Seat in Bed

[chockblockjed]

Anyone ever mounted a standard bench seat in the bed of their C10 just behind the cab and rear facing? With the wife and 4 kids I was wondering how we could all make it to the cruise nights without driving seperate once my 81 C10 build is complete.

[bigblock73]

I did it once in a Dodge truck I had. The easiest approach would be to get a Mopar bench or split bench...they have studs on the bottom of their seat tracks. Simply drill the holes in the bed floor, slide the seat assembly in, bolt from the bottom. I got my seat out of a Volare...worled perfect.

However, be sure to install seatbelts...correctly and safely.

Overall, I am not a fan of doing this, I did this years ago before I really thought about what could happen it you had problems at highway speed.

[LONGHAIR]

With the National "Click-it or Ticket" program, I would doubt that this could be done legally.

[ARAMP1]

I was thinking about bending up some tube and making a mount for my old bench seat. It'd be perfect for tailgating.

[83burban]

Maybe use a third row seat from a suburban...use the floor hold-downs in the bed and you could take the seat out if need be without unbolting it.

[78maliburat]

This is a stupid idea..seen a truck that had 6 kids in the back stop in downtown austin get rear ended by a 18 wheeler there were kids and body parts everywere

[andrewmp6]

Its legal as long as you have a seat belts.But i wouldn't do it in case you get rear ended.

[chockblockjed]

Thanks for the input! I was just thinking of hitting the local cruise night, literally 5 or 6 neighborhood blocks at 25 mph with legitimate seatbelts and all. Never imagined putting my kids on the freeway or even city streets in the back! Just wondering if it would be legal and if anyone had done it and liked it or not.Thanks

[andrewmp6]

Its legal to ride in a rumble seat in the old cars i don't see how a seat in the bed of a truck with seat belts would be illegal but ask a cop first tho.

[78maliburat]

Originally Posted by chockblockjed

Thanks for the input! I was just thinking of hitting the local cruise night, literally 5 or 6 neighborhood blocks at 25 mph with legitimate seatbelts and all. Never imagined putting my kids on the freeway or even city streets in the back! Just wondering if it would be legal and if anyone had done it and liked it or not.Thanks

most accidents occur within 5 miles from youre own house ..not saying youre a bad driver its the other guy im worried about

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

Its legal to ride in a rumble seat in the old cars i don't see how a seat in the bed of a truck with seat belts would be illegal but ask a cop first tho.

Those cars are grandfathered in...they also don't have seat belts either....again, grandfathered in...this is how they were built from the factory.

Seats in the bed of a truck are not factory.

[D13]

Illegal in the state of Michigan. Illegal to ride in the back period.

Having said that, I'd use a pair of late models with integral belts, or fab a rollbar to pick up a shoulder harness. Either way you'd need a serious brace under the floor.

And it's not how or where you drive, it's the other guy. I just picture my 73 3/4 ton 4x4 burb with the plow, my drunken redneck friend, and a missing stop sign. Proper restraint is a must when 7000# with a cutting edge slams into you.

BTW the trigger for MI was 7 kids in the back, pulled out in front of a dump truck towing a dozer at 55mph. I think 1 kid and 1 adult lived.

[trenchwarfare]

Originally Posted by 78maliburat

This is a stupid idea..seen a truck that had 6 kids in the back stop in downtown austin get rear ended by a 18 wheeler there were kids and body parts everywere

Really? I'm pretty sure that would happen in any car no matter if it was a convertible or suburban or even a pickup. It's a Semi!

[TwoFiftyShifter]

I would be absolutely BLOWN if that would be legal, even if seat belts were used.... To be perfectly honest, I know cruise nights can be awesome, and I have sat in a truck bed before in that situation, I just don't think taking the time to put a seat there is a good idea.

[andrewmp6]

I did some looking only thing with seats in the back factory was a subaru brat.

[Damien]

My '74 Blazer has a bench mounted between the rear wheel tubs with seat belts for three. With the top off, I don't see how this would be any different then a pickup? In MN, I think you are ok as long as you can open the rear window and it is daylight. I'm not sure though, I don't put people in the back of my pickup. I guess I don't have enough friends and no kids.

[chockblockjed]

Decided to go against, just have to save up for another ride to roll on cruise night, they are getting cheaper by the day around here. Thanks for all the responses.

[kamel]

Got a bench in the back of the crew cab. Used only on residentials during day time.

[staggerd86c-10]

man you guys pissed all over this guys cornflakes! i think its a cool safe idea if he wants to ride around a car show(at slow speeds of course) sure beats having to pick which kid is your favorite to take for a ride first.

[jetstreamblue71]

hey i think its a great idea a friend of mine put one in his lifted 66 chevy for parades and i have to admit it looks great

[Hank61]

There is a product available that will make cruisin in the truck bed easy, safe and comfortable. It meets FMVSS for passenger seating and can be completly removed in seconds. Check out www.bedryder.com.