My quebec vanagon mechanic has a pair of Reimo seats for sale. $500 (can)
the pair. They seem wider than stock vanagon seats, but Uwe says they can
swivel like the originals.

I think I'm going to buy them Monday morning.

*(Tuesday I leave on a  cross-country trip)*

(the original seats in my 82 vanagon, tho perfect in appearance, are
horribly uncomfortable after six hours driving - LET ALONE SIX DAYS -
springs sticking in my back)

The Reimo seat covers have a similar weave as the vanagon originals. But
this set's  covers are worn. The armrests are very sturdy. Uwe (mechanic)
showed me, by way of example, a vanagon GL armrest seat... and it's very
cheaply built compared to the Reimo seats he has.
Their armrests (left and right) are very solid. The foam is nice and
comfortable.

(I effin' want these things)
Didn't expect to undertake such an upgrade at this time, but cost is only
around $420 (u.s.d.)

To get rid of the original vanagon seats, my van symbolically will leave
forever the world of trying-to-be-stock vanagon. It already has many mods,
but this will make it a total hybrid.

I'll send before=after photos on Monday.