Captains seat bolted directly behind driver; facing backward

[T.Low]

Can anyone think of a reason why one couldn't bolt a Captain seat directly behind the driver seat, facing backwards?

I have a friend that wants to do it.

The middle seat is always out so that will not be an issue. They like to leave the rear seat in and have the middle open for changing in and out of paddling clothes, etc.

They have a 3 year old and a one year old, and want a little more seating for the times there are two carseats and three adults.

Help please.

[doyoulikeithere]

problem with setting a seat somewhere it wasnt supposed to be is the seatbelts.

If you face it forward, in the correct middle row spot, you should be able to line up the seatbelt mount locations, but with a captain seat, you must rely on seatbelt mount locations that are not 'part' of the captain seat, b'cuz they bolt to the van, not the seat. Turn the seat backwards and you will loose at the very least, the top mount for the shoulder strap, and you will need to make a new one, if there is a place to put it.

Some old bench seats have all of the seatbelts built into the bench seat. (Lap belts only btw)
Newer benches and all captain seats are dependant on the seatbelt mounts at the roof.
I've never seen middle row Captain seats to inspect where the recoiler is located, but suspect thay are not part of the seat assembly.

[T.Low]

Excellent considerations, no doubt. Thanks for your good insights, as usual.

[Kidhauler]

I don't believe it is legal to ride backwards in a car. The other problem would be the gas tank getting in the way of the bolts.

[H2OJoe]

The recoiler for the driver side is mounted on the side beam right above the rear wheelwell. The passenger side recoiler is mounted on the ceiling just behind the seat. Mounted backwards, the capt. chair on the drivers side will interfere with the driver's seat (unless you're very short). I just mounted one of the capt. chairs (facing forward) in the middle to accomplish the "fifth" seat. This also allows normal use of the seatbelts.
Good luck. Let us know what you come up with.

[doyoulikeithere]

This also allows normal use of the seatbelts.

Your van must be a lot newer than mine...

[kamenz]

Tom, one VW weekender model had a fold down rear facing seat behind the driver seat. Maybe this would be an option and worth further investigation.

Manfred

[H2OJoe]

Doyoulikeithere - my van came with bucket seats as the center row seats. The studs for each seat was already in place. I just removed the seats (4 nuts) and reinstalled them as needed. The male part of the seat buckle is bolted to the floor between the seat base and floor (like the passenger front bucket seat).