The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Bench seat options?

I’m getting close to the time when I can start my ‘51 streetrod project and I am collecting parts. Was wondering if you guys could tell me which vehicle from the junkyard provides the nicest bench seat in terms of fit and comfort? I talked to a fellow one time who had put a bench seat from an Isuzu truck in his Chevy. It looked pretty nice.

I have seen threads that an Astro van or Yukon 90's ish second row seat works well and has integrated seat belts and shoulder harnesses. Just what I have read.

A lot of the S10 conversion guys use mid-90s Chevy pickup bench seats. Nothing fancy, but they fit pretty well.

S-10 bench seat works well for me.

Ed

It makes sense that the S-10 seat would fit. Thanks for that suggestion. I’ll start looking around for one to test fit.

Anybody else have luck using another model seat??

I'm using a mid-90s Silverado seat, 60-40 type, the center seat folds down to a nice console/armrest.

Just a question, what's wrong with the factory bench seat? Why not recover the original? If you're springs are in bad shape, I've seen on other forums where guys have instilled plywood and cut out a thick piece of foam and covered it.

I have a set of bucket seats out of a 2000 suburban with integrated seatbelts. You need to measure your cab and see if a bench from a newer full size pickup will fit. Or find the S10 or Colorado seats.

silverado probably too wide for early truck. my '37 can only handle around 46". '40-early '47 grew a bit but not much before the AD's

Whitedog, I’m not a bucket seat kind of guy, so I’ll stay with a bench, but I thought that I’d put in a more modern looking seat instead of staying with the old original. Maybe leather?

Thanks Rusty and 37 GC. I’ll measure mine and take the tape measure with me to the salvage yard and see what possibilities there are.

I have seen a 47' with a 60/40 split seat from a mid 90's (insert "F" word here) Ranger. It had a fold down arm rest in the center and tilted forward, the width was spot on for the cab.

TUTS59..... putting a F*** seat in my Chevy??? Blasphemy!!!

I'm using a simple bench seat out of a mid 90s full size Chevy pickup. It fits perfect running almost from door-to-door. I'm using the stock 90s seat riser. It is extremely comfortable and moved me back about 4" even with the gas tank in its stock location.

I second TwoTone. I removed my original riser, welded in a 1” riser on the floor and bolted down a 1990 GMC Sierra bench seat using its pedestal. As mentioned, it sits just below the rear window, moves you back and down a lot, gives ample head room, and you can use the stock tank. I have had my bro in law and a buddy (both 6’3”) get in and they can’t believe that it has as much room as it does. I’m 6’ and it is the perfect “hang my elbow out the window and cruise height”. It does fill the cab from door to door with about 3/8” between the door and bench seat side, but I can overlook that. It’s not modern comfortable but the steering wheel isn’t in your stomach, you’re not pushed forward, and you can lean back and relax. Plus, the seat folds forward for access behind the seat. It’s been a great choice in my mind. I’m doing it again on the 1/2 ton project.

Fox, I love the seat you used. Looks like it belongs in an old truck. The slanted back must really improve the feel while driving. I always feel like my original bench seat back is pushing me forward and I can’t ever relax. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for one like yours. I appreciate your comments too Twotone! Thanks gents!!

I’m using the rear seat from an Avalanche.

It has been hard around here, to get a seat with driver’s position in good shape.

Ed

That might be an ingenious idea. The rear seats are in better shape than da front.

What I also like about them is this the easy access to the storage behind and underneath them. The bottom lifts up and the back folds completely forward. I have the TPI ecu and powered sub underneath. I have a new wiring harness that I plan on mounting the fuse panel there as well. I’m getting too old to contort my body to get under the dash!

Liking it more and more. Good job.

Dodge Dakota bench seat ($75 from the scrap yard) worked great for me after it was re-covered and some new foam was added. Raised it on an upholstered platform about 5 inches, with room beneath for subwoofer speakers and a hiding spot for my wallet. The seat back folded forward and was a good spot for the fire extinguisher. The rear back height was level with the rear window.
Cheers, John