Would this look dumb?

[Chuckuss]

Thinking about grabbing a set of escalade rear bucket seats for my 51 project. I am not really planning on moderinizing the inside too much but the whole engine/drivetrain/suspension is all modern. Thoughts? Do this or just stick with a bench? Anyone done these rear seats before?

http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225...aKvd6O4EkQ.jpg

[Chuckuss]

Yep, doing a bench now. God, I can't make up my mind about anythign with this build

[MARTINSR]

Nothing helps more in making a good looking car or truck, or house for that matter than following a "theme". If your "theme" is a modern version of the AD truck, well then you modernize everything making it look like a new truck, but with the old shape, you know what I mean? If your theme is a fifties race car, then you put only things you would have found on a fifties race car. If you theme is a stock looking truck with modern running gear then every single nut and bolt should follow that theme.

When you do this first off it makes it simple, there are no big decisions to make. Anything within that theme WORKS, it just does. And if you look over time at the cars and trucks that get a lot of awards and attention they will almost every time not have a nut or bolt out of the theme.

Nothing looks worse in my opinion than a full blown '50 Merc custom with a billet wheel. (gag).

Brian

[mr48chev]

I'd be inclined to think if you have to ask about them they aren't what you really want anyhow.

I've had a bunch of different seats in my truck over the years primarily because the seat I had started giving out and I replaced it with something else that I found in pretty good shape at the junk yard or in a car I was junking out. Buckets or individual seats can be a real pain in these trucks if you are young and single and dating or if you are newly married and your lady likes to snuggle up next to you. I've been married 45 years so that isn't much of an issue now.

The bench that is in my 48 now really looks like it belongs in the truck and fits great but I'll guarantee that it is harder than any cement park bench you ever sat on when you take off and drive the truck several hundred miles.
it
The main thing is that like every other component you put on your truck it has to not only fit in the cab right and be comfortable it has to blend in with the rest of the total build. Mod rod with some billet pieces in the interior it might work but if the truck is old school with all period correct pieces and the extra chrome, visor and white walls the seats will look like a total afterthought.

[mr48chev]

I'd say that MartinSR an I are pretty well on the same page on the "stick to the theme" deal. It doesn't matter what the theme is but every thing you use on the truck needs to blend in and be a part of that theme to carry off the theme.

[Chuckuss]

Thanks to you both. I appreciate your thoughts and it makes perfect sense. Sounds like I need to go and find a bench that will work for my application.

[69chevytrucker]

or try these they fit quite well in my 69 they are out of a 2000 silverodo best part seat belts built in

[OrrieG]

07 Tahoe third row seats, head rest if smaller and has builtin seat belts too. I am short so seat is a couple of inches higher than taller folks would install them. I used the space underneath for a slide out drawer. Two seats with a center seat belt too.

[Chuckuss]

looks good!

[Bishops Trucks]

Your mind will change a thousand times before you finish your project. That's just the nature of playing with cars. lol.

[nvrdone]

I just replaced the stock bench with a 3rd row out of an Astro van. It had to be a bench so my wife can sit close. But then Ive only been married 33 years so Im still new at this compared to Mr 48 !!!

[ratty 46]

Not a fan of the square seat/round truck thing but ... if it fits, you're happy with it & it functions in your application ... go for it.

[fisherman420]

I thought about using a similar seat setup but ended up getting 2001 Dakota 60/40 seats, they have the flip up console and slide away cup holders below the middle section. Tops of the buckets will be cut down so they don't come into the rear window opening too much

[Chuckuss]

Yeah, I am thinking of doing either a full bench (I just need to find one to fit) or just biting the bullet on some silverado or something seats and figuring out a center console. SO hard to make my mind up but luckly I have a TON to do before I need them

[1958Warrior]

I'm kinda on the fence also. I have an original bench seat in great condition , also have the buckets out of a 2000 Silverado but can't use the console because it is too wide with it . seen some installed on a few TF trucks , but the drivers seat sits about 4" to the left of the steering wheel with the console.
I will probably stick with the bench seat, for the classic look and feel that I bought it for in the first place, plus its the easiest for now anyways.

But its your butt that will be in it . won't look dumb , just not original. They are nice seats.

[lv2tri2]

Don't like the seats in that truck even a little bit.

[OrrieG]

never mind

[iowaboynca]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

never mind

LOL......I think your seats look pretty good OrrieG!

[Liz]

to each his own opinion, I am really glad you edited that reply

[spreader]

Originally Posted by Chuckuss

Yeah, I am thinking of doing either a full bench (I just need to find one to fit) or just biting the bullet on some silverado or something seats and figuring out a center console. SO hard to make my mind up but luckly I have a TON to do before I need them

Check out the seats that the fellow in Phoenix sells. Comes out of vans that are turned into carriers for wheelchair patients going for their doctors/rehab visits. I have a pair in my 48 GMC. Chevy Venture and Olds Silhouettes have some nice 2nd row seats(buckets). I have those in a Scout II and they are really comfortable. Better than the ones in the GMC.