84 LE Driver Seat Removal

[joedmnav]

Does anyone know a better way to take out the drivers seat?
I see the four bolts but would like to know if i have to takeout
the rails that also secures and adjust the seat.

Just trying to replace the seatbelt buckle. Looks like a lot of work!

Thanks for any input

[AD2101]

How I've always done it was*:

1. Remove the front two 14mm bolts
2. Slide the seat forward and adjust the back of the seat so you can get a socket on the back two 14mm bolts
3. Remove the back two 14mm bolts

You'll have to jimmy with the loose seat for a second to get it free of the rails but you don't need to remove the rails or anything like that. Once you've done this enough times you'll get to NASCAR level speeds on this.

*I've only owned 86 - 89 vans, I can't imagine the process is much different for a 84 - 85 van.

[joedmnav]

Thanks for reply. Cant believe i got to do all that just to replace the seatbelt buckle.

[VanCo]

:roflmao: It's four bolts!

[AD2101]

Cant believe i got to do all that just to replace the seatbelt buckle.

I hated working on cars until I got my first van and, for whatever reason, I love working on these things and I learned practically everything I know about cars from working on Toyota Vans. After years of being tortured by basic van maintenance, every once in a while I'll work on literally anything else and I'm so impressed by how easy it is to work on by comparison.

Needless to say, we don't drive these things for ease of maintenance. We're all masochists in some way otherwise we'd be driving Civics or Corollas or the like. Enjoy the pain and know that wherever you go you're the coolest looking person on the road doing it. :LOL2:

EDIT: As VanCo pointed out, it's just 4 bolts. Come back when you've timed your air filter replacement time compared to practically anything else ever made. Or when you have to pull the passenger seat out to do spark plugs lmao

[joedmnav]

These vans are bulletproof and never ceases to amassed me. Bought it new in 1984 in Houston, TX at 360K it survived my 4 teenage boys
parked it for several years by choice, drove it up to Vancouver, Canada where it now resides with me. Never failed me in anyway.
Starts right up, idles smoothly and pulls strongly. Definitely needs body work, a/c and some minor cosmetic touches.

For the life of it, I only changed the spark plug only ones. The PITA air filter only twice or three times max.
Anyhow, planned to restore completely.

Sorry got carried away. Too much time in quarantine and social distancing.

[joedmnav]

Done!! thanks for the tips.:LOL2: