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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Marweav on October 03, 2021, 07:40:36 PM

Title: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Marweav on October 03, 2021, 07:40:36 PM
Coach conversion newb here...
Has anyone done this? I need as much seating capacity while parked. I would like to make my drivers' seat swivel 180 degrees to face back. Any help or pictures would be appreciated.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: sledhead on October 04, 2021, 04:11:33 AM
if you go with a rv seat you can get one with a swivel seat . I did that on the M C I . look at rv surpluss sites

dave
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: buswarrior on October 04, 2021, 04:39:41 AM
In your measuring and planning, be sure you have carefully included the step-up that hides under the back of the driver's seat.

That thing has ruined more busnut seat plans...

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Marweav on October 04, 2021, 04:48:12 AM
Thanks guys. Yeah been looking at that step up behind the seat and trying to figure the best way to accommodate it?
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: chessie4905 on October 04, 2021, 04:55:30 AM
Barber chair. Just pump raise lever and then rotate. Dentist chair should work too.

If you find a junk yard with some rv's. You could find a swivel driver seat and adapt it to your existing seat. Shouldn't  be that difficult.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Busted Knuckle on October 04, 2021, 06:08:49 AM
Also could go to "truck yard" and get a base for an air ride seat an put your rv swivel seat on it to raise an lower it!
:D  BK  :D
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: chessie4905 on October 04, 2021, 09:37:24 AM
yes, should give you enough range for that. at worst may need to raise base mount  height a little to get sufficient high setting.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Glennman on October 04, 2021, 01:22:13 PM
Nice bus. Looking forward to seeing your progress.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: windtrader on October 05, 2021, 08:38:27 AM
Has anyone researched the basic structural engineering minimums for a seat base? Would like to consider having a custom made seat and metal base. Seems like one could use make a exo frame for strength and securing restraint system, then bolt any seat they want on. 
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Marweav on November 18, 2021, 11:52:47 AM
Back to my original question is there anyone on this forum that has made their drivers seat swivel 180 degrees to face back into the bus?

Good input here, but I am looking for someone who has done it, in addition to great ideas.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Bearmtnmartin on November 18, 2021, 12:57:15 PM
You can buy the swivel no problem.

If you wait a month or so I can tell you how it worked for me. (Freightliner truck air seats.)

https://www.amazon.ca/Heavy-Duty-Swivel-Turntables-Rotary-Rotating/dp/B09DYGXX98/ref=asc_df_B09DYGXX98/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459440317670&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6660918368452264992&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9104668&hvtargid=pla-1437806987977&psc=1
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: chessie4905 on November 18, 2021, 01:02:57 PM
looks pretty descent. Surprised that it is that expensive for made in China.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: freds on November 18, 2021, 01:12:22 PM
Another think to consider is that you might have to move the seat further from the wall to accommodate it's width when swiveling so that it can turn around. Then that could affect your driving position with the steering wheel and foot controls.

It's something that want to do on my bus also. My passenger seat swivels where the drivers doesn't. I could measure that for you...
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Marweav on November 18, 2021, 04:14:47 PM
Quote from: Bearmtnmartin on November 18, 2021, 12:57:15 PM
You can buy the swivel no problem.

If you wait a month or so I can tell you how it worked for me. (Freightliner truck air seats.)

https://www.amazon.ca/Heavy-Duty-Swivel-Turntables-Rotary-Rotating/dp/B09DYGXX98/ref=asc_df_B09DYGXX98/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459440317670&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6660918368452264992&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9104668&hvtargid=pla-1437806987977&psc=1

Def let me know how it works out for you. On my bus I have a 5 way transmission retarder lever on the right side of the seat that will need to be moved elsewhere. Also I am trying to figure out if the seat will slide front far enough so that it will slide back far enough when swiveled to clear the steering wheel.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Marweav on November 18, 2021, 04:20:52 PM
Quote from: Bearmtnmartin on November 18, 2021, 12:57:15 PM
You can buy the swivel no problem.

If you wait a month or so I can tell you how it worked for me. (Freightliner truck air seats.)

https://www.amazon.ca/Heavy-Duty-Swivel-Turntables-Rotary-Rotating/dp/B09DYGXX98/ref=asc_df_B09DYGXX98/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459440317670&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6660918368452264992&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9104668&hvtargid=pla-1437806987977&psc=1


Saw this one on Alibaba, but a little apprehensive of purchasing there and waiting on a slow boat from China...

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Auto-Car-Seat-Rotating-before-after_60823314370.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_image.6929649ezxRRoJ
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: windtrader on November 19, 2021, 09:14:51 PM
Something to consider when buying life-saving parts and equipment if it meets developed country (USA, EU, etc.) safety standards. Nearly all product coming from Japan is substandard unless explicitly overseen by global standards and companies ensuring brand and company status.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Bearmtnmartin on November 20, 2021, 09:07:30 AM
I am sure you mean China and not Japan, where manufacturing usually meets or exceeds Western standards for quality and safety.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Bill Gerrie on November 20, 2021, 10:17:22 AM
My drivers seat swivels 90 degrees but just ran into an issue. To pass Ontario safety regs it has to have a tether strap to the floor to be legal. I just finished installing a strap as I need a test next week. I made the strap removable so I can rotate the seat when needed.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Marweav on November 20, 2021, 03:09:09 PM
Quote from: Bill Gerrie on November 20, 2021, 10:17:22 AM
My drivers seat swivels 90 degrees but just ran into an issue. To pass Ontario safety regs it has to have a tether strap to the floor to be legal. I just finished installing a strap as I need a test next week. I made the strap removable so I can rotate the seat when needed.

Hi Bill -thanks for the info. Do you have a step up behind your seat?
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Bill Gerrie on November 20, 2021, 07:17:34 PM
No. Just a flat floor then the sofa.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: windtrader on November 22, 2021, 05:09:22 PM
@bearmtn - yes massive brain fart on that one. China not Japan. lol
In fact, Japan does have insanely higher regulations on vehicles and recycling etc.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Bearmtnmartin on November 22, 2021, 10:00:55 PM
Quote from: Bill Gerrie on November 20, 2021, 10:17:22 AM
My drivers seat swivels 90 degrees but just ran into an issue. To pass Ontario safety regs it has to have a tether strap to the floor to be legal. I just finished installing a strap as I need a test next week. I made the strap removable so I can rotate the seat when needed.

My plan was to use seatbelts so I can quickly disconnect them to spin the seat.
Title: Re: '97 MCI DL3 Drivers Seat Swivel
Post by: Bill Gerrie on November 23, 2021, 05:18:37 AM
I can't see why that wouldn't work. I have ordered a set of adjustable tether straps as I also want to be able to rotate the seat.
https://www.wescoperformance.com/susetead.html