Futon in the rear?

[pengyou]

My Astro only has the middle bench seat, and not a rear seat. I want to be able to take 8 people around so was looking into picking up the rear seat. In the process I noticed that a lot of van conversions have a rear seat that will seat 3 people but will also fold down into a bed.

I have not seen one of these in an Astro but I have seen a number of Ford Econolines with them. There are some seats for sale on craigslist.

Has anyone installed one of these in their vans? I would appreciate any feedback.

[ihatemybike]

Conversion Astro/Safaris had those seats. Last time I was at the local yards I saw two vans with them. Shouldn't be too hard to find. They bolt to the floor though, instead of the Astro's quick release system.

[MountainManJoe]

What exactly do you mean by "Conversion Astro"?

[ihatemybike]

Conversion vans are usually cargo vans upfitted with custom interiors by third parties to be sold new at dealerships. Most of these vans have third rows that fold down into small beds. They also usually have plusher interiors, more interior lighting, wood trim, "luxury stuff". Quite often, they'll have raised roofs that house a small TV too.

[midnighthunder89]

conversion astros have a different interior with bigger seats, sometimes will swivel. could also have a high top and alot of times the windows are also different. Companies would take a stock astro and change all these things for more luxury.http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/911815229.html here is an example of one.

[dunedog]

Even if you find a conversion seat that folds down,.....they really aren't big enough for an adult.
Someone the size of Peter or children and it would be fine.

[Rileysowner]

Even if you find a conversion seat that folds down,.....they really aren't big enough for an adult.
Someone the size of Peter or children and it would be fine.

It might be a little tight for children, but Peter would fit just fine.

[pengyou]

Thanks!

[afsigma21]

Hey, that is mine listed above!

Mine is an Explorer Conversion. The rear seat is power and folds flat, it is a nice feature.

[pengyou]

Ideally...i would like to buy a folding bed/seat from a full size van - they are almost 6' when folded down. I folded my middle seat down and tilted it forward and found that I had just about 6' from the rear doors to the folded/tilted up seat. when I am sleeping on the bed I will not need the seat, and vice versa.

What do you think?

[LiftedAWDAstro]

That sounds like a great project. You'll have to scour the junk yards to find the bed/seat you like and then you'll have to mount it to your van floor with custom mounts. Just be sure to post up lots of pics...we love pics!