I went the Sawzall routhe and covered the edges with duck tape. But
left the carpet as-is. This way it is still secret storage and you
don't have to worry that it does not look pretty because the carpet
hides it.

Chris

On 2/14/06, Stephen Steele <steeles@horizonview.net> wrote:
> I have no pictures but this is fairly straight forward and intuitive when
> you look at the seat bases.
> On the front of each front seat box is enough space for removal of
> approximately 2 3/4"by 14" of metal to expose the shelf that's already there
> but just not accessible.  The depth of the cut can be determined by sticking
> your fingers into the slot above the metal front and feeling the bottom of
> the shelf behind it. Once you've approximated this a more exact measurement
> (measure twice, cut once) can be made with some sort of feeler gauge/tape
> and then marked on the outside of the metal by pulling back the carpeting. I
> chose to retain the carpeting to "hide" the new compartment. The width for
> the opening can be varied, but I chose the widest possible cut to allow for
> my road atlas, with a little side wall left to allow for the carpet to be
> Velcroed on the two sides.  Feel around, you'll figure it out.
>
> Once marked for depth and width, I used a Dremel-like tool with a metal
> cutting disc to make the one horizontal and two vertical cuts. The metal is
> thick and sparks will fly, so take appropriate precautions.  Originally I
> was going to reinstall the cut out material with a bottom hinge to serves as
> a door.  But the stiffness of the carpet concealed the space nicely, two
> small vertical cuts in the carpet and a little Velcro(r) holds it place. I
> don't have to futz around with a latch when trying to open the door while
> seated.
> A layer of non-skid tray liner serves nicely to keep things from sliding
> forward even in panic stops.  The space is room enough for lots of small
> items like binoculars, CD/DVD player, music storage, cameras, etc.; freeing
> up space in the glove box and being much more concealed.  If you didn't know
> it's there you would never see it.
> This worked on my '87 Westy and I have plans to do the same on my '89.
> HTH.
> I got this idea from Kai Fregmon(sp) one of the famed Tierra del Fuego
> tripsters.
> BTW: He has a second LP tank installed (which I will do on Someday Isle) and
> also has installed a removable AC tunnel in his Westy and a clothes net on
> his rear hatch and... and... and.
> --
> Stephen
> Chillicothe OH
>
>
> on 2/13/06 23:00, rpc at populuxe59@YAHOO.COM wrote:
>
> > Hello,
> > I have donor swivel seat mechanisms from a fellow list member to install in my
> > Multivan. I am anxious to get them in before spring.  Does anyone have or know
> > of pictures/info on opening the front seat base to keep it usable? I can cut
> > it with a Sawzall, but would like to complete it for a finished look that will
> > hold the stuff I currently keep under there (first aid kit,music,binaoulars,
> > compass, camera).
> >
> > And, do I have to cut my battery cover? Or will a cover from a Westy base fit
> > in there? I am assuming they do use the same type of sheet metal cover.
> >
> > I was able to finally get a seat off the track and out. Was trying to pull it
> > back (wrong way)-- going on 2 years of trying. Looked it up in VW manual. It
> > goes forward. Simple.
> > Thanks,
> > Chris C 90mv
>