Double passenger seat

[chris_columbia]

So, I really like the ProMaster double passenger seat option, but didn't want a ProMaster because I wanted a reliable van:)

 

So what to do:

Buy Ford Transit double rear seat, because they're super inexpensive. They come in two widths, 32" and 36". The 32" is really narrow for adults, but would leave a small 4" gap between the seats that maybe a skinny person could squeeze through? In any case, I bought the 36" because there is just enough space to fit it and it's more comfortable for adults or two kids who fight if they are touching each other.

 

I'm not quite finished with painting or all little details, but attached is a functional seat, as I am using it now.

 

You'll also need to fake the passenger seat airbag. I bought the needed connector out of some other Nissan passenger car at the junkyard for ~$5 so I wouldn't have to cut wires. Soldered the resistor to the new connector, plugged into seat harness, and no airbag light.

 

Like the ProMaster double seat, the Ford seat is not adjustable in anyway. 

[radin2son]

Interesting. No one has posted doing this before.

[ASD Dad]

That is interesting.  Looks like it sits up quite high.  No way I could fit or several of my relatives!  Could probably physically fit due to the high headliner but would feel awkward sitting up that tall.

[chris_columbia]

It does sit about 3 inches higher. I'm 6'2" and it feels OK for me. Kids like because it actually gives them a better view. There are lots of other ways to mount and other double seats available. I wasn't picky and just wanted something in there fast. My point is mostly to show that you can fit 3 people if that's important to you. The seat is not adjustable, but one neat feature is that it has pull straps on the back that detach it from the seat track in a few seconds if you need the extra cargo space, which I do sometimes for long loads.

[radin2son]

Since so few vehicles have bench seats, what air bag coverage is there?

[chris_columbia]

I admit that I've made my van less safe. I started with 6 airbags(side curtains, seats, dash) for 2 people and now have 5 airbags for 3 people. The center passenger really doesn't have airbag protection. We all make choices in life...

[andy_george]

I’m with ya Chris. I don’t believe any vehicles, namely pickups these days, with 3 front seats have airbag coverage for the center passenger. It’s a risk in the worst case scenario. But I’d take the center front of the NV over the passenger side of a compact car *any* day of the week.

[Mark Rogers]

What did you have to do to adapt the seat to fit the van's bolt holes?

[chris_columbia]

1" X 1" 1/8" thick wall, square tubes running front to rear with 15 degree angle washers for the front mount points. 2" x 2" 1/8" thick angle iron side-to-side with Ford tracks running front to back on top of that. I'll take a picture this week and post.

[chris_columbia]

Picture attached of adaption. It's pretty crude, but since it likely will not be wanted by next owner, might end up in trash in a few years. Anyway, these vans are all about function.