The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs I am new to Stoveblot & have a couple of questions

I have a 49 Chevy ½ Ton Panel truck which I have been working on for about a year. In the next couple of months the paint should be dry and I could be out cruising in it but… I need something to set on other than an old 5 gal paint bucket. Can anyone tell me if I can put a bench seat from an early Chevy truck into this truck without modifications to the floor pan?

The weather stripping and rubber bumper locations are driving me nuts. I have purchased every old Chevy manual I can find and looked through a ton of old Chevy parts catalogues and am pretty sure I know what kind of weather stripping I need and where a lot of it goes but not all or most of it. If any of you have pictures or a lead on a book(s) that has this information I sure would appreciate getting the information from you.

Thanks

I have seen bench seats used in the panel retaining the original panel floor pan. Use the search features to find weather stripping information. If i get time i will see what I can find if you don't.

Alan Horvath's tech tip

John, I put 2003 (99-2006) Silverado bucket seats in my 52 panel and they sit on top of the seat riser. I think your 49 probably is the same. Most want seats with the built in seats belts.
Buckets in my panel...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r19/LutherParris/52Panel/Panelseatsect097.jpg

Note: I used bolts that went all the way through the seat riser and used BIG washers on the bottom for strength "just in case".

I do know several guys have used the seats for a Buick LaSabre. Depends on what your after. Hope this helps.

If you don't want to drill new holes and you want to use the stock holes, you need to make an adaptor plate/bars/brackets that fit the stock holes and provide the necessary holes for whatever seats you want. Stock panel seats come up now and then on here and Ebay.

This is great information. Thank you all very much!

On my 51 Panel
I used the leather seats from a 2007 Mercury Mariner that was wrecked with only a couple of thousand miles... The late model auto recycler sold them to me for
a scant $200! They are two toned leather, heated, and the driver side is powered.
( I believe the seats in Explorers and Mountaineers are the same).

I set them in, drilled holes for the brackets, and they look and feel great.
They sit a little high. I may cut down the front brackets slightly to lower them, but
at least I have a comfy seat. Also, John, please install shoulder harnesses (Juliano's is my preferred vendor) while you are sizing up for seats. A good hit in one
of these old trucks could bust a guy up pretty bad, so be safe!
Mike

John,
take a look around. Stovebolt has a wealth of knowledge here & Welcome.

a must check out is tclederman's clickit
http://www.1954advance-design.com/

Book: ASSEMBLY MANUAL

Welcome John Ward.
I used weather stripping from a travel trailer around my doors back and front with amazing results .i used the1/2" on the front and 3/4 on back.
I can send you a few pics if you like.
I used Astro van seats,my time back i would have gone Achipmunk's way with the built in belts.
Good luck with it.
Len