Billo57,this is what I came up with when I was asking the same question.
1947-1955.1 seat Look at the curve on both sides of the seat rear sheet metal.
1955.2 to 1959 seat Look at the curves on the 1955.2 to 1959 seat,no square part to it.
Ive noticed the seat cushions are built differently between the years 1947-1955.1 . same shape and size,just built differently with the springs and wire.
Ive also noticed the seat cushions are built differently between the years 1955.2-1959 . Same shape and size,just built differently with the springs and wire.
That being said,just recover the 55.2-59 to to whatever you want.They will work,no problems.
The front seats are the same as well.
Jim Carter told me the 55.2-59 seats are more rare,due to more of those years were crushed. I don't know if it's true or not.But i do know Ive seen more 1947-1955.1 suburbans than 1955.2-1959 suburbans.
My photobucket album has a lot of pictures of seats as well.
Hope this helps you.
Tim