Recliner from a Captain's Chair

[genearnold]

I’d like to thank Bill Cantrell for his February 14 idea about using BMW seats to make recliners for his Airstream. He inspired me to try finding a useable seat since I’d had no luck in finding a small Lazy Boy type recliner. Looking on Craig’s List I found a captain’s chair out of a 2004 Dodge Caravan. It is in good shape and won’t miss my preferred gray by too much. If I don’t have a problem posting I’ll include some photos.

I cut two pieces of scrap 3/4inch plywood 19"X22" (this enabled me to fasten the two "J" bolts that hold the seat snugly to the top mounting board). I cut two blocks and fastened them beneath the rear support wheels in order to elevate the rear of the seat to a more comfortable position. Once everything was fastened to my satisfaction and was checked for stability, I fastened the bottom board to the top piece. It passed my wife's test for comfort (that's Bert in the photo), so we're good to go. We'll need a small foot-stool or hassock to complete it.

I have to figure what I'm going to trim it out with, probably some carpet. I haven't put it in the trailer yet so I don't know how it is going to look. However, it is much smaller than any commercial furniture that I could find so I thing it will do fine.

Oh, yes, $50.00 for the seat and about $5.00 for materials.

Gene

[funkill]

I'm just curious how you're going to set up the airbag!

Really though, it is a great idea.... I'm putting it in the back of my mind just in case...

[azflycaster]

What about the annoying bell and the seat belt light flashing?

[willyd]

Thanks for the pictures - makes a lot of sense - very creative.