The Definitive 67-72 Seat Swap Guide Thread ....

[72longbed]

I'm starting a new Thread here on successful seat swaps that members have done in the 67-72 cab. Let's share with our fellow members the pictures, Posts, and details of what you have done over the years, and what it takes to make your choice of seat fit into our trucks.

I know we have visited this topic in bits and pieces over the years ... but I'm hoping we can all join in once again and share the more indepth secrets to getting later model seats to fit our trucks, and the modifications to seat frames, ride height, leg room, etc., that it took to make a good, safe fit.

I'm hoping what we can do here is learn and list the years (73-87) or (88-98) etc., etc., that retro quite easily and ride the most comfortably for the 67-72 cabs.

Thanks,
72longbed

[Flthead]

I put a 91 style bench in my '70 and my ' 82. Had to modify stock mounting brackets but much more comfortable on back then the stock seats. Also just picked up same for my '64 Lwb fleet

[72longbed]

Thanks FLT,
lets see some pictures of the 'finished product', and maybe if you can share with us the 'modifications' you had to make to the frame legs?
Thanks for your input.


Remember folks, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

[Flthead]

It's dang cold an snowing out there now but get out there Sunday an get some pics for ya

[Wootdog]

I put 1998 Pontiac Bonneville Gray Leather buckets in my 67 C10. I had to drill two new holes for the inside bolts. I then put a large piece of metal flat rod underneath to keep the bolts from pulling out if I were in an accident. They have a switch that controls them that I mounted on the home made console. Nine way power for both seats. Not that there is much you can do inside the cab with it's dimensions. They are real comfortable. I got them on Craigslist for a hundred bucks. The wiring and switch came with them. The switch was intermittent. I found a used one on Ebay for fifty bucks. Best thing I have done for comfort to it so far.
Kerry in Va Beach.

[gruveb]

Originally Posted by Wootdog

I put 1998 Pontiac Bonneville Gray Leather buckets in my 67 C10. I had to drill two new holes for the inside bolts. I then put a large piece of metal flat rod underneath to keep the bolts from pulling out if I were in an accident. They have a switch that controls them that I mounted on the home made console. Nine way power for both seats. Not that there is much you can do inside the cab with it's dimensions. They are real comfortable. I got them on Craigslist for a hundred bucks. The wiring and switch came with them. The switch was intermittent. I found a used one on Ebay for fifty bucks. Best thing I have done for comfort to it so far.
Kerry in Va Beach.

I would love to see this. Those are the seats I've been thinking of using.

[Palf70Step]

1988-94 (in this case a 90) Bench. Outer front factory holes line up with the 90's bracket. Drill new hole for rear and add a 7/8" spacer (I used a 1" to 3/4" pipe adapter) and reinforce the floor. I also used the 90's seat belts and if the tank is out all the factory seat belt holes work with the new belts.

[TDH1989]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

1988-94 (in this case a 90) Bench. Outer front factory holes line up with the 90's bracket. Drill new hole for rear and add a 7/8" spacer (I used a 1" to 3/4" pipe adapter) and reinforce the floor. I also used the 90's seat belts and if the tank is out all the factory seat belt holes work with the new belts.

In what position would the bottom bracket need to be to give you the most leg room with this exact sea, regardless of bolting holes. Closes to the tank or closes to fire wall where seat can slide back?? Thanks

[Palf70Step]

It's a little more work for the 88-94 split bench (inside holes), but still a good/easy fix. This was just the test fitting, I used grade 8 bolts for the final assembly on both seat options.

[Palf70Step]

Some other options I have played with:

95-98 C1500 Truck Buckets. Back is a little thicker the the 88-94, but super comfortable. Mounted pretty much the same as the benches above

Also second row seats from 88-98 suburban

Both of these you sit a bit higher than stock, but very liveable (I am 6'1"). Both very comfortable.

[cleanfreak]

I've got the same blue 90 seat as above ,with the same seat belts ,mounted quite different. I found it to tall , even sitting on the floor behind the front mounts. I sectioned & tilted the seat mount slightly , leaves the seat at the bottom of the rear window. I'm 6'4" , leaves the legs bent , but very comfortable. I drilled new holes for the belts , directly into the rear cab supports.

[72longbed]

Now this is what I'm talkin about .... all Good!! Real Good stuff!!

There are many of us, oldies and newb's alike, who have had to take the occassional 150 mile each way ride in our trucks and experienced "lumbar liquidation" on arrival, from the factory designed bench.

So .... in the interest of keeping our 'babies' on the road for as long as possible .... a good, supportive seat is critical to enjoying the ride.

Thanks folks ... keep those ideas, solutions and pictures coming!!

72

[72longbed]

Palf70Step,
if you don't mind, share with us the 'challenges' and or 'concerns' with the 88-98 Suburban 2nd seat install? Anything of note we should be aware of with that particular seat style?

Thanks,
72

[Codez67Chevy]

I got a brand new bench seat out of a 73 that pretty much went in problem free in my 67. Absolutely the best and softest bench seat I've ever sat on. Love it. Sorry no pics though.

[72longbed]

Thats another option I suppose? Have some mods done to the old factory bench.

I think in this Thread we will hear from those that have been successful in addressing the "safety" issues of retro installs.

Lets also keep in mind the huge aftermarket that sells to our era truck owners too. They are aware of the 'buckboard' factory bench GM put in our trucks for 6 years. It is a well recognized fact that ergonomics, comfort and technology have advanced in the last 40 years, ... I for one feel why shouldn't we 67-72 owners benefit from it too?

There ... that's just my opinion, and lets hear from others too.

72

[72longbed]

Lets see more of those Suburban Seat installs .... Love that stuff!!

72

[ETsC10]

Great thread 72! Subscribed.

[slow-1]

Here is my temporary seat until I can get the original recovered (not that I am a purist, I just like the look of the original seat). It is the rear seat out of a 15 passenger van I got off Craigslist for $15.



Here is the thread from when I put it in showing the brackets used to make it work.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590535

[72longbed]

slow-1,
I gotta say ... that looks darn good in there!! Looks like an excellent fit on width and depth.

Fine Job Sir!!

72

[benny70]

I found a set of leather buckets out of a 2004 mazda5 at the junkyard. It was $140 for the pair with the seat belts and all i had to do was drill a few holes and bolt them in. I didn't even have to fabricate any brackets and there was even a threaded hole up in the cab corner that the 3 point seatbelt screwed into.

[sambudo]

Originally Posted by benny70

I found a set of leather buckets out of a 2004 mazda5 at the junkyard. It was $140 for the pair with the seat belts and all i had to do was drill a few holes and bolt them in. I didn't even have to fabricate any brackets and there was even a threaded hole up in the cab corner that the 3 point seatbelt screwed into.

I like what you did 2ith these seats. How taol are you?

[Molberg]

These were 88-94 buckets. (power on drivers side) Shortened the backs by cutting the headrest pans off the frames before reupholstery. He was still able to use the factory molded foam this way... just trim it. My fuel tank is moved out of the cab, but a stereo panel takes up the space now. I spaced the seats for console/ leg room.. marked the floor and drilled. 3/8" bolts welded to 1/4" backing were brought up from under the floor and through the factory holes in the seats. Once I was happy with the spacing, etc... it was all welded home under the cab. Carpet/underlay installed, seats secured with washers and locknuts

[72longbed]

Awesome!! Real Sharp!!

Question for ya Molberg: I noticed the lower frame (base that bolts to floor) is much different from other 88-94 truck seats. Can you recall what the seats came out of originally? I like that base look.

Thanks,
72

[Molberg]

Thanks! They were from an extended cab... They do the unlock and slide ahead thing for rear entry. 1992 I believe.

[Zone47]

Originally Posted by benny70

I found a set of leather buckets out of a 2004 mazda5 at the junkyard. It was $140 for the pair with the seat belts and all i had to do was drill a few holes and bolt them in. I didn't even have to fabricate any brackets and there was even a threaded hole up in the cab corner that the 3 point seatbelt screwed into.

Wow, I like those. I'll have to think about converting mine over.