Getting close to owning a van and need help already!

[Stitebunny]

It looks like I'm really close to buying a van! A 97 E350.
Long story short, I'll be flying and driving home. It only has the 2 front seats right now. I need to get a spot for a third person installed for the way home. I may have a day or 2 to mess around with it, but I would like to see if I can have it done before I go pick it up.
I have no experience with vans at this point. What are some options for a quick, easy, relatively cheap, and safe way to install a seat?
I tried searching a bit but didn't come up with much. As I understand, there should be holes in the floor to mount brackets to. And then the bench seats use a quick release to mount onto the brackets. Is this correct?
If I found a bench seat for this model year along with the brackets, would it be pretty straight forward for someone to do?
Long term I would like a 3rd chair mounted behind the driver. If I could have this done now it would save me the cost of redoing the bench seat. Have you guys found any straight forward way around this or is it mostly just a custom fit I'd be better off doing on my own?
Thanks for any help! I'm excited for our new adventures with the van!

 

[Ironhead]

Just run bolts straight through the floor for your bench. Just be careful behind the drivers seat because thsts where the gas tank is (I assume its an Econoline). Your going to redo the floor later anyway right?

 

[bknudtsen]

Some models have the OEM seat bracket mounts and some do not. If you have the OEM mounting points, then you will need to source the brackets and bolts. If not, then you should have some backer plates made up to distribute the load and prevent the seat mounting bolts from tearing through the floor in the event of an accident. You will also need seatbelts and mounting hardware.

 

[Stitebunny]

Thanks for the input guys.
So not all vans came off the factory line with the mounting points for the seat brackets?
The van has a thick plywood floor on it now. Can you see the mounting points from underneath the van? Or will I likely have to cut out at least that section of the floor to try and find them? I would like the seat right behind the front 2.
Also, are there seats that have seat belts attached or do they all run to the body of the van? Even a center lap belt would probably be okay.
I will probably redo the floor and interior once I get it home and have a thorough look at what I have! My brother went to look at it and is picking it up so there shouldn't be any big surprises! I hope! But I need to have him or someone else look into the seat thing for the trip home.

Thank you guys!

 

[bknudtsen]

Not only do some lack seat mounts, but seat belt anchor points as well. You should be able to see the reinforcement plates from underneath.

3 seater benches have one center lap belt and 4 seaters have two.

 

[Stitebunny]

Thank you! That's just the info I'm looking for! I will have my brother take a look when he picks it up!

 

[bknudtsen]

Here is a link to a pic from my build that will show him where to look underneath for the reinforcement plates.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...Project-VANdiana-Jones!?p=1114673#post1114673

 

[r_w]

Where is the van now? start searching craigslist for seats.

The mounting points for the seats haven't changed since I can't remember when (like the 70's), BUT the thread pitch for the mounting bolts did (I found out the hard way) and the brackets changed as well--so look for seats WITH BRACKETS from a 92-07 to be safe.

If you don't have the reinforcing plates, you might as well get minivan or truck seats with integrated seatbelts.

 

[Stitebunny]

Thanks for the picture. That is a good indicator.

I have been looking for seats there and did post a wanted ad. There is also a wrecking yard so I may call them also. I will try and get the brackets with the seats if I can.

Thanks,
Chris