How to install buckets where a bench was? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chevydog66 · 03-10-2006, 10:40 PM

Anyone have some tech tips for installing buckets where a bench was? I am considering purchasing some newer truck seats for my 72 GMC. Maybe some 95-99 Silverado leather bucket seats. It just feels like I am sitting too close to the steering wheel in my 72. I guess I am just used to my 96 ext. cab Z71.

Longhorn Man · 03-10-2006, 11:21 PM

You need to be carefull on the seat selection. Look at the seat back on the units you are considering... it has to be real thin to make any difference. Most seats are actually thicker.
you can slide the steering wheel and column towards the dash a little too. There was a thread a week ago or so...titled something like simple mod huge difference... somethign like that.

**special-K** · 03-11-2006, 12:46 AM

Column thread by Putter.I don`t think you`ll find any comfortable seat that will gain you more space to the wheel.

chevydog66 · 03-11-2006, 08:58 AM

OK, I've been thru the search feature and have read about the bucket seat mounting options, but I am still unsure of how to mount the 2 inside mounting feet on the new buckets. I don't have any seats yet, either. Can I just put a big washer on each side of the floor pan? Or do I need extra support there? I only weigh a buck and a 1/2.

shifty · 03-13-2006, 12:45 AM

if your seat uses an integrated seatbelt, you definitely need more than a washer on each side, you need to weld a support bracket underneath or custom fab a bracket that will use the original mount point but will adapt the to fit the new seat.

if your seat doesn't use integrated belts, you should still make the brack IMO, but you could probably get away with less....how much is your life REALLY worth to you?

chevydog66 · 03-13-2006, 10:05 PM

Ya I know I need to install them correctly and keep safety in mind as well. I did purchase a set of 02 Chevy Tahoe tan leather bucket seats with the integrated seat belts. Anyone have underside pics of a good solid and safe way to mount the inner brackets?

randomhero472 · 03-14-2006, 08:36 PM

i just put mine in this past weekend, i dont drive the truck at all right now, so i just drilled holes and used large washers, but i did buy some 1/8" thick steel and will weld it up under the cab where the new bolts go in, you'll have to drill all new holes, or at least i did, i used the center consol as well with it, its a tight fit, but everything turned out nice, definatly going to slide the steering colum back towards the dash, im with you.. i feel way to close to the wheel

03-10-2006, 10:40 PM	#1
chevydog66 GM ONLY BABY!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Wayne, IN. Posts: 1,998	How to install buckets where a bench was? Anyone have some tech tips for installing buckets where a bench was? I am considering purchasing some newer truck seats for my 72 GMC. Maybe some 95-99 Silverado leather bucket seats. It just feels like I am sitting too close to the steering wheel in my 72. I guess I am just used to my 96 ext. cab Z71. __________________ 2 wrongs don't make a right, but 3 lefts do. 66 Chevelle Malibu 406ci, 573hp, 10.99@121mph 96 Chevy Silverado Z71 72 GMC 1500 Super Custom LS 6.0/4L65 on airride http://www.cardomain.com/ride/707879...mc-c-k-pick-up

03-10-2006, 11:21 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: How to install buckets where a bench was? You need to be carefull on the seat selection. Look at the seat back on the units you are considering... it has to be real thin to make any difference. Most seats are actually thicker. you can slide the steering wheel and column towards the dash a little too. There was a thread a week ago or so...titled something like simple mod huge difference... somethign like that.

03-11-2006, 12:46 AM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: How to install buckets where a bench was? Column thread by Putter.I don`t think you`ll find any comfortable seat that will gain you more space to the wheel. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-11-2006, 08:58 AM	#4
chevydog66 GM ONLY BABY!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Wayne, IN. Posts: 1,998	Re: How to install buckets where a bench was? OK, I've been thru the search feature and have read about the bucket seat mounting options, but I am still unsure of how to mount the 2 inside mounting feet on the new buckets. I don't have any seats yet, either. Can I just put a big washer on each side of the floor pan? Or do I need extra support there? I only weigh a buck and a 1/2. __________________ 2 wrongs don't make a right, but 3 lefts do. 66 Chevelle Malibu 406ci, 573hp, 10.99@121mph 96 Chevy Silverado Z71 72 GMC 1500 Super Custom LS 6.0/4L65 on airride http://www.cardomain.com/ride/707879...mc-c-k-pick-up

03-13-2006, 12:45 AM	#5
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: How to install buckets where a bench was? if your seat uses an integrated seatbelt, you definitely need more than a washer on each side, you need to weld a support bracket underneath or custom fab a bracket that will use the original mount point but will adapt the to fit the new seat. if your seat doesn't use integrated belts, you should still make the brack IMO, but you could probably get away with less....how much is your life REALLY worth to you? __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. Last edited by shifty; 03-13-2006 at 12:45 AM.

03-13-2006, 10:05 PM	#6
chevydog66 GM ONLY BABY!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fort Wayne, IN. Posts: 1,998	Re: How to install buckets where a bench was? Ya I know I need to install them correctly and keep safety in mind as well. I did purchase a set of 02 Chevy Tahoe tan leather bucket seats with the integrated seat belts. Anyone have underside pics of a good solid and safe way to mount the inner brackets? __________________ 2 wrongs don't make a right, but 3 lefts do. 66 Chevelle Malibu 406ci, 573hp, 10.99@121mph 96 Chevy Silverado Z71 72 GMC 1500 Super Custom LS 6.0/4L65 on airride http://www.cardomain.com/ride/707879...mc-c-k-pick-up

03-14-2006, 08:36 PM	#7
randomhero472 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 516	Re: How to install buckets where a bench was? i just put mine in this past weekend, i dont drive the truck at all right now, so i just drilled holes and used large washers, but i did buy some 1/8" thick steel and will weld it up under the cab where the new bolts go in, you'll have to drill all new holes, or at least i did, i used the center consol as well with it, its a tight fit, but everything turned out nice, definatly going to slide the steering colum back towards the dash, im with you.. i feel way to close to the wheel __________________ 67' in the "build" process.. soon to be bagged, big wheels ect, finally got it back home!!

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