Upholstery and Interior Questions

[5Tractorguy]

Hey guys, I'm planning on doing an extensive mechanical revamp once spring gets here on my '61 GMC and was hoping some of you can help with a few questions I have...

First, for those that have rebuilt the standard bench seats (ones with the thin foam)...

- What thickness/density foam did you use? I read the back takes 1" and the seat portion 2"... I'd really like to firm up the seat and wasn't sure if I could add an extra 1/2" to 1". Thinking of ordering everything off this site... http://www.diyupholsterysupply.com/

- Or did anyone buy the kit from Classic Industries? (https://www.classicindustries.com/pr...s/ak50104.html) And if so, how was the quality?

- Anyone use this cover from LMC? If so, decent fit? This is a work truck so it doesn't have to be perfect... https://www.lmctruck.com/interior/se...upholstery-kit


And lastly, do the arm rests all use the same bolt pattern? I'd like to buy the 64-66 rests because they are significantly cheaper than the 60-63 rests. Read the 66 and up rests are the only ones that are different but wanted to confirm first.
64-66 rests on Ebay

[DPowers]

Arm rests have same bolt pattern.
As for the other questions, I dont have any first hand knowledge.

[jweb]

Well I don't know about the foam or covers you mentioned but I do know a little about foam itself.

You don't want to make the cushion or back thicker. This will mess with how they fit together. It can also be an issue if you're tall, sitting higher isn't going to help.

Foam usually has a density and ILD rating ( see attached chart) .
We use this Q51 or Q61 as the base layer for all of our seats.

https://www.rexpeggfabrics.com/index...82%7C149%7C150

https://www.rexpeggfabrics.com/index.php?prodID=657

https://foamonline.com/wp-content/up...UEuNT17m9Vfc0d

I would recommend using a foam similar to these for the bottom, the back isn't as critical since you aren't applying much pressure.

[5Tractorguy]

Originally Posted by DPowers

Arm rests have same bolt pattern.
As for the other questions, I dont have any first hand knowledge.

Appreciate the info DPowers! That saves me from having to buy the expensive arm rests...

Originally Posted by jweb

Well I don't know about the foam or covers you mentioned but I do know a little about foam itself.

You don't want to make the cushion or back thicker. This will mess with how they fit together. It can also be an issue if you're tall, sitting higher isn't going to help.

Foam usually has a density and ILD rating ( see attached chart) .
We use this Q51 or Q61 as the base layer for all of our seats.

https://www.rexpeggfabrics.com/index...82%7C149%7C150

https://www.rexpeggfabrics.com/index.php?prodID=657

https://foamonline.com/wp-content/up...UEuNT17m9Vfc0d

I would recommend using a foam similar to these for the bottom, the back isn't as critical since you aren't applying much pressure.

And I am tall, would be a bummer if I kept bonking into the roof. Thank you for all the info here Jweb! That's what i was looking for and needed to better understand. I'll go with the original thicknesses, but just one of the higher densities you recommended.

[1restorick]

When I restored my 63 truck seat, I purchased foam from Legendary Interiors. It was 2" high density foam. The best thing I did besides replacing broken springs was to take a piece of carpet and attach it across the seat springs with hog rings. This made the springs work together and made the seat much firmer and more comfortable. It also kept the foam firmly in place. Here's a few photos as well.

[5Tractorguy]

Originally Posted by 1restorick

When I restored my 63 truck seat, I purchased foam from Legendary Interiors. It was 2" high density foam. The best thing I did besides replacing broken springs was to take a piece of carpet and attach it across the seat springs with hog rings. This made the springs work together and made the seat much firmer and more comfortable. It also kept the foam firmly in place. Here's a few photos as well.

Thank you for the pictures and info Rick!
I like the carpet idea too. I am planning on carpeting the cab floor (running on a tight budget and it's a work truck...) so I'll get a little extra from the flooring place for the seat as well.

[Pick121]

I need to re-cover mine too, this video tutorial by Gibson63 is top notch. Shows you step by step what he did on his ‘63
https://youtu.be/jFYPV4m0jMw?si=09s3jpq6s_I8N7r4