I have noticed this same thing and dealt with it in just the way you
propose. It is not quite as simple as you might hope. For one thing,
there are different versions of the Westy hinges. The standard common
ones are for a less than full width bed. The difference is in the
driver's side hinge only. The hinge on the driver's side is different on
a full width Westy bed in that is is shaped to fit into a depression in
the engine lid shelf differently than the 2 person seat bed hinge does
on the driver's side.

The cleanest solution is a bed assembly from an 84 Wolfy Weekender. This
will slide into place and fit properly.

Later Wolfy Weekender poptop model beds also fit, 85-87, but these have
slightly less space underneath and are not exactly as wide as is proper
to fit the GL interior side panels.

The bed assembly from a 80-81 Westy model P22 will also work great, but
the lower face plate was woodgrain finish only and has unsightly holes
for things that you would not have. You might want to cover the face
with formica or something to get a better color match and cover the holes.

In all cases the rear foam cushion from the 87 GL is not a perfect fit
with a Westy bed but this can probably be lived with by sliding it
forward against the bed when sleeping.

Mark

Jake Beaulieu wrote:
> What is the difference between these creatures?  I recently purchased a 1987 Vanagon Syncro GL.  This is a passenger van with a rear seat that folds into a bed.  I have noticed that the height of the storage compartment under this seat is much lower than in my 1982 Westy.  I am basically interested in retrofitting the full width rear seat in my Syncro with the hinge mechanisms from a Westy bed in the hopes of gaining storage space.  Can this be done?  I tried to distill this from the archives, but got really confused trying to differentiate a Z-bed, from a sofa-bed, etc..
>
> thanks much,
> jake
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