Rear bench seat options?

I'm going to be picking up a 65 from my buddy as soon as it's roadworthy. In the meantime I need to start figuring out my rear seating situation. I've got a 4 year old girl, and in August I will have a newborn girl to add to the mix. I want the van to be a daily driver, which means I need a way to strap them in safely to drop them off at daycare or pick them up as well. I'm looking for a bench seat that I can install that could be removed easily or at least half of it. I want to be able to haul a motorcycle from time to time without a heavy amount of time needed to remove the seats. I figure that someone else along the way has done something similar, so why not ask first and see what might be worth trying. Thanks in advance for info, I'm looking forward to getting this beast on the road.

This is all going to depend on how much up front work you want to do as well. The last bench I installed was the rear seat out of an 87 Dodge 350 Van. I put weld nuts underneath and made sure to use anti-seize on the Grade 8 bolts. This was plenty functional and safe. If I had it to do over and knowing what I know now I would put the time into welding the catch cups used in most removable seats.

The Aerostar had a bench seat option that had fold down child seats (not infant) that seemed very useful for your situation. Might be worth checking out.

As always, Measure thrice, cut and weld once. Also take a look at seatbelt placements before determining your final seat position.

Welcome!!!! to VV

That was quick, and thanks for the welcome! I will start digging through the local junkyards and see if anything fits the bill. The Aerostar idea sounds good, and I'm sure there are plenty around that can be scavenged.

I probably should start another thread for this, but I need to find another windshield as well. Would a local glass shop be able to get them or do I need to have it shipped?

Murdock wrote:https://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/t13991-windshield
https://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/t2330-windshield

I saw those, but wasn't sure what has changed in the last few years since those posts. I'll check with the local glass companies and see what I can get.

To me, the seat situation can be summed up IN ORDER
1. Safety (Always)
2. Comfort and ease in getting in out for the kids (each use)
3. Remove ability (for the occasional MC carry)
4. Ease of installation (do it once, right)
I agree that if your abilities are up to it, go with a modern minivan removable seat. They are designed and engineered for 1, 2 and 3, but harder than just bolting something down as far as 4.

I looked at some newer Chrysler van seats today, and they have some pretty cool features. A little more modern than what I'm looking for, but it was two separate seats with some clever mounts. On top of that there are little wheels to help move them around easily once unlatched. They fold down quickly, and I would probably only have to remove one section if hauling just one bike. They were a co-workers set, so I can't buy them, but at least I can see how they work.

ditdater wrote:https://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/t32659-a-pair-of-decent-bench-seats#144695

Those look great! I will get back with you after this weekend to see if I'm in the market yet. I only would need one though, so are you okay with splitting them?

sorry as nice a pair , ineed to keep em together

ditdater wrote:sorry as nice a pair , ineed to keep em together

I understand. I don't have the room to store a second one, nor the need for both, so I'll have to pass.

The aerostar seats fit like they were made for our vans
I have a set from an Eddie Bauer aerostar that articulate and fold into a bed in mine.

Do the Aerostar seats hook into the holders in the van floor without modification?

No you have to make mounts but if you can fabricate that's not too big of deal
I don't think anything other than original will fit without modification

Think I'd go to a bone yard and find a rear minivan seat and cut out the mounts in the floor and fab them into the floor of your van that way you have the quick release option for easy removal. I'm just thinking who the heck wants to have to unbolt there seat every time you need the full Monty. Spending the time off the hop to get it to work is going to save the time down the road.