Turning middle seats on long runners

[Scooter]

Just bought my first Bongo and can't wait to get out and about but have a slight issue...
I bought it with a full rear conversion already fitted and my plan was to turn the middle seats round to face the rear but my local garage is unsure how to do it because the long runners go under the kitchen. Does anybody have any advice I can pass on to them, or details of anybody who could do this? I live in Argyll but am willing to travel. Thanks!

[mikeonb4c]

Just bought my first Bongo and can't wait to get out and about but have a slight issue...
I bought it with a full rear conversion already fitted and my plan was to turn the middle seats round to face the rear but my local garage is unsure how to do it because the long runners go under the kitchen. Does anybody have any advice I can pass on to them, or details of anybody who could do this? I live in Argyll but am willing to travel. Thanks!

Welcome. I'm guessing the conversion may need removing to do it. On the other hand, rear conversions often look to me to be more easily removable. It'll be interesting to see what others more knowledgeable have to say.

[Bob]

Hi, welcome to the Forum.

The seat is bloomin' heavy, have two people and be ready for the weight.

There is a Fact Sheet in the Member,s area which gives full details, but basicaly you can just unbolt and turn the seat but it won't move properly so the proper job is to turn the rails.

This will likely involve removing the conversion. Could the original installer do this for you? They will know exactly how ot was installed.

[Scooter]

Thanks for your reply. I bought it about 500 miles from where I live so it's not really practical to go back there. if I was just to turn the seats would I still be able to fold them down to make the bed? If that's an easier fix than taking out the conversion then I might just go with that. But if it's not going to work that way then I'll get the conversion out so that the job can be done properly.

[Bob]

Given Turning the seat is easy/cheap I'd try it and see if you can live with it.

Pull off the 4 trim pieces, bottom corners of the seat, and undo the bolts. Seat just lifts out, but it is HEAVY. Turn round and re-fit.

Could a visit to the converter/supplier be tied in with a holiday in the spring?

No knowing which conversion you have we can't really advise on the difficulty of removing it, but long term I think this is the route to go.

[cmm303]

Once turned round you won't be able to slide them back and forwards though I can't think of a reason why they won't still recline. You will however have to position the runners far enough rearwards (before putting the seat back on them) to give room for the seat back to be reclined.

Some have modified the runner release mechanism under the seat so that it works whichever way round the seat is. I think it involves a bit of welding. A more flexible solution in the long run.

[Scooter]

If the seats won't move at all once turned round (if done the quick / easier way) then I can't see how it would work as a bed. The 'seat' part needs to meet the benches in front of the kitchen unit and the 'back' part would be the bit that would fold down towards the front seats. I might be missing something obvious here though!

[Doone]

The info from d visor on this link might help your mechanic: http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =1&t=50477

[Scooter]

Thanks. I think the main issue for them is having to remove the kitchen but I'll pass this on to them unless I can find someone who is comfortable doing the whole job, and fitting lap belts.

[Bob]

Bear in mind that a garage may not be familiar with a camper van fit.

Different skill area, and you could spend a lot of money while they find their way round it.

[the1andonly]

It maybe worthwhile asking the seller how the kitchen is fitted.
take a few pickies and post them
it maybe familiar to some one.

[Jimbobvfr400]

I've not tried this myself but I recall reading somewhere that while just unbolting the seat and turning it round stops the lever under the seat working you can still operate the latches manually (from memory a metal tent peg was mentioned) each side and move the seat.

While this could be a PITA it could let you try it, see how it goes and if it works out well then do it properly.

[Sharkie]

Hi
I have just had my swivel bench seat removed and replaced with a standard front facing seat.
When it came to replacing the seat it was discovered that my two floor runners where installed for a rear facing seat , I also have a rear kitchen conversion.
I didn't watch to closely but the guys fitting the seat (where I purchased Bongo from initially) swooped the end mechanisms over as an alternative to removing the rear kitchen unit. The seat does work and locks in properly on the track and in various positions and I can make the bed up and the seat locks in in line with the seat belts for passengers no problem.

The only draw back is that the handle to move the seat forward or backwards is now at the back of the seat which is not an issue for me as it easy to reach if the seat is down in the table position.
So it can be done without removing the kitchen unit but I think its one of those things that you will battle with first time round once done a lot easier next time.

Regards
Sharkie

[Northern Bongolow]

that sounds interesting and a different way of doing the job mate, just remove the seat slide locking mechanism and reverse it so you unlock the slider at the rear of the seat. .