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Replacement Front Seats-Scheel Mann

Durwin

Charter Member
Full Member
Joined
Apr 8, 2002
Messages
1,352
Location
Sacramento, California
I've started to look for replacement front seats for my 2002 Avalanche since I can't find the front seat material. I'm now researching some good comfortable seats for long drives. I came across the Scheel-Mann company from Germany. The seats seem to be very well made and comfortable.

Does anyone out there have any practical experience with them? Here's an article from Expedition Portal:https://expeditionportal.com/testing-scheel-mann-seats-for-overland-travel/
 
Are you wanting to replace the whole seat including frame or just foam and covers?
Most members on the site have used one of two shops.......

or
 
Like @Vaeagleav posted Katzkins make a really nice product
 
I'm looking to replace both front seats.

Thanks for the suggestion, but that means I would have to redo the entire interior. I've gotten over getting pissed at GM not supplying the material for the seat cover. That was getting me no where. They only supply parts for 10 years now. So when you get done paying for your $50,000-80,000 truck, you have 48 months of coverage.
 
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Those Scheel Mann look sweet. I am not a fan of the factory seats. I'm the oddball that prefers firm, bolstered sport type seats. For a trick, my favorite seats were this in my old '91 S-10 Blazer. I'd toss those in the Avy in a heart beat.

On challenge you may face is the seatbelt. The seatbelt is integrated in the seat itself vs. bolted to the B Pillar. Again, not a fan of this design since it severely limits seat replacement.
 
From what I've found out the seatbelt doesn't have to be part of the seat but I’m looking at the version that is part of the seat. I’m thinking of the Vario F, but that could change.
I e mailed them asking for fabric samples.
 
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I'm going with the seats. The nearest dealer is in Berkeley. It's in the bay area, so it will be a while until I get out there.
Please share some pictures once you get them and let us know how the whole seatbelt thing works out. They look like fantastic seats. I never have cared for the seats in mine.
 
They look like a better than factory option for a refresh. Mine are still passable in my 2005, but looking for something new. Wonder how difficult the mounting is and how they integrate with the factory seat controls if at all? Yes, would appreciate to see how it all works for you.
 
In my research I found out that the seats do not have side impact airbags in them. They sell emulators that make the computer think that there is an airbag attached so they do not illuminate a warning light. The cost of the seat mounts are not included in the price of the seat. A couple of years ago I saw the seats in a Unimog at the Overland Expo in Flagstaff. I do have to admit, these seats make the factory ones look like something a high school shop class built in comparison. This is something I'm saving money for, but I think that between the seats, new suspension, steering components and new BFG tires, the Avalanche will seem brand new. Parts are starting to stack up in my garage, so I can see progress slowly being made.
 
I now have $1100 saved for seats! Home stretch. Hahaha.
Maybe in another year or so. Right now, I’m rebuilding the steering and suspension.
 
I just ordered a drivers seat bottom , foam core and leather. It is 4 weeks out due to material availability ! Normally a stock item they say!!
 
Did you try either link in my post above for the Seat Shop or Katzkin leathers?
 
This is along the lines of my ultimate goal with my Avalanche. I went to Mexico this summer for three weeks in a Jeep and if I'm going to stay for longer, I'll need to take the Avalanche:
 
This is along the lines of my ultimate goal with my Avalanche. I went to Mexico this summer for three weeks in a Jeep and if I'm going to stay for longer, I'll need to take the Avalanche:
WOW! That thing is amazing. Oh to have the funds to do something that crazy. I LOVE it.

Oh, and I want, want, want those seats.
 
Rather than put it all on credit cards, I'm saving money for the improvements. Right now, I'm researching trying to find a good suspension lift. BBFabworx mentioned in the article is not answering phone calls.
 
What's crazy is, if you read the comments, the dude is getting some seriously good gas mileage - far better than a stock rig. That's crazy with the power he's kicking out and 35" tires.
 
$2300 now saved for seats. I'm now looking for seat tracks that will work with the Scheel Mann seats.

 
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