Enough foundation, let's get started!

 Time to get started turning this thing from a metal box to a home on wheels!


Unfortunately, the first thing we thought we'd do to start the build has been bumped down the list a few spots. Mostly because of the weather (we need warmer temps for adhesives and such to set and cure) but there's probably a bit of a "nerve" factor that's in there too.

The first thing we planned to do was install a fan and two bunk windows. Which means cutting holes in our van. In our brand new van. In our not cheap, brand new van. It's too bad it's too cold for some of the adhesives to cure.

Luckily, we have lots of other things to do. We decided to knock an easy one out to get started - adding swivel seats to our driver and passenger seats.

As mentioned in our order details, we opted for power seats, which removed the option for factory swivels. We weren't heartbroken over this though, as the Ford swivels mean having to open the door to swivel the seats. This seemed less than optimal so we went with the power seats vs swivel on our build sheet, knowing we could add aftermarket swivels.

It seems the most popular swivel bases are Scopema swivels. While these are nice swivels, they don't play nice with power seats. I believe they also require you to open the doors to swivel the seats. So, we went with the Amazing Auto swivels. Not only do they have a model that is made for the Transit power seats, which means there is room for the seat wiring harness to move freely, you don't have to open the door to swivel the seat, and they were about half the price as the Scopema swivels.

Installing the swivels was an easy place to start. And though it did involve some van alterations, they weren't near as tension inducing as cutting gaping holes in the top and sides. Of course, par for our course, there are always things that don't go exactly as planned.


We went from this -


to this -


When swiveling the seats, you do have to move the seat forward and up in order for the seat base to clear the seat pedestal and door/trim, which I think is common to all of the seat swivels I've seen. We can confirm that there is no need to open the door when swiveling the seat, which will be nice. The swivel is really tight, this may lessen with use, if not, I will try to loosen the swivel plate a bit. All in all, we're happy with these swivels, they added no wobble or instability to the seats. These do add about 1.25" to the seat height.


If you'd like more on what adding the swivel bases entailed, see the Swivel Seats (Detail) post.

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