The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Seat Replacement options

So I have my stock seat on my 65 C10 and it needs upholstery but what really bugs me about it is the foam is worn and the springs seem to be shot on the drivers side. I intend to keep the truck mostly stock for the near future with the 4spd 6cyl inline engine so I'm thinking the tank relocation is kind of a requirement if using a lot of newer truck seats. What seat would work with the tank in the cab? I've heard of the 88-92 chevy truck seats could work? I had gotten a 96 Chevy truck split bench but I sold it because it was too close with the tank and steering wheel and all. So I had planned to just get my seat re done and keep her original. Well the more I poke around the more I see that seat is trash since the springs are all busted up. I have access to a upull junkyard with like 3000 cars so I can probably pick up just about anything. What works?

I had the same situation. The upholstery shop told me they used high density foam to fix the seat. Been five years with no problem. Good luck.

Why not just get a donar seat in better condition?

My truck had a C10 4th generation (1988–1998) 60/40 split bench seat when I bought it (like the '96 seat you had) and my truck had the stock in cab tank. I have since relocated the tank to the frame and installed bucket seats.

What I learned: The reality is that removing the in-cab tank does not help leg room. The top of the seat hits the back of the cab before, or at the same time, as it hits the gas tank. The designers at GM based the tank design so it wouldn't limit leg room.

One thing that will help you with space between the seat and steering wheel is an aftermarket wheel with less dish. I did this, see post #26 here: Grant #992 steering wheel

If you are wanting a bench seat, and since you stated "I intend to keep the truck mostly stock" rebuilding the stock seat is probably your best bet, IMHO. I have yet to see any seat that looks "correct" in a nearly stock truck other than the original.

Hope this helps and good luck to Ya!

John

Because around here most folks want a hundred or more for a seat in similar condition to mine. You have to face it; the springs in a 50 year old seat can not be expected to be in great condition. Shoot my truck only has under 50k original miles that I know for a fact since it's a one family truck. Imagine the junk out there?!

John, I hear you on the originality but I also want comfort and functionality. If I could find a later model seat with integrated seat belts would be great but that would probably add more bulk to it. I'm going to keep looking at the junkyard at late model stuff and see what I find. Sometimes you find some very decent stuff. I saw on a 60-66 facebook page where a guy used a 90's F150 seat and it looked great. The thing is they sell real nice seat upholstery kits for a lot of common pickups out there for just under $200. Thanks....

On another note; the factory bench seats on our trucks although stock aren't exactly the best looking or most comfortable things lol.

I am pretty sure if you put a Ford seat in your C10 that you will be banned from this website...

(just kidding)

I used a '95 Ford Lariat F150 bench seat in my '62 c-10. They are pretty cheap at a pick and pull, and sometimes you can even find one that has been recovered in the color you want. The Ford seat is all foam on the inside and there are plenty of foam replacements if needed. Fits like it should be there. I also have an in cab gas tank, but I changed the steering column and went to a smaller steering wheel. If you opt for a smaller steering wheel, you will probably need power steering.

If you decide to go the route of something later, it's definetly worth holding on to the original piece irrespective of its condition. Original bench seats are the benchmark for originality (I know, I couldn't help myself) And since they're the one major part no one's yet reproduced, once they are gone they're....well... GONE. Seen all sorts of appalling mismatches over the years. Once saw one with a Tremmec TKO. Owner chopped heavily into perfectly good seat rather than relocate shifter. Yeah, be warned, they are out there wandering among us and look kinda normal.

So this weekend I disassembled the truck for body work and I confirmed there is a piece of outer spring missing.