The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 1950 Suburban Shell w/o Seats question

I have a rust free 1950 Suburban shell that is sitting on a frame. Previous owner put new front floor panel in without seat riser. Missing all seats. Trying to decide whether to locate and install original factory seat set or, modern seats that would tilt forward for access.

Thoughts appreciated to help me decide what direction to take .

Tom

Tom I have a factory seat riser if your interested in going that route


Person-to-person offers should be made in a Private Message - Thanks

In reality you're choosing more than just which seats to use, you're deciding the entire future direction of this truck build - restored or modified.

There are occasionally some original Suburban seat sets on Ebay, but they cost a fortune. Check out MNSmith's build thread - he fabricated his own set of very original looking Suburban seats.
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1286813/24.html

Since my truck was an economy build I went the other route and used a cheap set of GM buckets.

My son has a 49 3800 panel. He used 94 Silverado buckets. They have the tilt and slide action that was used up until the 3rd door was added to extended cab trucks. You can climb over/between them easily enough, they sit on the stock floor just right with the 94 risers, and you can easily find covers for them. Not super common as most were 60/40 split bench but you could go that route as well. I think the 3rd door was a 1996 option.

I used Silverado seats, 2003 I think, in my 52 panel and loved them. Driver seat is power, reclines and seat belts are part of the seat. Also has fold down arm rest. A nice set can be had for good prices at pull a part places. Mine were nice fabric for $250 but you may fine cheaper if you go this route.

I used I think 2004 Chevy Tahoe. I picked up leathers buckets and back seat for around $325. Like others I liked that the sealbelts were built into the seat#. If you go this route you should add strengthening plates under the floor boards as seat are only thing holding you in case of accident.

I also used a bench from a 1988-94 Chev truck. It’s a little wide but installed easily enough. I’m 6’ and used a 1” riser on mine. I find that height perfect for elbow out the window cruising height. It fills the cab from door to door, with about 1/4” between door and seat, but I can live with that. It folds down, lots of under seat storage, my wife can reach the pedals (5’7”), and it was cheap. $100for the seat, $60 to have it cleaned. I love those seats.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/1YFEho6LeGdE9EQPA

Well I guess I made up my mind and found two stock front seats - after all. For my taste, it felt better to stay true to original. I need to better understand if reinforcement steel was used under the passenger seat. I replaced the entire front floor on this suburban with the larger floor assembly rather than piecemeal in the left and right patch panels.

Found the seat riser too.

Next steps - can someone take measurements for the location of the riser? And same for passenger seat? And send me a picture of your measurement sketch? PM me for my contact information.

Wish there was a catalog seat cover kit available for these.

I think there was a square piece of heavy gauge sheet metal tack-welded to the floor under the "jump seat" (maybe TrknGMC, or others, will post some info?)? I think that photos have been poster here, over the years.

Jim Carter sells a 47-55st Suburban upholstery set. Maybe you can find it in his on-line catalog. Or, call him.

There were two slightly different-width seat cushions used on 47-55st Suburbans (I do not know when the change took place). Jim Carter's upholsterer should have the patterns for both sizes. My guess is that 1950 would have the slightly smaller seat cushions (the size that JC normally sells)?

Also, Jim Carter's Suburban Suburban upholstery installation kit does not contain one of the original layers of "stuffing" material - a coir matting layer (some members have used a piece of heavy/firm-nap carpet under the top soft/fluffy-material layer).

Thanks, Tim. I’ll see what JC offers and measure the seats I acquired. Not sure if they are the wide or narrow seat. But to be honest, a wider seat is better suited for me according to Karen. Not sure what she Is implying ...

I think there was a square piece of heavy gauge sheet metal tack-welded to the floor under the "jump seat"

You would be correct. "Check attached photos"

xfiles

Perfect! Thanks Jorb, much appreciated. I showed your pictures to Karen, and she said, that because she will be the driver, and I the passenger, a 1/2” piece of hardened plates steel would be best for my wide...

(I am beginning to get a sense that resentment is creeping into our relationship)

Thanks, jorb

The "plate" wasn't that thick.

More pics.

Thanks, Mark,

What gauge steel do you suppose it is?

Is it as thick as 1/8"?

No. When I have a chance, I'll see if I can't get an actual gauge. Hopefully before my day is over.

This is helpful information.

Looks to be about 3/32".

Thanks, Mark