Just wondering? New Bench Seats for C Cab?

[jclary]

This old truck I am now playing with...it had the sliding tubular seat frame. The seats and the springs in the seat bottom and back were trashed. The springs were so rusted that they are crumbling. I am wondering if any of you guys have replaced the stock seats with any from a modern vehicle. I have often seen people removing the third seats from mini vans and suv's. Anybody know if any could fit inside the C cab frame with only minor modifications? I think I want to go that way instead of bucket seats.

John Clary
Greer, SC

Life... is what happens as you are making plans.
SDC member since 1975

[Sdude]

I put a bench seat combo from a 1996 Ford Taurus in my truck. It's actually two buckets with a fold out center console that contains cupholders and storage. It serves as a third passenger seat when not folded out. It fits a little high so I don't wear my hat while driving it. Since it was from a 4 door car, it does not tilt forward so that limits access behind the seat. I make do with that as I have installed a truck box in the bed to store stuff.

I like it. It is very comfortable. I bought the seat belts and the sun visors out of the same car so they all match.

Jon Stalnaker
Editor, Hawk Talks
Karel Staple Chapter SDC

[paxton bloR]

Hijclary,
I used aset of 64 daytona buckets seats in my 57 transtar hauler
for the most part they worked out very well
gary

[mbstude]

I had considered using Lark bucket seats in my '59 until I found a newly upholstered seat with the frame. (Mine had the cheapie non-framed seat). Only thing, it is newly upholstered in blue cloth and a nice "S" symbol stitched into the middle. It almost seems like a shame to recover it to match the Orange paint. [:I]

Matthew Burnette
Hazlehurst, GA

Biggs' H2O-Induction

[Milaca]

Might a bench seat from a Ford Ranger or Chevy S-10 fit? Anybody got one to measure the width of? These should be easy to find and the backs would fold forward.


Brent's rootbeer racer.
MN iron ore...it does your body good.

[DEEPNHOCK]

The center (longer) seat from Caravan's is what a lot of street rod guys are using for their larger pickups..
Grab a copy of Street Rodder Magazine and look at their advertisers.
Some of them are making kits to retrofit the seat complete with upholstery....
Or....

http://www.streetrodderweb.com/sch/02/seats/articles/index.html

(While you are at it, got to their rides section and jam some more Studebakers on there... Only three right now)
Jeff[8D]
http://rides.streetrodderweb.com/studebaker/index.html

quote:Originally posted by jclary

<snip>
I am wondering if any of you guys have replaced the stock seats with any from a modern vehicle. I have often seen people removing the third seats from mini vans and suv's. Anybody know if any could fit inside the C cab frame with only minor modifications? I think I want to go that way instead of bucket seats.

http://community.webshots.com/user/deepnhock

[DieselJim]

I have a set of good used springs. But they are in South Bend. Jim

[PackardV8]

Tall guys, when swapping seats, be careful which seat you choose. There isn't enough room in a C-cab to begin with. If the seat back is at all thick, it will sit too far forward and the lack of leg room becomes no leg room.

thnx. jack vines

PackardV8

[satdoc2]

These seats are from a 2008 Chrysler Van. Leather, 2 arm rests on each seat, cup holders. I paid $169, included shipping. These are the ones that fold down under the floor. I removed the lower folding parts. They still slide forward and back.
Allen

[jclary]

Good ideas so far. I am hoping to find just a simple bench seat. I don't care if the upholstery is a perfect match. Some folks have more invested in their mirrors than I plan to spend on this truck.

[DieselJim]

I had the seat lower built up and out on the cushion for leg support. It is a hassle to get my foot on the clutch pedal as my leg hits the steering wheel. Run the go pedal with my toes. The Diesel has air brakes so plenty of clearance for stopping. Jim

[Sdude]

[quote]Originally posted by mbstude

I had considered using Lark bucket seats in my '59 until I found a newly upholstered seat with the frame. (Mine had the cheapie non-framed seat). Only thing, it is newly upholstered in blue cloth and a nice "S" symbol stitched into the middle. It almost seems like a shame to recover it to match the Orange paint. [:I]


What's wrong with Blue and Orange. <h3> GO BRONCOS!!!! </h3>

Jon Stalnaker
Editor, Hawk Talks
Karel Staple Chapter SDC

[Milaca]

Another option may be to fasten plywood to the bottom and back frames, put 2 layers of 4 inch thick foam on the bottom and 1 layer of 4 inch foam on the back, and put new fabric over it which can then be stapled to the bottom side of the plywood. Havent you always wanted to be an automobile upholsterer, John?


Brent's rootbeer racer.
MN iron ore...it does your body good.

[jclary]

quote:Originally posted by Milaca

Another option may be to fasten plywood to the bottom and back frames, put 2 layers of 4 inch thick foam on the bottom and 1 layer of 4 inch foam on the back, and put new fabric over it which can then be stapled to the bottom side of the plywood. Havent you always wanted to be an automobile upholsterer, John?


Brent's rootbeer racer.
MN iron ore...it does your body good.

Believe it or not...I have gotten pretty good with a leather worker's awl over the years and have done some pretty good work (even if I say so myself). My Land Cruiser has won trophies with the original arm rest and vinyl inserts hand sewn to new upholstery. However, what I am really fishing for here is for somebody to tell me that they went to the local junk yard...picked out a seat from a xxxx model brand xxxx seat and plopped it right in. Besides...I probably have a year or three before I am at the stage where I'll really be ready to need a seat.

[Starlight]

I used a seat from a 92 Isuzu P/U in my T cab, fit was almost perfect. The seats fold forward for access to rear area of cab and they have the contour of a bucket seat....I have to raise it a little because it is not quit high enough for me, and I am 6'3" tall and there is plenty of head room....Can't see why this would not fit in a C cab just as well.....