Astro van bench seat - Disappointment

[4DSEVEN]

I picked up an astro van bench seat and am disappointed in the fit.

The steering column and the contour of the seat does not line up.

I'm thinking now of going with the original bench or may try an older 88+ bench seat from a Chev / GM.

Anyway wanted to give guys a heads up.

[rollinrooster]

I went with a 88+ full size chevy / gmc seat. During moch up it seemed to work out good. local pull-a-part $30.00

[mr48chev]

You want to stay with a standard cab seat when you use and 88 and up seat. The lean backs don't have the extra padding on the back side to take up valuable space. I've got a 60/40 split bench in my 71 out of about a 90 model truck and it is really comfortable but a bit tall. I'm planning on sectioning the seat bases about an inch and a half though as the seat sits a bit high in my truck. when I take it out to do that I'll set it in the 48's cab for a trial fit.

[4DSEVEN]

Well looked at it again and decided I may move the steering over to better align between the guages.

The Astro van seat will better align this way.

[waybad]

picts of your set up please,,I tried the 95 and up seat and like you my butt is offcenter, got a 90's model and waiting for it to dry before installing.. gonna miss the head rest though,, I will and padding to the cab were my head rests later..
Tinker

[_Ogre]

you do realize that 2 minutes with a tape measure would save dollars and sense?

[4DSEVEN]

I got the seat as a freebie through the wrecker so I am not out for the money.

I read on here that the Astro van seat would fit, and width wise it does. It's a nice seat.

However, for those that use the same holes (under the dash) for the steering column drop, the steering wheel is off center.

I have decided to make my own drop and allign the steering column. The seat works out fine and the steering column is properly alligned.

That being said, what have other's done? The notched out area between the two guages where the original steering column and shifter is originally off center.

[Kim57]

4DSEVEN
How wide is that seat?
Kim

[4DSEVEN]

Originally Posted by Kim57

4DSEVEN
How wide is that seat?
Kim

Just out of town for a few days. Will take a tape to it when I get back.

[chevyrestoguy]

I was always under the impression that the Astro van second seat was the better fit?

That's what Brad used in his truck, and it fits great. The only issue is that the flip lever for the seat back is on the passenger side.
Here's his build thread so you can see:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=320546

[GeorgeLeonard]

Thanks for the heads up. From the way everyone was talking about using more modern seats, I was getting the impression that almost anything would work great. As one person already said, I guess measuring and be cautious is still the best way to go. Sorry about your seat, I hope you can return it or at least sell it to someone else who may need it.

[4DSEVEN]

Originally Posted by Kim57

4DSEVEN
How wide is that seat?
Kim

Seat is 55" at the widest point.

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by 4DSEVEN

Seat is 55" at the widest point.

Thanks.
Kim

[deiinc]

If I remember correctly, I cheated my 3rd row Astro seat to the right 1" or so and moved my dropped IDIDIT steering column 1/2" past center of the gauges to the left. I also welded in a patch and finished off the cutout for the old column. Seems fine to me.

[IndyBowtie]

Quite honestly, I did not find the 1" off center of the column on my '48 with a third row Astro van seat to be much of a issue. Just my 2 cents worth!

[mvesr]

I have two rear bench seats from our old 1988 Astro that will look good in my 68 stepside. The astro seats are not as long as the stock seat and I am afraid it will not line up with the steering wheel. The asto brackets will not work either. Any ideas?

Thanks-Mika

[lazypineapple]

i used that Astro seat in my 52.
i centered up my steering wheel with the gauges,not the groove cut out of the OEM.
I use the 52 seat rails. i made a frame to mount the seat on out of 1" square tubing.
then attached the seat rails to my frame.
i used a old GM column out of a floor shift car


i bought a Black Leather Kit , reskinned it with seat heaters

[4544speed]

Looking good lazy....I may have to copy that. Hope you didn't get a patent. I like the floor shift.

[lazypineapple]

Thanks
No patent.
I have pic of my frame somewhere.
It's just a square with 4 tabs welded on to bolt to seat.
Slides just like factory
Shifter is a LoKar Floor mount.
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[mach92bill]

Was the steering wheel only 1" off center with the original column mount when using the astro front seat?

[lazypineapple]

yes i staggered my column to the left of the cut out. that is not OEM column or Hanger. the cut out in the dash is not center in the gauge hole.

Originally Posted by mach92bill

Was the steering wheel only 1" off center with the original column mount when using the astro front seat?