Keep original buckets or install bench?

[stomper]

I have a '71 factory Cheyenne air bucket seat truck. I put it on a factory swb frame and put together a box from the old long box and some short bedsides I had. So, it's not really 'original' anymore. I am ready for a new seat(s).

The originality of buckets in my truck is so cool but I honestly prefer a bench seat. I am always trying to throw my right arm over the back of the seat and it's not there. I would probably eventually sell them to raise cash for other parts because I'd be about $1500 ahead (don't have to spend $750 to recover buckets, $100 tank carpet, and could get $750+ for them) but they would be separated forever.

QUESTION: Would it be too terrible to change over to a bench seat? Would it hurt the value that much or at all? I am not trolling for a sale on the buckets and console. This is an honest question.

[lolife99]

Do what you want,... but if it was me,...
I'd put the buckets in storage and install a restored year correct bench seat.

[50mercfan]

i couldn't get mine out and gone fast enough. i didn't like them at all. i went with the 88 to 94 chevy truck bench as i aways do.

[Classic Bowties]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Do what you want,... but if it was me,...
I'd put the buckets in storage and install a restored year correct bench seat.

with what he said. Mel

[westong]

I was asking my self the same ? A month or so ago. I have two kids and a wife and I was concerned that they would feel left out when we went cruising and I could only haul one passenger. So I made the choice to keep the buckets as I think they add some cool .factor to our trucks and they were listed is an option on my SPID. My fix was to buy a a rig my wife has wanted for along time and make everyone happy. She can now cruise around with the top off her 1971 Fj40 with one of the kiddos and I can head out with the other in my truck.....Not the cheapest route but definitely made for a happy wife...
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[67ctener]

I just picked up some buddies for my 67 and really like them. For me there comfortable and feel I have more room between the dash, may be my imagination too
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[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by westong

I was asking my self the same ? A month or so ago. I have two kids and a wife and I was concerned that they would feel left out when we went cruising and I could only haul one passenger. So I made the choice to keep the buckets as I think they add some cool .factor to our trucks and they were listed is an option on my SPID. My fix was to buy a a rig my wife has wanted for along time and make everyone happy. She can now cruise around with the top off her 1971 Fj40 with one of the kiddos and I can head out with the other in my truck.....Not the cheapest route but definitely made for a happy wife...
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I used to have a '70 FJ40. Sweet ride. It had a Chevy 350 in it.
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[jocko]

keep the buckets (in or out of the truck). If you EVER think you'll sell it, hang onto em. personally, I prefer the buckets, but all that matters is what you like, of course. If you prefer a bench no matter what, then you could offset lots of costs for the rest of the truck by selling them.

[Lee H]

When my kids were little, the bench was a must. I could four in there in a pinch. Now that I'm alone the buckets are great. I love the buckets but do miss the bench at times.
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[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Do what you want,... but if it was me,...
I'd put the buckets in storage and install a restored year correct bench seat.

That's what I'd do also. I love my buckets.

[MidLifer]

This is one of those things on this board where you are going to get a lot of opinions. And you know what they say about opinions...

My vote is for the bench. I spend enough time in modern cars with buckets. When I'm out in the truck I like the bench.

[In The Ten Ring]

Bench man, bench. I'd like to see bench seats come back into cars actually.

1). You can carry more junk.
2). You can carry more people (which you know).
3). It's great for dates.....which I also assume you know!

Keep the bucket seats.....even if you have to figure out a way to hang them from the garage ceiling or put them up into the attic, keep all original parts if at all possible. I

[nlped]

Bench seat....& sell me the buckets
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[franken]

Or put later model seats in w/ neck/head support.

Three point belts are good for front impacts, but from the rear, no support snaps your neck.

Guess, yep, mine has a stock bench seat.

[stomper]

Heres a couple pix if it makes any difference.

Gezz these new image size limits suck...
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[72BlckButy]

Buckets... No question.
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[derotoreut]

Hey twins (almost)! Except mine's a 4X4. Here's mine with bench seat. I also have a 69 with buckets though. I would do what you like. Especially since it's not original.

[Tillik]

I've always wanted nice buckets but haven't managed to find a great deal. I don't mind the bench as I like having my date right next to me while cruising around.

[Gene]

I asked myself the same question, went with a bench and sold the buckets. Buckets look cool but weren't very comfortable. I like the bench much better, I put a middle seatbelt in and now can take my wife and another on a cruise.
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[slow-1]

I like the bench seat option as well.

Everything I change from original on my truck I keep so that if I ever want to change back I can.

If you were to sell it, the buyer would surely pay a better price knowing the original buckets come with the truck, even if they are in the back of it.
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[jd7]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Do what you want,... but if it was me,...
I'd put the buckets in storage and install a restored year correct bench seat.

sounds like a great idea

[ksshane]

If you were closer Id just give you mine. The guy I bought the truck from had a spare 71 bench in the back of the truck.

Do what you want, but save the original if possible.

[SS Tim]

So many of the factory bucket (A50) trucks I encounter have had the buckets removed (probably for someone's short bed build). If it were me I'd leave them in. Another consideration is the floor holes are different between a bucket and a bench truck.

[Classic Bowties]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

So many of the factory bucket (A50) trucks I encounter have had the buckets removed (probably for someone's short bed build). If it were me I'd leave them in. Another consideration is the floor holes are different between a bucket and a bench truck.

All of the 69-72 factory A50 optioned trucks had both bucket seat (holes circled in black) and bench seat (holes at blue arrows) bracket bolt hole patterns in the floor pan so he is good either way he decides, see pics. Mel

[Vintage Windmills]

Originally Posted by Classic Bowties

All of the 69-72 factory A50 optioned trucks had both bucket seat (holes circled in black) and bench seat (holes at blue arrows) bracket bolt hole patterns in the floor pan so he is good either way he decides, see pics. Mel

Good info. Its just a pain for the otherway around then. If you have a bench and want buckets, there is an original underflloor brace that takes the load of the buckets that should be welded in, then new holes drilled.