Convert manual captains chair to power

[BarbandBob]

Have 010 Fleetwood Bounder with Flexsteel 217BUSR captains chair and want to add power. Is this possible and what`s involved? Can existing pedestal be removd and shortened, just purchasing a power unit? Carpet over base does not expose method of fastening. Thanks for any advice.

[BFlinn181]

I suggest you contact Flexsteel with your question. The seat is 5 years or more old, it might be cheaper to buy a new powered seat. You could also look in salvage yards for a used power seat, or even powered seat in a custom van.

[wmckinley]

Just did the drivers seat in my sightseer. Didn't want to replace seat. Not a straight forward process. Steps on mine.
1) remove seat from pedestal
2) pull carpet loose around base of pedestal. Bolt heads were under carpet. Nuts below floor.
3) find a power seat assembly. I got mine from a local shop called Sands. Perry oh.
4) measure collapsed height of assembly and cut same amount off base between bottom plate and swivel mount.
5) have it re welded by a good welder.
6) reassemble swivel mount back to base and mount power assembly to top of swivel. May need to add some mounts.
7) mount seat to top of power unit and wire it up.

I also added a power lumbar support

I only went over the major steps. It is a process. I just didn't want to replace the front seat. As said earlier, check with you coaches manufacturer to see if the have one that will just bolt in.

No pictures of process but here is the built unit.


Bill



Bill
2007 Sightseer 35j

[BarbandBob]

Thanks Bill. Is your seat a Flexsteel? Ours is and no longer available. Doubt if I can find a match. How much rise adjustment do you have? Will call Sands to see what they have.

[BarbandBob]

Thanks. Seat no longer available so will find power slide and modify pedestal.

[wmckinley]

BarbandBob

Have 3 in rise and about 6 in horizontal. Bob at sands had several when I was there last. Make sure you get one with controls. Verify wiring first thing. They are take-outs. I think I paid $75. Whole project ran me ~ $300 but $200 was for upholstery shop to install power lumbar

My seat was made by Winnebago I believe.

Good luck with project. Any questions feel free to ask.




Bill
2007 Sightseer 35j

[Bangorbob]

BarbandBob,
I took the power unit out of my class A drivers seat. It happens to be sitting in my shed collecting dust. If you wanted to send me a pm about it, maybe we can work something out.
Bob

[Sky Pilot]

Here is what you need. I accessed this from braddandhall.com a flexsteel dealer I have used in the past with good results.

6 Way Power Unit

Our Products: Parts and Accessories > 6 Way Power
SKU: Ped6way

6 Way Power Units Include
Power Unit, Switch, Switch Mounting Bracket and Wiring Assembly
(Specify Left or Right Side Sitting Installation) When Adding to an existing Seat you will need a new shorter pedestal 6.5"

Price: $395.00

• Switch Mounting Location:Select One Left Side Sitting Right Side Sitting

Inventory Status



Save and choose another





Add to Cart






6 Way Power Unit




Product Details
12volt Power Source and Shorter Pedestal Required
If Installing on Existing Non Power Seat
If you already have 6 Way Power you probably won't have to buy new units when ordering new seats. Power units are 3.75" thick in the down position, give you 2" of travel up and down and 7" of travel back and forth. Mounting holes on top of unit are 8" side to side and 11.5" front to back

[wmckinley]

Wish I could have had that for my coach. My seats aren't made by flex steel.


Bill
2007 Sightseer 35j

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by wmckinley

Wish I could have had that for my coach. My seats aren't made by flex steel.


Bill
2007 Sightseer 35j

If you're a bit handy, it could be adapted to almost any driver's or passenger seat.

[deandec]

Originally Posted by wmckinley

Wish I could have had that for my coach. My seats aren't made by flex steel.


Bill
2007 Sightseer 35j

I think all you need to do is match (or adjust) the bolt hole pattern of the chair to that of the power pedestal.

Almost always just four bolts holding chair to pedestal.

[Frutza]

I just got my seat motor in Elkhart, well actually, White PIGEON, it's just north of Elkhart in Michigan. There were like four different bolt patterns, if you can go there's a bunch of surplus stores with all kinds of goodies, worth the trip

[Sky Pilot]

Originally Posted by wmckinley

Wish I could have had that for my coach. My seats aren't made by flex steel.


Bill
2007 Sightseer 35j

My seats are not made by Flexsteel either but I am replacing with Flexsteel, the drivers seat has the Monaco power unit and Bradd and Hall, the Flexsteel dealer has an adapter bar to convert my non Flexsteel power unit to Flexsteel bolt pattern. It is just a universal bar that allows you to mix bolt patterns and should work for you also with the Flexsteel power base. If you read the write up, you need to shorten your base as the power unit adds about 3 inches in height. I did one myself in another coach by just using a good metal blade in a saws all.

[wmckinley]

Sky pilot.
Thank you for the info. My seat is already done, but if my DW decides she wants hers done I may go that route. We looked at bradd and hall but ended up not buying the flex steel since I couldn't get a solid match to my existing upholstery.

I did have them install front blinds and 2 couches for me though. Good work , fair price.


Bill
2007 Sightseer 35j