DIY Single Seat Conversion on a Budget! - Van Build Ep14

We swap the three seats in our Fiat Ducato for two single seats with swivel bases for free. Luckily, a lovely lady called Amy from South Wales had two single seats in her Citroen Relay that she wanted to swap for our Three Seats. That just meant a long 5-hour drive to South Wales to do the swap.
We changed all the seat belt pre-tensioners over so that each van had its original belt buckles back that way there was no problem with compatibility and no issues with fault codes on either vehicle.
These single seats are actually from a Renault Trafic van, having the swivel seat bases makes fitting them into this van very easy. So if you are looking for an alternative seat maybe look for a Renault or Vauxhall seat instead and make it fit using a swivel base as an adapter.
If you are finding these videos to be really helpful please subscribe to the channel for more
/ 'gregvirgoe
If you would like to say thank you with a small donation you can do so here
www.paypal.me/gregvirgoe
Thank you very much for watching and best wishes with your own tiny house build
Greg & Lou
#budgetvanbuild #selfbuildcamper #singlevanseats #vanlife

[@suepaulbrown9512]

This is a great example of why it is good to be part of a good community group. The fact that you can exchange and/or recycle unwanted things as well helping each other out!

[@GregVirgoe]

Exactly and the south central group is where you can meet the very nicest friends too 🥰👍🏼

[@suepaulbrown9512]

🥰 @@GregVirgoe

[@schindlersontour]

Wish I could find someone to swap my double swivel seat for a single 🤞

[@summerjunk929]

Didn't realise this single seat swap was so expensive, just seen one for £900! I'll have to try and most our double seat to the back to save on cash

[@MrDHCuthill]

I swapped out my double passenger seat and replaced it with a single rotating seat. I use it all the time I sit in the back. It wasn't cheap, but definitely worth it, especially in a Short Wheelbase low roof Duvato van.

[@markcheetham5537]

Thanks Greg I was searching for advice, you nailed it. 🎉

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you found it to be useful. 👍🏼🤩

[@MrDHCuthill]

Very good detail! I'm planning my second fit-out from empty van.

[@fraserhardmetal7143]

Good to see you back on form with down to earth practical stuff , this means more to folks than the endless videos pushing expensive gadgets that few can afford.

[@GregVirgoe]

Here, here, it’s why everyday I turn away about 6 free products. Like today how is a £2k electric bike going to be relevant to all my viewers. Just not going to do it 😊

[@BrasherFox]

The good old saying, where there's a will there's a way and there's not a better way than showing how its done and improvisation if needed. Nice one Greg.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼 glad you liked it 😃

[@deranocasper]

Thats a grand swap very good mechanicing Greg swapping seats and sorting Belts and the locktight on the threads not many people would think to put that job well done 👍😀

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much. Really appreciate your great comment 😊cheers

[@deranocasper]

@@GregVirgoe Greg start a work shop building campervans i would love to be in your class ⚒️👍😁🏪

[@GregVirgoe]

@@deranocasper thank you for the great feedback mate cheers 🍻

[@flashback9966]

You tackled all that after a 5 hour drive, I'm impressed . . .

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes and then drove another three hours back to Solihull in the midlands. Showered and in Ed just before midnight. Was a busy day 😆 cheers Rob 🍻

[@SillyMonkeys]

Excellent video as always..❤

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you so much 😀👍🏼

[@christycullen2585]

Another great video Cheers Greg

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼 glad you liked it

[@alandurston2095]

Thank you so much for your recent video on fitting a campervan consumer unit. This had helped so much.

[@rickwaites5057]

Thanks Greg. Another great video. I hadn’t even thought about this. Great idea. Nice to see methodical steps to work around what may be too daunting for some with the seatbelt differences.

[@hopesfreedom2322]

Good job! Great solution for both of you 😀👍🏼

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes indeed it has worked out very well 👌🏼😃

[@garyesler2948]

Another very informative video .excellent viewing 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you

[@boontjes5528]

Nice solution! 👍🏻

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you! Cheers! 🍻👍🏼

[@MartinKennedy636]

Another great video well put together well presented and tell you exactly how to do things I think you really have a really good thanks very much for doing them all

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m really pleased you are enjoying this series. Thank you 🙏🏼😃

[@denisecafferky2248]

Brilliant. Result 🎉

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼😃

[@Paul-ly9ed]

That worked out well Greg . Nice one

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes very lucky and exactly what we needed 😃

[@ernierowe]

Great video as ever - a professional approach and entirely trustworthy 👍👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much 😃

[@SandVan]

Great score with the free seat swap 😊

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks 🙏🏼 it was a result 😃

[@wanderinwilds]

Hi Greg, see you had your glamorous assistant helping you out there, hi Lou 👋 another very informative video but I got lost at the more technical stuff, but then you know me I get lost on this massive Island 🤣🤣 Debs and Mark xxx

[@GregVirgoe]

If you need to know where to go just ask me 😂 I know that place like the back of my hand 🖐️ Hope you are both well

[@wanderinwilds]

@@GregVirgoe 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I know!! 🤣 yeah we’re all good thanks xx

[@robertturner4225]

superb . thank you

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you liked it 👍🏼😃

[@johnthacker8315]

Great video very interesting ive got a trafic and plan to do this so thanks.

[@GregVirgoe]

Am I right in thinking they are the same as Vauxhall Vivaro so you have some options for replacement too 👍🏼😃

[@robenhenni8463]

Have you been lucky, looks good and explained very well as always, 👌💫

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes it has helped us both out massively so was a great bit of luck 🍀😃

[@toronado455]

Excellent video. 🏆

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for the comment

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

nice one Greg 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Cheers Mel, I wasn’t going to follow your example I would have made a pigs ear of that 😂

[@jacksonsmummy100]

Another great video from Greg the man! Literally my God! And such a nice guy! Wish we had you on hand at all times 😂 keep up the great work!

[@GregVirgoe]

Oh that is so nice 👍🏼 thank you very much 😃

[@markesdale1330]

Hi Greg Me and my wife have been watching your video's for a long time now and by watching your videos we have built up the courage and have bought a van to try and I mean try to convert 😂we have watched 100s of different KZbin videos on conversions but with your detailed descriptions and amazing knowledge your videos and helpful tips are second to none, so please keep them coming. So a big hello and thank you from us in Belfast Northern Ireland. Take care and stay safe

[@clivewitney3557]

Did similar with ours but found someone who had a work van with two seats and wanted it to have three. So did a swap luckily both set of seats were in good condition, win win.

[@GregVirgoe]

Nice one Clive, good for you too 😃

[@DontBeNaiveGuys]

Thanks greg that’s exactly what i want to do in my van . So i can step through. Good tip using thread lock or lock tight on mounting bolts 👍.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes I did notice the thread lock when I removed them so it made perfect sense to clean the bolts and put some more on especially as such a critical safety feature 👍🏼😃

[@user-hp2hd8ul1d]

Nice one Greg another example of your dedication to detail research is important ey can’t wait to see this van done 😊

[@GregVirgoe]

It's going to be very different to our previous van, I can't wait to show everyone the furniture :D

[@user-hp2hd8ul1d]

I’m sure it’s going to be stunning mate and professionally done I’m selling my house to live full Time in a van next year I hope one day to come shake your hand your my inspiration

[@GregVirgoe]

I wish you all the best on your travels and look forward to meeting you one day

[@marksadventures3889]

Top notch as oer Greg. Who'd think there was such a hassle to get van chairs, but a great result for you and Amy.

[@GregVirgoe]

The popularity of self buildign now has obviously bumped up the prices, motorhomes have always been an expensive market and that seems to be rubbing off. Thanks for watching

[@marksadventures3889]

@@GregVirgoe Yes I've noticed! I am looking at the small buses by Mercedes D180i? They use them for school buses and rural bus routes. A great size. I wouldn't be going full time though. Not at first anyway.

[@seang2424]

Brillant thanks

[@GregVirgoe]

You are welcome 🙏🏼

[@JJ_2806]

Fantastic video thanks Greg very informative im at this stage now with my build. I have been concerned regarding the seat belt pretensioners, however you've explained perfectly how to overcome the spare pretensioner issue👍

[@GregVirgoe]

I tried a few options but this is the most simple and straightforward answer. Easy and works 😊

[@Ninalovepippin]

Nice video Greg,very informative,when we eventually find the right van we plan to do the same,so you were in are neck of the woods, seems a long time since IoM TT we met you outside the pub enjoying the racing, thanks for the videos.

[@GregVirgoe]

Wow yes I remember 😃 that does seem like a long time ago now. It was an awesome holiday though 👍🏼

[@scobierundle]

This was an excellent video. I live in Australia and I am just about to swap a double passenger seat to a single. I have looked at dozens of videos until I finally found one that was very clear. Especially the concerns I had in regards to dash warning lights coming on because of one seat belt not being used. Keep up the excellent work and safe travelling !!!

[@lucioadelmo]

Very good!!!!!!

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼😊

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

Good video on channel thanks lee

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Lee 🙏🏼😃

[@snoman1999]

Wow that was more complicated than I thought ! Our Daughter would occasionally join us on trips so I bought a double seat from someone in Hull, who had just fitted a single.. Cost me £90 back in 2015 and I used to swap them over in about 10mins whenever she came with us.. Must have just been lucky that everything was compatible 😄 Another great Video mate 🚐💨❤

[@GregVirgoe]

It is just the two bolts in the front and bang done in ten minutes. I just didn’t want to risk the seat belts not being compatible. They could have been ok but didn’t try it

[@Toro-Tor]

Very true about the prices for single seats. I live in Germany and was looking at online marketplaces in the UK to find what is your driver-seat (my passenger-seat). The prices looked OK to me (obviously needs re-upholstery - no one wants your driver-seats), but the sellers wouldn't ship. Also, there are import-duties to be paid. In the meantime I did find a single seat reasonably priced, directly from a seller locally. However, if anyone in the UK is interested in perhaps turning this into a business (send, receive & sell van-seats), lets get in touch.

[@GregVirgoe]

We need a separate group for seat swaps and anyone travelling abroad can offer small delivery fee Great idea 💡🤩

[@doctorpc4x4]

NOW that was a score

[@GregVirgoe]

Absolutely 👍🏼 we both got a result that we wanted. 😃

[@bettyourcampervan]

Another ace video Sir 🎩 i did the same with a fellow Transit owner 😁

[@GregVirgoe]

Nice one 👍🏼🤩

[@bettyourcampervan]

@@GregVirgoe 😁😁

[@darrenthrower3506]

You need to come to another "Self Build Get Together" event Greg! 😉

[@GregVirgoe]

Can you move it closer to me 😊 about 5 hr drive 😂👍🏼 cheers 🍻

[@darrenthrower3506]

@@GregVirgoe - if you can find a venue more towards you then I would gladly host a 'Self Build Get Together' event there!

[@leerobinson6505]

Great build Greg. Doing a fantastic job as usual. Whens the next installment??

[@mickwhitney922]

Result or what 😳

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes indeed Mick 👍🏼😃 hope you are well mate.

[@iand299]

They’re motorhome seats with CTA swivels. You’ve done alright out of that swap deal 😂

[@GregVirgoe]

They do have swivels yes, however the seats are Renault Trafic seats 👍🏼🤩

[@normankraus9768]

Had to click because of your smile on the thumbnail:)

[@GregVirgoe]

That’s brilliant 🤩 thank you 😆👍🏼

[@kenmackenzie7338]

Greg measure the resistance of the charged device with a meter that will tell you what size of resistor to get.

[@GregVirgoe]

Hmm I did think that 👍🏼😃

[@flashback9966]

@@GregVirgoe Hi Greg, sorry it's me again! I know nothing of pyrotechnic devices, but I do know a Multimeter, in resistance mode, would inject a small current into the resistor to perform the measurement. Would this be enough to fire the device, I've no idea. Might be worth checking first, before accepting this advice?

[@GregVirgoe]

@@flashback9966 yes 👍🏼 great advice mate, I’m going to leave as is now. 😃

[@stco2426]

Excellent and everyone gets what they want. On the spare tensioner I'd expect that as long as the electrical part is still in place, hooked up to the wiring, I'd think you probably don't need the mechanical part to still be inside the van / toolbox etc. You might find the toolbox or underseat space more necessary for other things and the buckle and gas parts get in the way? Either way a great vid and well done. Cheers!

[@GregVirgoe]

I’ve tried it just unplugged and get the same error code. Only jack and wheel brace in the box so no harm in there 👍🏼😃

[@toronado455]

@@GregVirgoe Honestly I think that's a good solution.

[@yvonne..]

If in the future someone wanted to put double seats back in, there'd be no problem with error codes.

[@mattt1974UK]

I think that the usual reality here is that nobody will want your double seat, I had to take mine to the scrap yard and that a single will be quite pricey. I think that you doing the work on both vans helped seal the deal here.

[@Raf-zu5le]

Hi Greg, I hope you are keeping well ☺️ I was wondering when the next video is as I'm mirroring your build with our Relay, L2H2. Roof lining is a bit mystifying to me at the moment so waiting patiently for that episode. Keep up the excellent channel 👍

[@joline2730]

WOW ‼️ What jolly good luck to find the ideal swap 👍👍 Not so interesting was seeing a whole video of you 'screwing' 😉😉🤣🤣🤣

[@GregVirgoe]

Not everyone gets that privilege so don’t knock it 😆😂😃👍🏼

[@michaelfitzpatrick3641]

Only just found this. Well produced as always, but some possible mistakes with the seat replacement have safety implications The seat belts reel mechanism fitted to seats with pre tensioner have load limiting. The reel mechanism for non pre tensioner receivers do not have load limiting. Thus seat belt reel and receiver in the middle seat position in Amy's van are not matched in performance. As the load limiting effect is to allow belt 'stretch ' along with the pre tensioner effect, exactly how the restraint will function with the mismatched setup is uncertain. A further point , not discussed, is passanger airbag. Whilst most likely the vans did not have passanger airbags, they differ for single and double passanger seats. Belt buckles and recievers were slightly different on some van variants, hopefully all matched up sucessfuly . A pre tensioner mechanically free could be dangerous. Rather than a resistor try a small 12v filiment bulb. 18:12 Refards Mike F

[@nathanstevful]

Give us a wave Greg, that's my neck if the woods.

[@GregVirgoe]

South Wales?? What part 😃👍🏼

[@nathanstevful]

@@GregVirgoe I'm in the Rhondda valleys in Ferndale

[@jeremyng4252]

For the extra buckle, can you just get the normal seat belt attachment to mimic it as fasten? That can cancel out the warning sign.

[@GregVirgoe]

The cable is not there to tell the van that the seat is buckled the cable is there to trigger the tensioner device. If the seat belt tensioner device is not connected to that wire that’s when the error appears on the dash. 😃

[@norwegianzound]

I had to pay over 900 euros for my new seat from Poland during the first Covid lockdown. And to add insult to injury, had to take my old double seat to the scrappies for free 😒. No pretensioner came and the old double seat didn't have one either.

[@GregVirgoe]

Obviously different vehicle uses like patient transport or minibuses don’t have the original front passenger seat so no need for the seat belt cables on that side. Sorry you had to pay so much but I hope you are happy with your purchase

[@bitminerbob6731]

Yeah, here in AU it's almost impossible to find a single passenger seat. I luckily found one at a wrecker and it cost me AU$350 and built a dividing wall with a door and love moving from the front to the back of the van through the door.

[@GregVirgoe]

I imagine it’s a game changer when it’s raining outside. Or just if you want to grab something from the back of the van. 👍🏼😃

[@bitminerbob6731]

We were going to go with 2 swivel seats but decided on the partition wall with the door instead. Really cuts down on noise from the back of the van when traveling and total separation of the cab and back of the van is really nice too. Makes it feel like you're not in a van.

[@folkerwulff]

Good video once again, well done. Unfortunately only limited applicability here in Germany, where messing with original vehicle components is a bureaucratic hassle at best, and a voiding of the car's street legality at worst. Legal implications to dire to contemplate. O well, freedom is overrated anyway... 😂 Cheers - Folker P.S. Going back to my goose-stepping practice now. 😢

[@GregVirgoe]

I presume if you have a garage do it that would be ok 👍🏼

[@folkerwulff]

@GregVirgoe It can be done, it's just an expensive hassle. Technical inspection and change of the vehicle registration docs. I kept my little camper (R Trafic) registered as a truck in order not to have to put up with the bullshit. I made my conversion "removable with on-board tools" (screwdriver) which makes it secured cargo. Of course, this only works for some layouts and is not ideal for full-size vans. Also, the law forbids towing on weekends, so no trailer option. I took the bulkhead out, for more light and a more open feeling, but a fixed wall has to remain between passenger and cargo compartment. No mandatory height is stipulated, so in my case the wall is a low, lidded box across the width of the van. It contains electrics and storage, and is part of the day sofa / bed. That's fine, as I have the seat bench in the way anyway, diesel heater (Autoterm, blanket-approved with E-No.) underneath with a hot air conduit going straight through the box. Keeps the battery toasty, too. The sofa/bed/main storge is a ca. 1.7m x 0.8m box bolted to the floor (i.e. removable) lengthwise behind the drivers seat, with the split lids folding over to make a 2m x 1.6m bed. With a bit of gymnastics it can be made up with two people inside the van, believe it or not. :-) The kitchen is one block across the rear, again bolted down. The kitchen electrics are plugged into the wall, for removability. Water by canisters w/ submersible pump, 20l fresh, 20l gray, 20l reserve (or outdoor shower). Gas cooking per 227g cartrige burners, one built-in, one spare under the bed. I have enough counter space to cook full meals, but the large cabinet door folds down for extra stair-stepped counter space. This is mirrored in the rear for outdoor cooking. A full complement of pots, pans, kettle, utensils and tablewear fits, despite of the sink taking up part of the cabinet. Wall cabinetry, of which I have only one small shelf, is permissible in the cargo area and doesn't have to be removable. Insulation is also permissible, roof hatches (with E-Nr., no marine stuff) as well. Table is a Lagoon on the wall, so that's removable as well. The van is a H1 and the perfect stealthy city hopper which sleeps 2 + a little dog really comfortably. It was geared towards fitting in any parking lot in neighboring France (many 2m height bars!) and blending in during COVID. (Did I mention I hate gov'ts trying to tell me where I can go and what I can do?) It did and still does the job with bells on :-) Cheers - F

[@RandomShart]

Hi Greg, loving the series. Could you tell me the available head height now the floor is fitted? I'm 6'3" tall and would like to be able to stand up. As far as I can tell from reading around online the H3 transit with FWD offers the most internal height to work with but I'm not certain about it. I plan to buy and build next year and would love to directly follow one of your build series, but if there's not enough head room in the Sprinter or Ducato then I'll probably go for the Transit and have to just follow the "spirit" of your builds 😀

[@GregVirgoe]

This van is a L2 and the max clear height once the floor and ceilgin is done will be 1850mm (approx 6' 1") They do an L3 van if you feel that would not be tall enough.

[@user-go2ly2ud6v]

Hey Greg, loving the videos one day I will start mine. Can I ask who you use for vehicle insurance and breakdown cover for Europe? And travel insurance for extended stays in the EU. Thanks Ben

[@roamingwildcampers2745]

Not sure about the UK, but in Australia if you do the swap from 3 seats to 2, insurance companies won't give it a tick...I'm ok though got a Ford that was ordered new with 2 seats, not the 3..

[@stuartwilliams2693]

Hi Greg, with reference to the "extra" pre tensioner,, people in the BMW Mini community have been circumventing this issue when removing and replacing seats, from memory they fit something like a fairly good wattage 3.8Ohm resistor, if you have the means to reset the resultant error, might be useful to ecperiment with different values? love your videos mate and always checking for the next episode.

[@GregVirgoe]

I think I’m just gonna leave it plugged in now and strapped up under the seat. Don’t know it’s there 😃

[@thomaspowell2043]

Great vid as always Greg. Couple of things I'm wondering about - Do you lose much, if any, in the way of insulation by having the opening between the front and body of the van? Also, and this is also an open question to the community, are there any reliable sources that anyone knows of for instruction videos like this for fitting swivel seats? Many thanks.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes opening up the cab does introduce a cold area with all that single glass but if you make sure to heat that zone with a vent like I did in our other sprinter van it does not present a problem, usually you have an excess of heat because these vans are so small so directing some to the cab is the answer. Check out leisurevehicleservices.co.uk/seating/ for swivel seat bases and for help and advice.

[@thomaspowell2043]

@@GregVirgoe Thank you.

[@Pugwash.]

I swapped my cab seats of my Iveco Daily and luckily the absence of connections didn't show any warning on the dash.

[@GregVirgoe]

That was a result then, nice one ☝️😃🤩

[@shapnotts2517]

Hi Greg, great video as usual! I'm just wondering why it's not possible to use good car seats. They are in more plentiful supply, and even if you have to make / modify the base frames that's sounding like it could be a cheaper alternative (?).

[@GregVirgoe]

That is possible but you just need to be aware that any modifications will not have been properly crash tested so it’s best for safety to stick with those that are designed and made by a company that has done all the testing and can verify them. They are a critical part especially if you have a crash.

[@colinchellew1807]

Very informative and detailed as usual Greg. Can I ask if you know if its possible to extend the cable on a seat occupancy sensor? I'm in the process of converting a vw crafter 2022. Just purchased the seat Base to convert the passenger double seat onto a swivel and notice the cable isn't long enough? Cheers, Colin

[@GregVirgoe]

I extended the ones on our Mercedes sprinter passenger seat when we fitted the swivel. Keep the extra cable short and use at least 1.5mm stranded. I soldered it and heat shrunk it for protection and it works perfectly 👍🏼😃

[@colinchellew1807]

Brilliant! Thanks Greg . Love your vlogs they are very professional and informative. Top man

[@GregVirgoe]

@@colinchellew1807 all the best Colin. Thank you 🙏🏼😃

[@Simon_PieMan]

Great video. Is there any issue with rigidity when removing the bulk head panel?

[@GregVirgoe]

No none at all, it’s primary function is just to stop loads going into the cab under breaking. If you think of minibus or ambulance etc none of which have bulkhead installed. No problem taking it out very easy to do 👍🏼😃

[@Simon_PieMan]

@@GregVirgoe Thanks!

[@slfbs]

Good swap that Greg got rid of fiat standard seats to nicer ones winner winner 😂 chicken dinner 😂👍🏻 cheers Sean

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes it’s a huge bonus for this budget build, thank you 🙏🏼

[@briandevitt6903]

Another very useful video. Are you going to make the passenger seat swivel?

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes I didn’t show it but they both came with swivel bases. Double bonus 🤩😃👍🏼

[@briandevitt6903]

Nice one. Makes a huge difference

[@GregVirgoe]

@@briandevitt6903 yes will give another seating position for the rear of the van and it’s my favourite seat in our sprinter van

[@stco2426]

@@GregVirgoe Double, mega bonus!

[@GregVirgoe]

@@stco2426 absolutely 👍🏼🤩🥳

[@ArtStractStudio]

Hey Greg thanks for the video. I have two questions for you😊 . First, Where did you find the info of the exact torque for the seat? And second is, what’s the software you use in your previous electric system video to create a diagram with all the stuff you have and their cables ? Thank you😊

[@kathybaker9656]

Hi,using your tutorials to build my Ram Promaster,1st van build. I thought I read somewhere ,you using lithium battery. Which video was that, or if Im mistaken,(highly likely) can you explain why not. Thank you,Thank you,I

[@ddddhhhh9206]

Greg (or anyone else), how did you connect the LPG bottle to the hookups in the old van? What connectors did you use? I suppose you have to unscrew the gas regulator from the bottle when you fill it, but how did you connect the hose to the bottle?

[@Glockers76]

Great video Greg. I replaced my bench seat for a single seat and now get an airbag warning light on the dash. Do you have any ideas how I can resolve this. I took it to an engineer who tried to reset it with a computer but it didn’t work sadly.

[@shawing]

What a result being able to do swapsies with someone else! Out of interest, do you happen to know what the rules are for seatbelts and available seats? Only im looking to remove my middle seat in mazda bongo soon, but if i could remove those belts now would be nice cos one of them gets right in way of my fold out table. I'd presume its a belt for every seat in the vehicle probably but a bit of googling didnt answer it clearly for me when i looked. Cheers!

[@GregVirgoe]

If the seat is there it will need a belt. If there is no seat or belt it can’t be tested so just a case of amending your V5 to reflect the fitted seats.

[@shawing]

@@GregVirgoe that's brilliant thanks for the reply! Pretty much what I expected then. Good shout on the V5 too, I hadn't thought about that needing an update, but I'm fairly sure taking out middle seat will be a permanent mod so makes a lot of sense to inform them on it once done.

[@leelogan2843]

Is there a way to install one of those double seats in the rear of the van? I have one and want to use it for my kids but want it to be safe of course. If not any, guidance how to install rear seats in the back of a relay would be really appreciated

[@garyfullerton9312]

Hi there , may have been asked already but did you not have to disconnect the main battery before unplugging the seat electrics ? Thanks

[@GregVirgoe]

It is always wise to disconnect the battery before doing anything on the electrics :D These vans have an easy quick disconnect on the negative terminal which you can do by hand, simple.

[@dcdc1970]

they shpould use " camper van stuff only " in cradley heath for their furniture ply , its much much cheaper than morlands

[@user-hh5ff4gq6q]

Hi Greg, hope you are well. It’s not related to your seat swop out but I wondered if you could answer my question. I’m on the look out for a Ducato/ boxer/ relay to convert into a camper. How much head room is there in a H2 van when you have put a floor and a ceiling in?? I was concerned it might be a bit low but H3 vans are a bit thin on the ground. Hope you can help.

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m 5’11” and still have 3-4” of headroom over my height 👍🏼😃

[@user-hh5ff4gq6q]

Thanks Greg

[@clandav1]

Hi Greg , wondering if i could please have some advice from you ? I have a self build campervan and im having a little trouble with electrics . Ive got 2 leisure batteries connected to a 3000w inverter , my microvave is only 700w but keeps tripping my trip fuse i installed between the batteries and inverter . Its only a 50w trip and clearly it not big enough to take the microwave power what size trip fuse would you use ? Love your videos and any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you Dave Co.Durham

[@GregVirgoe]

Hello Dave your 3000w inverter needs a 300amp fuse and at least 35mm cable. Even a 700W micro device is using 56amps continuously from your 12v batteries. Hope that helps 👍🏼😃

[@clandav1]

Thats great , thank you so much

[@gfrm456]

Any ideas on how to put a rear passenger seat back into a Ford transit. I have a single seat but not sure where it could go and struggling to find info online. The floor has been vinyled so don't want to rip the whole thing up!

[@GregVirgoe]

I'm sorry I know nothing about Ford Transit, but if you search for "Ford Transit Rear Seat Installation" on KZbin there are quite a few videos from other channels to watch.

[@topgroover]

Have you give up on the van build Greg? Not seen any videos for a while. Hope all is ok.

[@pittipitti1992]

Hello greg,i got 2 ford galaxy single seats that i like a lot but they dont fit in the citroen relay seat base,do you thing is safe or okay for mot if i secure them with some aluminium planks as they do in 2 videos i have watch.thank you

[@GregVirgoe]

Modifying a seat or its fixings by yourself, won't have been crash-tested to current standards. At least with manufactured seat bases and swivels, they should have gone through that process. I think that @suepaulbrown9512 fitted some galaxy seats to their old Ducato van maybe ask Paul for some advice on how he did it :D

[@andyfv1]

i got a,double passenger i would like to swap for a single!

[@GregVirgoe]

Maybe ask on some of the vanlife groups you never know your luck 🍀😊🤞🏼

[@Crazyleper92]

Hi there. Iwant to add a swivel seat base in my renault trafic passenger bench but in order to rotate the seat i would need to disconnect my pretensioner every time. I keep reading online that to do that "safely" and not accidentally fault the connection and blow the charge in the pretensioner you should always disconnect the battery. This seems like over kill for essentially just pulling a plug. Any advice?

[@GregVirgoe]

You can route the cable through the centre of the swivel base and then you don’t need to disconnect it every time. It’s safer to disconnect the battery to route the cable but I had no issues even with the ignition off and I unplugged it a few times. When you turn the seat just go clockwise to the back and anti-clockwise to the front then you’ll never turn the cable more than 180° ever so little strain and no problem 😊

[@slfbs]

Hi Greg Sean here, I received a notification saying it's from you that I have won something, saying reply to a telegram, I didn't but thought I'd let you know if someone is using your name. Cheers Sean 👍🏻

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes I have blocked them from the channel and sent a report to KZbin. Spam account 👍🏼😤

[@WillC-pt3so]

When are the next videos due out on this build?

[@simonhale3641]

Could you tell me what the loose yellow electrical connector is at the 5.30mm the video is please? I have this loose under my passenger seat and wondered if you could tell me what it is please? Thanks

[@GregVirgoe]

If you watch the next 30sec after that point you’ll find out 😊

[@simonhale3641]

@@GregVirgoe LOL. So I found out about 30 seconds after I posted! Cheers

[@GregVirgoe]

@@simonhale3641 it always pays to watch the video before commenting 😂😃

[@alanmills1213]

Are your new seats definitely from a 2016 Citroen? They don't look right to me.

[@GregVirgoe]

Well spotted, the seats are actually from a Renault Trafic 👍🏼😃

[@mikehumphs1124]

where did 12 and 13 go???

[@michaelcooke5050]

Paid £550 for mine from Ebay, bit dirty but okay, the seller said if in had ten he could have shifted the lot in a day

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes it’s crazy isn’t it. 😳😊

[@michaelcooke5050]

That was end of 2019 ! £1050 for a new now from peugeot at the time !!!!!@@GregVirgoe

[@Rob.1340]

👍🚐😎

[@GregVirgoe]

Cheers Rob

[@19Smudge77]

Any new updates ?

[@user-mk3hs6un1c]

Hi Greg great videos and tutorials would you beable to help me with an electric schematic for my build, i would happily donate to the channel Cheers

[@GregVirgoe]

If you can email me the details I will try and help. You can find my email address on my about page on KZbin. 👍🏼😃

[@user-mk3hs6un1c]

@@GregVirgoe thanks Greg 👍🏻

[@theot1248]

I think I would have just cut the existing double seat in half and make it look as nice as I could. Didn't look too complicated from underneath. I bet there are people out there who have done that?

[@GregVirgoe]

I remember Mel doing it with his sprinter. I know mine would look like a dog had chewed it off 😆😃

[@terrythomas3755]

Yeah, Mel did!

[@craftertewaka289]

Hi Greg enjoying the new build, taking ideas from both your builds for our VW MWB Crafter. Bought over 17 months ago converted, you may have seen it?, just ripped it all out. Looking at your Xpelair in your first build, couldn't find it on your Dropbox parts list. Heads up to where you purchased it from be much appreciated. Many Thanks David.

[@GregVirgoe]

This is the exact one that we used, I have chnaged the external vent grille for a fixed cowl now as we kept losing the flaps when driving. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314824469706?hash=item494d002cca:g:NfwAAOSwsgRksVEc&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwEeLt47JY2pUSwCOww89HnOYd4Ke4w6qwJJUgTVv0SZ00HkpNI0K3iHRRTxuntMQhVBJK1LVe4qwc0mGM0DYm8INxhFItcQ8wyay5%2BkiJAbz55BrHol012yuLCWERRtIXuetzZeTKTD90zOjzGViPSrBkqOb6ymLXRM8HeccwNPq0q23Z8m9oowNA%2FxV7o0EUt7dF7hJHOV7oSE205MgCgNJVVHstZgtY6NidJTZKXaLVlg5%2FvRXy%2B0%2BDuEFiJHCag%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_aRtYHcYg&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=3&campid=5338027957&toolid=11800&mkevt=1

[@GregVirgoe]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154075423803?hash=item23df9c643b:g:F8sAAOSwwmpeaQpE&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4L2uAgYRcblQRg2uhp%2BcbaCSBQ%2FlqC4qrYCpSGV8Y86qb%2B8Havyc2xe8TKBi%2BstTOkseNYc%2FhxqAtdXUjYfIgDHStiYbbQ0OfsKPkGu4kp9I%2Fb9cbV%2FhxldJk9Q3X%2Ffg%2FO%2By%2BZclKMtuJEQz0xp5NlaxAtRtCEcE%2Fxaig3CjomVe8mQ%2B4yUmQKnAXA9J1gP%2BC5Q822ak4ok%2FYB7Sm8GygXqguZPWqrfh1yVZTvr1YmGGgeHyRBiEaKCo2o68WePPzxxRojlaDVi1jr8vjElZlyRnTDRCEQySAz6e8gPscEmF%7Ctkp%3ABFBM-qDHgdxi&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=3&campid=5338027957&toolid=11800&mkevt=1

[@nigelburton7408]

Surely the simplest solution is just buy a new van and order it with two single seats? 🤔

[@nigelburton7408]

Also, they don't look remotely like original ducato seats? What are they from?

[@GregVirgoe]

You do know this is a budget van conversion so it is being done on a shoestring. You seen the cost of new vans 😂😊