I didn’t get a reply, but will tell you and anyone else finding this what I’ve found out in the meantime.
VAG = VW Audi Group, which includes VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda. Basically the platform on which the transporter is built makes most seats from the group compatible (caveats below), but needs an adapter plate to move the seats to the correct position as car seats are offset. These plates are sold by
Transporter HQ (THQ) and by Rob at VW Transporter mods on facebook
here. I’ve found Rob to be extremely helpful and he will fit them for you if you are able to get to him (inc wiring up electrics). He produces a loom for this as well I believe. You could just get the non swivel ones from THQ but I’d recommend Rob’s for the extra support you will get from him.
The catches I have found so far:
1) If you are in a T6.1 (not clear from above) then the heated seats can be made to work but you will either need an aftermarket switch solution (he does one) and someone who knows how to wire them in, or purchase the climate panel which has heated seats controls, get it wired in and get it coded as this is into the CANbus. Easier in T6.
2) You say you dont need swivels, but in case anyone else comes across this I’ll save you some time - not all swivels are the same and some may or may not work with the adapter plates. The THQ ones say they only work with Rusty Lee swivel bases which have a pretty poor rep on here. Rob recommends the CMC seat bases, but I wasn’t convinced they are properly crash tested, so I wasn’t keen. He has told me they will work with my conversion company’s choice of Reimo swivel bases. From what I can tell, it’s down to where the lever is as if it’s on the side it can interfere with the brackets, if on the front I think ok but DYOR.
3) Some info says that only seats from the vw
MQB platform will work. I dont think this is correct, as mine are from an Audi S8, which is not on the MQB platform, but these fit and the guy I bought them from (
this eBay seller) specialises in transporter seats and says pretty much any Audi, Seat, Skoda or VW seat from same generation will work. This was definitely true of mine as he kindly delivered them and had them fitted in his van to demo, with electric adjustments working. Would also recommend Ryan as he knows his stuff, owns a transporter and delivered mine an hour away for free! He also knows Rob.
4) Some seats dont have all controls on the seats. In general I have found VW seats seem to have more on the seat vs Audi. Heating is one, but also mine have ventilation and massage function plus memory, but the ventilation and massage are controlled from the Audi media system so wont work (not a massive problem) and memory seats from buttons on the doors. I am hoping to find a solution to that but will see.
In short, your golf seats should be fine if they are from same generation as your van, just buy the adapter plates from Transporter Mods and speak to Rob via messenger to be sure and to get help with wiring them in if you need it.
