Has anyone modified driver seat on a GMC Safari?

[debbiedee1957]

Wondering if anyone has moved their driver side bucket seat back a few inches on a GMC Safari or Cheverolet Astro Van?  I am "ok" with the position I can get the seat back to right now, but I am thinking if I could move the base of that seat back two inches I would be even better. Anyone ever done this with a bucket seat?  BTW...love the new van so far  Can hardly wait to camp with it!!!

[wynot]

Most seats have their tracks either bolted to the floor or welded.  If it is bolted, you can probably move it if you can get to it.  Welded causes whole other nightmares.  This determination is a simple matter of looking at the track and how it is connected to the floor.  Another option, is to see if there are longer seat tracks available for the Astro.  A dealer could tell you that, which is easier than moving the seat.

If you can give me some time, I can pose the question to my brother in law who works at a 4WD shop in Maumee, Ohio.  They modify everything there, so he'll know what is involved.  I don't know where the seat belts are, but that could play a factor in how far that you can go.
 

Wondering if anyone has moved their driver side bucket seat back a few inches on a GMC Safari or Cheverolet Astro Van? I am "ok" with the position I can get the seat back to right now, but I am thinking if I could move the base of that seat back two inches I would be even better. Anyone ever done this with a bucket seat? BTW...love the new van so far Can hardly wait to camp with it!!!

[mrflinders]

BTW...love the new van so far Can hardly wait to camp with it!!!

Good luck with the Van.  I hope you have better luck with it than we had with our 2000 Chevy Astro.

[debbiedee1957]

Thanks Kershner, please check with your BIL.

Debbie

Most seats have their tracks either bolted to the floor or welded.  If it is bolted, you can probably move it if you can get to it.  Welded causes whole other nightmares.  This determination is a simple matter of looking at the track and how it is connected to the floor.  Another option, is to see if there are longer seat tracks available for the Astro.  A dealer could tell you that, which is easier than moving the seat.

If you can give me some time, I can pose the question to my brother in law who works at a 4WD shop in Maumee, Ohio.  They modify everything there, so he'll know what is involved.  I don't know where the seat belts are, but that could play a factor in how far that you can go.

[jdpok]

Debbie, I just bought a Chevy Astro Conversion and was wondering the same thing. I looked under the seat and where the seat is mounted to the bracket(which is about 6 -8 inches high- this bracket then mounts to the floor) there are a series of holes drilled in the bracket to mount the seat for different vehicles. It looks like you could move it back about an inch. I haven't tried it yet but I will soon. It looks like its just 4 bolts. Good Luck

[debbiedee1957]

I will have to check that out.  A few more inches of leg room is all I need.  So far I like my van, love filling it up when we head out camping, plenty of room.

[jdpok]

I will have to check that out.  A few more inches of leg room is all I need.  So far I like my van, love filling it up when we head out camping, plenty of room.

Debbie, Moved my seats back awhile ago and gained alot of room. Much more than an inch. In the drivers seat before change, I had to move the seat all the way back to drive and I'm only 5'9". Now I can just barely reach the pedal when its all the way back. You have to remove the whole seat from the floor first. Took about an hour but well worth it. Good Luck

[debbiedee1957]

Can you give me more of the details.  You removed it from the floor and then did you have to drill new holes in the floor to reattach it further back?  Thanks! Deb

Debbie, Moved my seats back awhile ago and gained alot of room. Much more than an inch. In the drivers seat before change, I had to move the seat all the way back to drive and I'm only 5'9". Now I can just barely reach the pedal when its all the way back. You have to remove the whole seat from the floor first. Took about an hour but well worth it. Good Luck

[popupcop]

A cautionary note:  Seatbelts are designed to work at certian angles.  If you change your seat position too much you will change the ability for the seatbelts to work safely.  Broken Hips result in improperly positoned seatbelts!  Not that Astros have the highest safety rating anyway.

[debbiedee1957]

"Not that Astros have the highest safety rating anyway"

Thank you

A cautionary note:  Seatbelts are designed to work at certian angles.  If you change your seat position too much you will change the ability for the seatbelts to work safely.  Broken Hips result in improperly positoned seatbelts!  Not that Astros have the highest safety rating anyway.