Swivel over battery; something doesn't feel right

[T6ixer]

Hi All

I'm wondering if someone could shed some light on a situation. We had a swivel driver's seat, when we took the van to get the battery converted I got a phone call asking if I wanted a height adjuster installing on the chair. I said yes, if it would make a difference. However, when we collected the van he has taken out our swivel base and replaced it with a static base. (was not told he was going to do this and it was implied that it would be an extra that was added) Now this doesn't really make a difference to us as we have a double front passenger seat. But when I asked I was told because we have a lithium battery, installed it needs more room which the static base provides the swivel base was too low. (Fair enough) but I was talking to someone who owns a tesla and him was saying he puts stuff in the front of his car surrounding the battery. So it got me thinking about my seat base.

Anyone know if this is correct what has happened?

 

[rod_vw]

It all depends on which manufacturer the swivel was from. Sportscraft make a swivel specifically designed to fit over a leisure battery, others have the centre swivel bearing protruding too low to accommodate a battery below.

 

[T6ixer]

As far as I know it was an original swivel. The was a battery there originally, I just wanted to change it to a lithium.

 

[rod_vw]

As far as I know it was an original swivel. The was a battery there originally, I just wanted to change it to a lithium.

If the swivel was an original Volkswagen installation it would have been impossible to simply remove it as it is part of the lower seat structure. I suspect that you had one of many versions of after market swivel which would not have provided clearance for the new battery.

 

[DXX]

Sounds like a communication issue, always best to get a written quote with scope of work included.

 

[T6ixer]

Thanks, like a say not overly bothered as we can't use it anyway because of the double passenger. But just got me thinking maybe he swapped it because he needed it and tried to be sneaky thinking I wouldn't realise.

 

[DXX]

Thanks, like a say not overly bothered as we can't use it anyway because of the double passenger. But just got me thinking maybe he swapped it because he needed it and tried to be sneaky thinking I wouldn't realise.

The swivel that was removed is your property, I hope you got it back?

 

[T6ixer]

No he kept it. Said if I wanted it back in would have to buy it as he replaced my base for a static one ( charged me £50 mind)

 

[Deaky]

Sounds like you've been had in the net. I'm guessing we are talking OEM swivel because you loose the height adjustment from your seat with this option. There is no difference between seat clearance with the OEM swivel and non swivel seats.

Has he done a straight seat swap? Were your seats custom upholstered or OEM fabric?

 

[T6ixer]

Yes I believe it was the OEM seat. Yes, I think a straight seat swap, he mentioned about having to strip it down though? The seats had OEM fabric.

 

[Lubrown]

No he kept it. Said if I wanted it back in would have to buy it as he replaced my base for a static one ( charged me £50 mind)

Bit late now but I wouldn’t have paid at all personally - never do unless I’m completely happy, not unless he’s got it in writing he can keep everything he takes off the van (with your agreement he takes it off).

Now it’s done I guess you just need to determine how bothered you are about it and that will guide whether you go back and tell him you want the base back or just let it slide.

Is it a local VW specialist - someone we all need to be aware of?

 

[T6ixer]

I'm more bothered about the lies, as mentioned above I can't use it anyway. He also kept my splitter when he put on a body kit and told me it broke when taking it off. I dunno it all just seems a bit fishy. He also mentioned about having some money problems so maybe I'm doing 2+2=5 or it could all be genuine. I don't want to name names on here but happy to tell you in a private message.