Putting 74 Westy full width seat into 77 bus?

[jereandjess]

Anyone done this?

We have #3 on the way, so next summer we need to figure out how to get all 5 of us in the 77.

I have a full width Westy seat from a 74 bus that I am thinking I could put in, if I take the refridgerator unit out.

Any hints or suggestions to pass along?

My main concern is how to attach the bench seat on the drivers side.  Do you take out the firewall and drill a hole and put a bolt through the seat bracket and just reach in with a nut to bolt it in?

Any help and/or suggestions appreciated.

[Vanagonjr]

I'm more familiar with Vanagons, but I have the Westfalia Weekender, which has a full width seat, a fold-up table that is attached to the wall and a rear facing seat behind the driver.  This seat is mounted on a "box" base - the bottom cushion flips up to reveal great storage.  I believe similar is available for the Bus.  

Our van seats 6 this way.  I like this interior a lot.  With innovation, you could perhaps make a berth that would span the rear facing seat to the rear seat, giving you 2 up, 2 down, and one along the side!  Of course a child cot may be the way to go for a few years.   Just a thought.

John

[St.Bus]

im pretty sure that the way a 74 bolts in is exactly like the later models, since i went from a full width westy seat ( blue plaid) to a 3/4 seat and there was not any problems with the attachment.
but i am also remembering from 3-4 years ago as well..JOE

[MrLiMBO]

I put a 74 full length camper seat (same blue plaid) into my 70 bus a long time ago.   Fit like a glove.  I seem to recall that VW didn't change the nuts in the floor for the hold downs so I was able to bolt it right in.  The only drilling a needed to do was for the Z-bed brackets that mount on top of the engine compartment. Had just about a queen sized bed in there after that.  It was nice.  

It should fit in there no problem.

[jereandjess]

The only drilling a needed to do was for the Z-bed brackets that mount on top of the engine compartment. .

Hi Jim, that's what I am thinking, but have one question about doing this.    Did you drill the holes and then take the firewall off and put the bolts down through and then reach in and attach the nuts from below with a good sized washer or 2?

That's what I am picturing......

[MrLiMBO]

I drilled small holes and used sheet metal screws like Westfalia did.