So I was checking craigslist the other day and came across a set of astro seats for $45. That's 2 captains chairs and a rear bench all for $45. I emailed the guy and he said to stop by today. I checked them out and almost walked away from them. The reason I didn't is because the captains (what I was originally looking for) are the middle row captains with the seatbelt system that is compatible to my middle row bench. The only problem that I have with them is they aren't real clean. The front of the seats aren't too bad, it's mainly the backs that are in rough shape. So can any one recommend some good vinyl cleaner for the seats? There is also some fabric on the seats that could use some cleaning got any recommendations for that as well?
Now, before I bolt them up, can I just drill the holes through the floor and bolt them up? or is the floor going to require a little more support? Maybe I should have a plate welded underneath the van to give a little more strength?
As a side note, since all I wanted were the captains chairs, I now have a bench seat that I don't need. Free to a good home.. If anyone is interested, I'm in Melbourne, Florida.
Score! Set of seats for $45
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Topic author - I sleep in my van
- Posts: 287
- Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 11:37 pm
- Location: Melbourne, FL
Score! Set of seats for $45
Steve O
94 2WD Astro EXT
179,000 miles and counting
Going from an 8 seater to a 4 seater
94 2WD Astro EXT
179,000 miles and counting
Going from an 8 seater to a 4 seater
Re: Score! Set of seats for $45
Drill through the floor & use big 2" fender washers on both sides (top & bottom ) you may get lucky if you measure right & hit the frame rail on both outer edges , it requires a longer bolt but you know its not going to pull through the floor . the only real problem your going to run into is the seat behind the drivers seat , is directly over the tank . your going toi have to pull the tank to do it correctly . not really a bad job if you've had the tank out recently .
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Topic author - I sleep in my van
- Posts: 287
- Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 11:37 pm
- Location: Melbourne, FL
Re: Score! Set of seats for $45
I found some vinyl cleaner at Autozone last night and cleaned up my seats. They look brand new now! I was very impressed at how well they came clean. Maybe a little later this week, I'll be able to drop the tank and get these mounted.
So, Skippy, no welding needed huh? That's a relief, I'm no welder. I will probably still put a little JB weld on the bolt underneath just to hold the bolts in place should I ever have to take the seats out for cleaning.
It's tempting though, if I'm going to have my tank dropped for this, I may just want to get my gas filler shaved at the same time... yep, I think that's what I'll do...
So, Skippy, no welding needed huh? That's a relief, I'm no welder. I will probably still put a little JB weld on the bolt underneath just to hold the bolts in place should I ever have to take the seats out for cleaning.
It's tempting though, if I'm going to have my tank dropped for this, I may just want to get my gas filler shaved at the same time... yep, I think that's what I'll do...
Steve O
94 2WD Astro EXT
179,000 miles and counting
Going from an 8 seater to a 4 seater
94 2WD Astro EXT
179,000 miles and counting
Going from an 8 seater to a 4 seater
Re: Score! Set of seats for $45
great find! Although, it appears to me that dropping the gas tank, drilling and bolting in the seats will take much less time than shaving the gas fill. Having dropped my gas tank to replace fuel pumps twice, I can tell you, you won't have to drop the tank to disconnect the fill tube. Do the seats, save the shave for another weekend. Much more immediate gratification, especially after finding a cleaner to spruce them up!
'89 Astro, 4.3L, TBI. Minor intake and exhaust mods. Rebuilt 700R4 trans (by me). Corvette servo, 0.5" boost valve, police grade 1-2 accumulator spring (shifts fast and solid). B&M stacked plate trans cooler. Bilstein shocks. Belltech sway bars front and back. New head unit, speakers and subwoofer. Needs paint and a new headliner.
name's Steve
I can't remember all I've forgotten about that....
name's Steve
I can't remember all I've forgotten about that....