Interested Listmember,

The middle seat intallation into my Westfalia is mostly done.  Just need
some bolts for the track/body connection.  Don't think the plastic plugs
will do in the case of an accident.;-)

First I drilled up through four of the plugs from under the van to
locate the track centerline.  Marked a 2 3/4 inch cut width and cut the
vinyl flooring with my trusty Olfa retractable knife and a straight
edge.  That left me something to follow with my circular hand saw.

The tracks are recessed.  The front cut must extend beyond the shorter
track
length to allow the seat track to slide on over.  Both cuts are the
lenghth of the longer track.  Since the circular saw only goes until it
hits the cabinets, the last 3 to 4 inches was done first by drilling
along the cut line and then with a chisel.  I'll paint the cut plywood
edges before bolting the tracks down.

If I remove the left side arm rest the seat will be able to slide on
over about another 4 inches.  I think I will not do this since the seat
is held in place horizontally by the door and the cabinets.  At least
not until I have it anchored to the tracks somehow.  Any tips on this
anchoring would be appreciated from those with middle seats anchored.  I
can picture an accident scenario where the sliding door opens and the
seat slides out with belted passengers attached. }:-0

It's a tight butt-squeeze to get into the rearmost seat without the
folding feature, but that will just be reserved for the not-horizontally
challenged folks and kids.  There's plenty of legroom in front of the
middle seat.  Only drawback is no access to the fridge while the seat is
in place.
--
Regards,
David Bogle
Brooklyn
'87 Vanagon GL Syncro Westfalia 6-Passenger