The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Suburban seating

I know the topic of seating has been discussed quite a bit in the past but has anybody tried school bus seats in a 1952 Suburban? Anybody know the width on all the seats? Thanks, Brian

The thought of using school bus seats has occurred to me several times. I haven't had the opportunity to physically compare the two side by side but I think they would be a very close match. I think also they could be adapted for the 2nd seat position fairly easy as I think the width between the two is comparable. The bus seats may not be wide enough for the 3rd position. The height between the two may be radically different also. I am going to try to make a physical comparison as soon as I can find a school bus seat. Will take some pics and try to describe the differences.

Weeds

Thanks for the input. I'll be looking forward to what you find out. The bus seats are just about free anywhere you go and of course we all know suburban seats are not! My 'burb has the front drivers seat (extra wide) and no front pass. seat. Is the smaller seat the same as in a panel?

In a Sub the passenger front seat folds up against the dash to allow entry to the 2nd and 3rd seats. I don't think the Panel passenger seat does this. Not sure. Someone else will chime in with the correct answer. Tim?

Weeds

The optional 47-55 Panel passenger seat is not at all like the Suburban right-front seat. Even trying to make one work in the other truck would be a lot of work - the floor platforms are different (among other factors).

School bus seats seem an option worth checking out and measuring.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Sl6yuLItMlnH0RvbECO0Og?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GXbzMkkvOahLmtVlJXQzeg?feat=directlink
School bus seat measurements,
Height 36"
Width 39"

Suburban 2nd seat measurements
Height 30"
Width 39"


School bus seats are bolted to the wall on one end and are bolted to the floor on the aisle end. The leg on the bus seat would have to be cut off and a duplicate of the bottom of the Sub seat welded on. The cushions could be used as is. This would be for the 2nd row seat only. The bus seat frame would have to be lengthened for the 3rd row seat and a duplicate of the bottom of the Sub seat welded on as for the 2nd seat. The seat sockets on my 49 are the same distance apart for the 2nd and 3rd rows. I still don't have the smarts to link pics. I may have linked twice. Bear with me.

Weeds

Out of dumb luck I picked up a VW van center seat from a salvage yard for $35.00

It measures 44" wide X 31" high and 22"deep with these measurements it is a great inexpensive candidate for a second seat. It also has one arm rest on the RH side like the subs.
You would have to modify it for correct mounting points.

My long term plan is to have a local pipe bender and welder duplicate the 2nd and 3rd seats to match the original specs.

If you need an inexpensive seat frame for a Burb or a 2nd seat for your panel truck this is the ticket.

Another alternative would be a rear seat out of a jeep.

Dave Murray
[email protected]

Not all schoolbus seats are bolted to the wall. My Burb was used as a rural school bus and had bus seats still in it when I got it. They had 4 regular legs with round feet. They looked so close to the Burb seats I thought I had the original three rows of seating, but later found out about the floor mounts. I do agree with the measurements Weeds gave (the seats looked too tall in my opinion). If I can dig up some old pics I will.
As far as the Jeep rear, you would have to build a frame for it it sits right on the tub. I own a Jeep and can get measurements if someone wants to go this route.