MK2 interior swap

[Dino D]

So idly looking at possible galaxy/sharan/seat models to replace our current galaxy, might go diesel as mileage may go up to 10-12k per year if I use it for work and play (currently does around 6k per year so V6 consumption is ok).

Now I have 4 original booster seats for the rear, the swiveling front seats (heated). They all in a matching grey velour that can with the early Ghia's (2002 model). They are all in great shape as although my car is 12 yes old it never saw heavy family use (I bought the boosters separately).

Now if I were to get a replacement Gal/Sharan/Alhambra I would want to keep my seats in the event the replacement doesn't have swivel heated seats.
It may also have larger or a different colour interior so in that case I'd need to swap out door cards too.

So my question is has anyone down:
1. Put swivel seats into a non swivel seat car.
I'm assuming the heated seats wiring is already present in all cars....

2. Swapped out the door cards and trim panels in the rear compartment

I'm sure it's possible but just wondering if there are any pitfalls or things to be aware of before even contemplating it.

[Mirez]

Yup swapped many interiors around and there are a few things to look out for.

The easy bits are the rear and door cards, they fit between all years of the Mk2 - the only thing to be aware of it the very early Mk2's still had a lap belt for the center seat where all others have the roof mount 3-Point belt.

Now the fronts do have a few things to look out for, firstly no - that's an incorrect assumption. If the car has heated seats the wiring will be in place else it won't. They don't pre-wire car's these days for equipment that isn't fitted. The second thing to look out for is the plastic tray the front seats sit on, you'll find the seats sit on a tray which holds the carpet down and tidys up the underseat storage boxes - there are about 4 different options here depending on year and spec. The wrong tray stop the seat from sliding as it catches - fortunately in all cases I've come across you simply need to add a spacing washer when you bolt them in.

[Dino D]

Many thanks for that Mirez.

I've done a full interior swap on my BMW Z3 which was fiddly (no space in there!). Those cars come pre-wired for everything...just plug and play.

Will stick to cars with heated seats in that case, we love those!

The swivel only gets used about 5 times a year when we at out somewhere and have a meal/ice cream in the car and sit with the kids. So it's not often used but something I just like to have, it seems pretty rare too.

[Fraz-ktf]

I've done this too.  Swivels will go in a non-swivel car and the door cards are a doddle too but the heated seats, well they are a nightmare!

You need to strip all the loom out of the donor car and it takes hours to do the swap and much as I love the toasty bum, I'd never do it again.

Mirez was my guru through the whole process 

[Dino D]

Hi Fraz,
I assume you mean putting heated seats into a car that had none before?
That's brave and can imagine that taking some time!