Ranger bench seat conversion

[dockman]

I have a 1993 482v with a full bench seat. I would like to convert to two buckets with a center step. When I remove the seat the fuel tank is exposed. So I will have to make some type of fill in/insert to accomplish this. Has anyone done this before? Pictures?

[banditbasser]

I did this on my last Ranger by cutting down the plastic seat frame and carpeting it.... see pics...

[bassnbeans]

hi doc, i just did the same thing that you want to do with my 361, i made a floor out of 5/8 plywood and put a edge on the ply with a 3/4x 2in. oak molding, i fiberglass the hole thing. [keep in waterproof].now on the back. i used a piece of plexiglass 3/8 thick. by 7in high x ithink it was 64 long. now if your boat was like the 361, the back part of the seat had arms at both ends, if thats so, you will see holes in the side of the hull. thats so you can get at the gas filler hose, i took 1/8 in, plexiglass and heated it up with a heat gun,and kinder bent or molded it to form a corner, then i put carpet on that, now you will see the plex. and the edge of the carpet, so i called ranger for some of there edge molding, i just slid both pieces into that, worked great, oh ya by the way i did have to make one more support for the plywood, out of alum.that was a cake walk. if i can help you out give me a call 978-688-3212 ask for bob beans. i got my buckets and step-up from [deans top and canvas] not cheap but it was want i wanted, not anything that looked bad.

[dockman]

Thanks for the ideas. The price for new skins from ranger is not too bad but I really want to loose the center seat.

[bkeenom]

Me too. That center seat gets in the way and passengers have a tendency to step on it

[Willamette519]

I am restoring a 1993 482V and may I ask,dockman, how much Ranger quoted you for the skins? I just got a quote for 450.00 for the seats to get recovered with non-Ranger skins. I have the glovebox insert that acts as a step. My 1994 481V had the same thing and it works well for a step.

I like Banditbassers seats and how he did it. That rocks but I do not know if I have the cahones to try that and I think 2 good seats and the carpet would run me 450.

[RangerRumps]

I replaced my skins last year and it was 475$ for the skins from ranger and was 400$ to have them put on by a shop. And they are already ripping because of you hsve to step on the seat to get on the back deck. next time around going to lose the middle seat....

[brady dunn]

Here is what I did with my 2001 520. Took out the bench and replaced it with two buckets from Ranger and a center step they made to match my gel coat. All together about $1,200

I am very happy with the results. No more steping on the center seat.

[Kris481VS]

I have a 1994 481vs my seat frame seems to be fiberglass..can i do the same thing. Has anybody done this on that particular seat model. Thinking about using a rotozip to cut even with back deck...please help me. Tired of these ratty looking seats.

[fishingman1950]

This may be some help... 482VS Seat Removal/Install

[christian7177]

Doing some remodeling myself but i can't post pics :(

[CaymasRodney]

Here is what I did with my 2001 520. Took out the bench and replaced it with two buckets from Ranger and a center step they made to match my gel coat. All together about $1,200

I am very happy with the results. No more steping on the center seat.

Brady, if i remember right you can do what you did only on the 500 series boats but for you other guys call Connie Hill at Ranger and she can tell you if it can be done or not at Ranger. That pill box is one handy item.

[twitch]

I redid my 374V which had the 2 wrap around buckets and middle step,Ranger wanted too much so i went with Bassboatseat store and got a set of buckets for $300 and left the middle seat out because of people stepping on it and it's easier to access back deck. I had to re-carpet the fiberglass bases because of underneath storage looks good to me .Would like to find some kind of box or something with maybe cup holders and place for sunglasses and such for between seats down the road a ways. [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]

[Reel Northern Bass]

How do I find out if the frame of my seats is Fiberglass or Plastic, without tearing it apart?

[t-bone]

My 96 361 has fiberglass base, yours being a 94 its probably the same. Call Ranger to be sure.