glad you and your partner will get to really enjoy all the hard work you both put into it! You both deserve it and yes your right about enjoying life now rather than waiting until we're too old, I'm fifty two so I understand only too well.
pa maj, thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely comment. You van sounds like a nice classic camper, but like my parents who had a Bedford CF Autosleeper. Keeping them running can be a challenge and good that you have done a few upgrades to yours to make it a better driver. I'm really looking forward to getting away in the van and just using it now 😃 Thank you for all your support 👍🏼
@@GregVirgoe I know what your saying Greg about Keeping them running. It can be a challenge, that's so true as parts get scarce. The little van travelled around Ireland last year clocking around 1500 miles with no bother but I'd never dream of pushing it around Europe lol, Your van is the perfect choice for that.
You're very welcome Greg, you deserve good comments and support for enriching RUclips with content that will help so many in the future including myself. Now, to watch a few more :)
Thanks for the video! I was searching for this for quite a while. Does somebody know about the legal conditions in Germany of instaling this?
Good one. I guess you checked but didn't mention that the cable is long enough for all the seat movement.
Nice one Greg, think you should get a substancial discount for that mod.
Greg, you are the man! I am your age and I would love to do the same thing, travel, travel (waiting for kids to finish college). Still trying to convince my wife. I have had the double swivel seat idea in my head for a long time and always wondered why no one has built one. I am glad you put it out for everyone to see. It's going to be all the rage just you watch!! Do you know if the double passenger seat is a UK thing? I don't see that option in the States. Also. could you spin the third driver seat if the floor plan allowed? Can it be done on a Dodge Promaster? Keep up the good work and congratulations on your early retirement! I am jealous :) If you are ever in Southern California stop by.
I absolutely love how thoughtful you are with your project! I wanna build a van with you you absolute madlad!
Hi Greg,
Great video as usual. Does getting rid of the bulkhead behind the seats alter your thermal efficiency and/or change your heating requirements and calculations? Best of luck with the tour!
Hi Greg, thanks for your great videos, I learn so much from them. I am converting a 2019 sprinter, do you know whether this base will fit the 2019 model? thanks.
Hi Greg great Video I fitted my seat belt to the seat base same as you , I have recently been told that doing it this way invalidates the crash test approval I would like to hear your thoughts on this
Oh wow this is incredible. I was exactly looking for a product like this. I only need to figure out of they ship internationally
Hi Tobi, the only downside would be the shipping cost as it is a weighty item. 23kgs
There is another guy on RUclips that has published dimensions if you know a local fabricator? Maybe cheaper option for you?
Greg Virgoe Greg Virgoe you are right. I also doubt that this swivel mount fits my sprinter as we are driving on the other side of the road. Do know if the guy on RUclips put the dimensions online for UK sprinters or EU?
genius sensor wire location!
Thank you, it works really well.
I like the idea that it is easy to reverse back. The extra height on the other hand is a negative. These double seats have no adjustments so for a tall person it will be cramped. However drilling a set of extra holes say 10cm back would remedy most of that problem. My final thought is, is this street legal?
Great modification for your build, Greg! I'm curious about the six bolts -- are there so many just to act as a safety feature? I wonder if you could get by with just 2-4 of them to help lessen the manual activity at each change-up.
Yeah, two should do. Let us know how you get on after your next bump. :O
Good solution. I do wonder though why they've not cut access holes through in the large plates to make for easy access (without needing that hinge).
I think I prefer the plate it’s more secure
@@GregVirgoe you mean for storing valuables in?
or you think a full plate is more stable when in use?
I've got a a daihatsu hijet and the front seats are hinged at the back as you access the engine under the seats. I'm currently designing a camper conversion and thinking a similar hinge on the bench seat could work. Have that in a slider and you could just undo a clip, tip the bench seat backwards and then slide it back towards the dashboard. It means you would be sitting on the back rest, and might mean the head rests can either go or be removed. But with a throw and cushions this to me seems like a lighter and simpler and more practical solution. Easier said than done but agree keeping the bench is nicer than two car seats. Also sitting in a car seat 'at home' seems really grim so any adaptations that in-car the seats seems worth a go
*un-car
Nicely done.
Just wondered if you know anything about the driver's side? All models I have found state they WON'T work if the van has double passenger seats.
Thanks