I have a seat frame that has been completely stripped of material. I need to positiion a new steering column. Question: How many inches of foam padding should I add to seat bottom and seat back to simulate the position of an original seat? Thanks
The repop seat padding kits being sold for reupholstering the seat bottoms and backs indicate they include a layer of burlap (maybe 1/32"), a layer of cotton batting (approximately 1/2" uncompressed), and a 1-1/2" thick foam pad that goes on the bottom section before topping with the seat cover. Most appear to include just one (1) sheet of the foam for the seat bottom, so the cotton batting and burlap sheet is used for the bottom and then on the face of the seat back before covering.
I think a 2" thick foam pad would probably simulate an appropriate seat bottom thickness for test purposes. Perhaps a double or triple folded thick blanket (don't use the other half's good blankets - ) laid on the back seat section would be sufficient to simulate that thickness.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
This might help, although if you don't have the original steering wheel position, it won't.
If no one else chimes in I could go out and measure my seat cushion for you.
[on edit] Dan, I think he was asking about seat frame to top and front of cushion, not top of springs to top of seat. Maybe Pat can clarify.
Last edited by klhansen; 07/01/20269:49 PM.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
I have a Glide Engineering seat frame specifically built for our AD trucks, so assume that it is roughly same height as an original seat. So I am after how much padding to add to the bare seat frame and seat back to get a rough idea of how I would be sitting if the seat had complete upholstry. Once I had simulated an original seat, I would then situate the IDIDIT steering column to fit my body as best I could.
I have plenty of foam pieces so based on what Dan said, I am going to do say 2.5 inches of foam on the seat and maybe 2 inches on the seat back.
I willl report back once I fit the steering column iinto the cab.
It will be a few weeks since I am need a second person to help with the steering column.
Thank you guys for helping me see my way thru this.
I had to look up the Glide Engineering seat frame. That's a pretty cool seat frame.
So you're looking for the dimensions from the top of the seat riser to the top of the seat, and the thickness of the seat back, correct? But you could do with a lot less thickness with that seat frame, giving you more room in the cab. But you probably want pretty close to original height, unless you're a low rider.
I can get those for you tomorrow.
Last edited by klhansen; 07/02/20263:28 AM.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Original seat dimensions with seat adjusted all the way back Top of seat bottom from top of seat riser. 9" at front, 7.5" at rear Front of seat back from rear of cab 7" at top, 12" at bottom.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
) laid on the back seat section would be sufficient to simulate that thickness.
