swivel captains chairs 1991 Hiace

Anyone know of swivel bases that can be used for the driver side or passenger side seats in a 1991 Hiace?

The issue of the super-custom is that there's no room for the seat to physically swing round, is there room on the 1991 model?

The only swivel I've seen is for the latest models and has a pop-up - then turn mechanism, it was on youtube.

that is one thing I do miss from my VW T4, had swivel seat on the passenger side and pulling up somewhere in the rain then just pulling the lever ans swivelling round was ace

The lack of swivel is not a hiace thing though, it's a cab-forward thing, the hiace model with the engine forward can use swivel chairs.

What I'll end up doing is removing the box between the seats so I can scramble back to the van - the dash has locations for the switches anyway - it's just a matter of wiring, but multiplugs are available on eBay so it's not such a big job.

I've been reading about the many (often rust and mechanicals related) woes of the T4, T5 and T6 and have concluded that the VW vans have too many problems to consider and cost too much anyway. When I modernise one day I'll be going for something like the Renault Trafic - a good spec new one is around £23k OTR - to match the spec I'd be on around £35k with VW.

BTW the economy of the Hiace is pretty good compared to the T6, the DPF and old engine design make it pretty thirsty - we're lucky to miss that!

So I'd consider relocating the centre box - I certainly want to be able to get from the front to the back (and return) when it's raining .

mine was a 1993 T4 1.9d the very lowest spec and I built it up to a full day van/weekend camper, the only thing missing was the night heater. I just didn't use it enough and got fed up with the size of it whereas the Hiace is much more day to day friendly being smaller and more car like and the extras over a VW is amazing so I won't be going back anytime soon, just need to get the suspension finished and get the split charge kit installed, also want to do the mod to the roofs where you can open without having the ignition on

mickB wrote:

mine was a 1993 T4 1.9d the very lowest spec and I built it up to a full day van/weekend camper, the only thing missing was the night heater. I just didn't use it enough and got fed up with the size of it whereas the Hiace is much more day to day friendly being smaller and more car like and the extras over a VW is amazing so I won't be going back anytime soon, just need to get the suspension finished and get the split charge kit installed, also want to do the mod to the roofs where you can open without having the ignition on

Found the thread for you:
https://hiace-super-custom.forumotion.com/t2434-moonroof-beeper-roof-liner-removal

Note that I don't know if it uses a tiny current all the time due to this mod, I should probably check as I have a clamp current meter now (about £12 from HongKong, very nice though). I have a battery switch on mine so most of the time the van is dead.

The wires to the control box are fairly generous so I'll be relocating the box to a more accessible position nearer the vent hole as it's a useful box to be able to get hold of without having to strip the roof down. If you do have the lining down you may also want to insulate the gap a bit before sticking it back up, I had a basic idea of using a single duvet, sewing round and cutting out holes for the moon roofs.


Interesting what you say about the size, the Hiace is such a great shape and size, no other van can match it for that

Not sure I have the height for swivel chairs. I like the idea of removing the center box but will need captains chairs with arm rests. Anything special I need to know before purchasing new seats?

If you are looking at new seats you may wish to open the engine cover (that holds the passenger seat on) and look where the 4 bolt holes are because they are not in a rectangular configuration.

BTW I found this info about a DIY passenger seat 'swivel'. Not ideal but it could lead to other ideas perhaps.

http://www.hiacehobo.com/2015/10/hiace-camper-van-reversed-passenger.html