Seat & Screw Question
 

Hi Guys,

Since I'm new here, I'll be posting LOTS of questions on a variety of topics.

This is a 2 part seat question about our '59 short fleetside:

Question #1: In the picture is the bottom of our bench seat (original red seat material was covered over), are the square "ports" some type of vent on the bottom of the seat? I've not seen anything like this before......why are they there?

Question #2: The bolts on these "ports" and in other areas of the truck look to take a special bit to remove them. What is the special bit called and where can I buy a few? Are they called "Clutch Head Screws"? Do any of our sponsors sell the bits?
Thanks,
Tod

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

Need a better picture of the bolts/screws.

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

I'll try to get a closer picture tomorrow. But, do you know what the "cut-outs" on the bottom of the seat are for? Have you ever seen this before?

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

The cut outs aren't on either of two seats I've got. The stocker on my '55.2 and a second one from another TF, but I don't know which year. Maybe none of us have ever seen an original-from-the-factory seat? Or possibly an original GMC seat?

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

Interesting....I see Brothers Truck Parts sells the Clutch-head socket set for about $20. I'll be ordering those and taking the "flaps" off the bottom of the seat. I'll take a few pictures upon disassembly and post here.

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

My '57 seat has those too.

I can only guess but I'd say the seat bottom is sealed with the metal so mice can't get in there. The rubber with the slit in it allows the area to breathe.
They have to breathe to let out the flatulence.

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

Whose? The mice or ours?:lol:

Roger's probably right. Maybe this was factory original. Lot of ours trucks were farm trucks. Lot of rodents on farms. How many of our trucks are really likely to have original upholstery after sixty years? That's probably why so few of us have seen this setup.

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

if they are clutch head screws, you can typically use a flat head screwdriver to remove them

http://www.classychevusa.com/cartimages/prd_lp_401.JPG

i have to say; i've owned/driven tf trucks since 1973 and have never seen that treatment under the seats
not saying it isn't stock/oem, just never saw that

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

My 57 original seat has them as well. R/Jim

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

I have been able to remove them with a #1 square bit BUT it made the bit and the screws unusable just switched to torques afterwards but for a full factory restoration the tools are sold and if your playing with a lot of 50s cars it may be wise to invest in one

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

you'll find those screw heads on damn near everything on gm vehicles up to around 64. Its wise to get a screw driver for them. I got one off of a snap on truck, but they are available at other places. I you use a flat head screw driver, it'll work on some but you may destroy the head on some of the rusty/stuck ones.

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

My '57 seat is built like this. It makes a great home for mice.

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

Welcome. They are so farts have a place to drain, other wise the seat would start to poof up over time. Most aftermarket places sell a set of 4 clutch head drivers. Proto, etc also have them for rachet drives, I just use a pair of vice grips on the shaft. If it will not unscrew it usually breaks off.

Re: Seat & Screw Question
 

My truck has the same set up for the seat '59 GMC