Seat Options

[hevy_chevy67]

Hey everyone,

I recently picked up my first 'Burb. I never really had the urge to get one, but damn are they cool and you never really see them around up here. She's got the patina look lol. But underneath its in unbelievable shape and the floors are excellent.

Anyways, I've done some searching and have seen recommendations for truck seats, but what are people using for modern seats in their burb? I only need something for the front and second row. I see some people are using seats with the integrated seat belts which I'm a little hesitant on using. Looking for some recommendations.

[cfan10]

Possibilities are endless because of the flat floor.

[hevy_chevy67]

Originally Posted by cfan10

Possibilities are endless because of the flat floor.

Yeah, in the back. But what about the front? Ideally something that doesn't have integrated seat belts.

[HO455]

Here are some photos of the 2013 GMC seats I mocked up in my Burban but, due to interference with my squarebody second row seats. They wouldn't fold flat properly. (Last photo) Other than the problem with the 2nd row seat they would have been a great fit. Basically a Buddy Bucket set up.

[68PanelTruck]

Wow, what a coincidence. I'm doing the same thing and picked up some seats yesterday. I have a 68 Panel so not exactly the same as a Suburban but close. I do have the original bucket seats with lap belts that but don't feel they are safe being so low with no head restraint and no newer style 3 point seatbelts. I've been driving pickups for the last 35 years and have been rear-ended SIX times. That is the reason I am leaning toward the newer style with a headrest.

The seats I picked up are from a 99 Silverado I believe. They have 6-way power but you can find them manual too. They are just sitting in the truck, not bolted down yet as I'm test fitting them. So far I think they fit and look perfect. Spacing is good and the drivers seat is center with the steering wheel. Height is good too. The steering wheel is a little tight getting in and out but not too bad. Can't decide if I should go with the folding center jump seat/ console or the old school square body console.

[Bigdav160]

OE seats with aftermarket 3 point belts

oops, looks like the seatbelts were not installed yet in that picture

[FLYNAVY30]

Unfortunately, you'll have to wait 8-10 weeks for pics, but I just ordered a set of Cobra "Le Mans" seats for my Suburban. I ordered them specifically with cut down thigh bolsters as they come a little aggressive for a truck application. I was able to source the factory cloth that came on the center of my bench from SMS Auto Fabrics, which will be used in the center of the seats. The outers will be blue vinyl that will match the dashboard vinyl. Ill post pics as soon as I get them, but in the mean time, here is a pic of the seats with the shaved bolsters, and the fabric.

[67carry-all]

Here's mine - borrowed the idea from some nicely done trucks at show years ago. Seats are from a '95-'99 series Suburban/Tahoe; I think the last years before integrated seat belts. The 67-72 Suburban floors slope downwards toward the 3rd door, so I made some brackets/mounts so the donor seats would sit level. They sit a little high, but makes for a nice view from the second row if you're not too tall. The fold-down option is nice for hauling extra long cargo.

[HO455]

Originally Posted by FLYNAVY30

Unfortunately, you'll have to wait 8-10 weeks for pics, but I just ordered a set of Cobra "Le Mans" seats for my Suburban. I ordered them specifically with cut down thigh bolsters as they come a little aggressive for a truck application. I was able to source the factory cloth that came on the center of my bench from SMS Auto Fabrics, which will be used in the center of the seats. The outers will be blue vinyl that will match the dashboard vinyl. Ill post pics as soon as I get them, but in the mean time, here is a pic of the seats with the shaved bolsters, and the fabric.

Has it been 8 to 10 weeks yet?

[FLYNAVY30]

Ha! Unfortunately not. I dont even know if the clock has started yet as the fabric from SMS Auto Fabric still hasn't gotten to me yet....and I need to ship it to the Cobra factory in England still!

[HO455]

Originally Posted by FLYNAVY30

Ha! Unfortunately not. I dont even know if the clock has started yet as the fabric from SMS Auto Fabric still hasn't gotten to me yet....and I need to ship it to the Cobra factory in England still!

Uhhhh, Such a tease.

[hevy_chevy67]

I ended up getting front buckets and second row seat from an 08 Avalanche. Looks like they will work.

[pwdcougar]

I had a power leather seat from a mid 70's Cadillac back when I first got it. For my build I've got a set of seats from a newer Suburban in storage that have the integral shoulder belt. The rear seats will have to have the brackets modified so they sit half on and half off the rear cargo area.

[68PanelTruck]

Originally Posted by pwdcougar

I had a power leather seat from a mid 70's Cadillac back when I first got it. For my build I've got a set of seats from a newer Suburban in storage that have the integral shoulder belt. The rear seats will have to have the brackets modified so they sit half on and half off the rear cargo area.

Your going to like those front seats. They are the same ones that I posted above in this thread. I have a 68 Panel but I'm using a Blazer floor. The fit is perfect, no cutting or fabbing needed. I few bolt holes actually lined up and I drilled a few more. They look great and sit flat on the new floor. I just wish mine came with the cup holders. Can't find them anywhere.

[uppster]

I have 99 Tahoe seats in my Suburban and really like them. My gripe is aftermarket 3 point seat belts. The ones I got, (not cheap!!!) are very finicky, they have to be pulled out slowly or they lock. I could not find any in a junk yard that would work.

[HO455]

Originally Posted by uppster

I have 99 Tahoe seats in my Suburban and really like them. My gripe is aftermarket 3 point seat belts. The ones I got, (not cheap!!!) are very finicky, they have to be pulled out slowly or they lock. I could not find any in a junk yard that would work.

You might try adjusting the attitude (angle) of the retractors. I had to shim a set I installed in an 51 AD so they would quit tightening up as I drove. I discovered that if I adjusted them too far they would lock up like yours are doing. There is a pretty small sweet spot that has no issues. And if the truck gets parked on the wrong incline they lock up when you try to put them on. When that happens I usually just drive to a flat spot to put the belt on.
Maybe this will help you.

[uppster]

Originally Posted by HO455

You might try adjusting the attitude (angle) of the retractors. I had to shim a set I installed in an 51 AD so they would quit tightening up as I drove. I discovered that if I adjusted them too far they would lock up like yours are doing. There is a pretty small sweet spot that has no issues. And if the truck gets parked on the wrong incline they lock up when you try to put them on. When that happens I usually just drive to a flat spot to put the belt on.
Maybe this will help you.

I don't quite understand exactly what you mean, but hearing your explanation I am going to try to figure that out. Thanks a lot

[HO455]

Originally Posted by uppster

I don't quite understand exactly what you mean, but hearing your explanation I am going to try to figure that out. Thanks a lot

It's been over 25 years ago so forgive me for not recalling the details. Basically the retractors were installed at an angle in the donor vehicle and when I transplanted them in the truck I didn't match that angle and as a result they didn't operate correctly. It took some trial and error with the mounts to get the retractors at the proper angle for proper operation.

Apologies to the OP I just cannot stop hijacking this thread.

[hevy_chevy67]

Originally Posted by HO455

It's been over 25 years ago so forgive me for not recalling the details. Basically the retractors were installed at an angle in the donor vehicle and when I transplanted them in the truck I didn't match that angle and as a result they didn't operate correctly. It took some trial and error with the mounts to get the retractors at the proper angle for proper operation.

Apologies to the OP I just cannot stop hijacking this thread.

Haha, all good. I found my seats so I'm all set.

[HO455]

Good deal. Keep us posted on how the installation goes.

[burnem]

check this out for a burb, blazer seat, it looks the era. I dont know what it came out of but it would be a easy install. the storage under the middle seat has a ash tray facing the rear. both seats slide forward and back. any ideas on what it might have came out of are welcome.

[FLYNAVY30]

Well, my seats showed up today after almost 3 months....but it was totally worth the wait and effort. Ill have to get some pics tomorrow as the sun is already down here, and I dont have lights out in the garage yet.

[FLYNAVY30]

Ok, here we go..... Cobra LeMans seats in Caspian Blue vinyl/ original '72 fabric centers. The side bolsters on the bottoms were shaved to be flatter, and I added the aluminum side adjustment knobs which make the back recline infinitely adjustable. Looking forward to getting them mounted in the truck!

[Beach-Burban]

Wow, Greg...those look fantastic! Modern but totally give off the '72 vibe...can't wait to see them installed, too!

Woody

[Mike C]

Looking forward to being one of the first butts to ride in the passenger seat! Those are awesome.