55.2-59 Another seat thread

[tdishon]

I have a 59 and I am putting in an Astro van 2nd or third row seat.
Looks like this:


The width is 55" and it sits great and feels great, but does set me about 2" to the left of the steering wheel. Is this common?
I removed the head rests and it looks great and only sticks above the big rear window about 2"

I think the only way around it looking a little off is to get a flat bench seat.

I might do the bench seat if I new what year/make/model would bolt in and be a good fit.
Any help or pics would be great.

[Dan in Pasadena]

It’s “off” even though you centered it in the cab? Odd.

A lot of guys use the 88-98 Silverado seat. Some cut down the base’s height. Personally I prefer sitting a little high.

BUT, you can also just use the stock bench. I did. I removed the stock springs and replaced with all foam like a modern bench. This way it can be contoured to look any way you want. I’m posting from my phone but I’ll try to include a pic of it.

[my56chevytruck]

If you're comfortable with the offset then what makes you happy is all that matters. You said 2" to the left of the steering wheel, or do you mean to the right?? Any chance of moving the seat slightly one way or the other before mounting to the floor?? I have a 56 and I got a bench out of a 89 chevy pickup and it fits great. I'm real happy with the choice, but having buckets are cool as well.

[tdishon]

I centered the seat in the cab. If you stand in front of the truck looking in or stand behind it, you can tell the steering wheel sits towards the passenger side about 2" from the center of the headrest. I guess it's not a big deal. It feels great tho... I tried moving the seat over about an inch, but it made the passenger side look really off. I suspect many people with a split bench might be having the same issue or I'm just making it an issue in my head...
I'll look into the 88-98 silverado bench seats. I heard they are a little wide, but will fit. I would love to see some bench seats!

[Dan in Pasadena]

They’re slightly wide but not enough to keep dozens of guys from using them. But lots of guys seem to have an issue with their height and cut them down. You can tell by the factory openings on the seat base being smaller than the close-to-square shape they are stock.

[MiraclePieCo]

Everyone I know says that when they drive their truck they don't notice the slight misalignment.

[1project2many]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

Everyone I know says that when they drive their truck they don't notice the slight misalignment.

GM vans made from 73 to 95 are like this. A centerline through the steering column and wheel does not align with the center of the seat. Most folks never notice.

[QBRacing]

@tdishon

those are the seats I am trying to find. can you confirm if they are from the 96- astro or the 91-95 astro.

I have a feeling I've been emailing wreckers in LA for the wrong year range which is why I've had no luck yet.

[tdishon]

These are out of a 2000 Astro. Make sure the van has the LT option.

[mikebte]

I have a bench out of a 93 GMC 2500 in my 59. I'll get you a photo tonight. The legs fit right on the floor and mount very flush.

[tdishon]

Love to see the pic of the 93 GMC seat!

[Softpatch]

here those picture I have of my 02 3rd astro seat into my 59 Viking
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[tdishon]

These are comfy seats. How does your seat line up with the steering wheel? I think once you sit in it and the wheel is a little off, it doesn't really matter.

[QBRacing]

Do you just use the apache lower seat mount or do u need to fabricate something up for the astro seat

[abig84]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

It’s “off” even though you centered it in the cab? Odd.

A lot of guys use the 88-98 Silverado seat. Some cut down the base’s height. Personally I prefer sitting a little high.

BUT, you can also just use the stock bench. I did. I removed the stock springs and replaced with all foam like a modern bench. This way it can be contoured to look any way you want. I’m posting from my phone but I’ll try to include a pic of it.

Speaking of Silverado seats, what's the usual way to mount them? Use the 50s brackets or weld or bolt on the Silverado seats using what's already attached to the seat