Bench, bucket or split seat? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rushingg149 · 11-04-2011, 12:56 PM

I am considering possibly changing my 1970 C30 bench seat out for bucket or split seats.

Ideas, suggestions, examples, sources, pictures - anyone?

JWall · 11-04-2011, 01:33 PM

IMO...It's hard to beat a nice set of buckets & console.

fastwillie 696969 · 11-04-2011, 04:42 PM

i like bench seat

C10_ustacould · 11-04-2011, 06:12 PM

Buddy Buckets...

coontz74 · 11-04-2011, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWall

IMO...It's hard to beat a nice set of buckets & console.

Sorry if this seems like a stupid question. But, what exactly are these seats and console and where do you buy these? This is the BEST setup I've seen so far and want some for my 69...

Thanks

VA72C10 · 11-04-2011, 06:56 PM

That's a factory setup and they aren't sold other than unrestored or restored originals (except there is a poor reproduction center console)

I have a set I can recover in red or any other color you're interested in and can do seatbelt or cupholder style console or billet cupholder option.

shawno72 · 11-04-2011, 07:02 PM

Well to me these are the best optioned seats for our era of truck. Even though technically they were only available in 67-68 they will fit all the way to 72 with no modifications.
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71swb4x4 · 11-04-2011, 07:06 PM

I like the buddy buckets too. I have them in my 67 dump truck and they are great. I put my straps in the seat box, and can haul both my kids when needed.

rushingg149 · 11-04-2011, 08:37 PM

Thanks to all of you thus far for sharing your ideas and pictures. Very good loking seats. I have the original bench seat. How hard are the buckets to find?

**special-K** · 11-05-2011, 07:34 AM

Bucket seats aren't all that hard to find. It's what they will cost you that may make it a hard choice...by the time they look like the picture shown.Especially with some vendors going over the top with pricing. I've seen similar sets go for a $600 difference in the same quality at the same swap meet.
I've had them all and nothing says cool or icing on the cake like nice bucket seat/console or buddy bucket interiors. But,when it comes down to it a bench seat is hard to beat when all you have is that little bit of space and one row of seating in a pickup. If it's a show truck,that's one thing. But,if you use it I like to have the choice of giving more than one person a ride and I've laid across mine more than a few times to catch some shut eye before.

shawno72 · 11-05-2011, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rushingg149

Thanks to all of you thus far for sharing your ideas and pictures. Very good loking seats. I have the original bench seat. How hard are the buckets to find?

If you keep searching you can find whatever kind of seat you want. I happened to stumble across my buddy buckets while looking on CL. The guy was selling a 67 CST camper special with a "special bench seat". I called him and asked if he wanted to sell just the seat and he said no. So I showed up with $150 and offered him the cash and offered my old bench as part of the deal and off I went with a set of buddy buckets complete with the little cab brace for the center seat. I then got the frame powder coated for free and spent $300 with a local guy to get them recovered. So I have a grand total of $450 into those black buddy seats. I have been told they go for as much as $1100-1200 in the condition that they are now in. I put them in my daily driver and love them, wayyyy more comfortable than my bench seat was.

rushingg149 · 11-13-2011, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWall

IMO...It's hard to beat a nice set of buckets & console.

Anyone else want to show off their ideas for seat type and color?

newmaac · 11-14-2011, 11:15 PM

I've heard of people swapping a more modern 60/40 bench, from a Tahoe or Silverado into the C series trucks.
I haven't done it myself (yet) but I think that it would be cool to have a power seat to fit our old cab.

Mike

rushingg149 · 11-15-2011, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newmaac

I've heard of people swapping a more modern 60/40 bench, from a Tahoe or Silverado into the C series trucks.
I haven't done it myself (yet) but I think that it would be cool to have a power seat to fit our old cab.

Mike

Has anyone done this swap, adding a later model 40/60 seat into a '68-'72 ?

**slomotion** · 11-15-2011, 10:21 AM

Buckets are nice, and the ones I had were more comfortable than the early bench seats, but buckets in a pickup limits who you can take cruising with you. I guess it boils down to form and function.

trapperjack · 11-15-2011, 10:26 AM

I was looking for a 90's split bucket to put in my 67. The factory 90's split benches will supposedly unbolt from the sliders and bolt onto our sliders. Don't quote me on that, that's from reading, not experience. I found this seat from a 93 choo-choo regular cab pickup, and for $40 was willing to try it. Center drops for arm rest, raises for a seat, and center bottom rises for storage. Has lumbar support, too. The color is good too. I'll let you know how it works out.

CC69Rat · 11-15-2011, 11:30 AM

I just bought a set of black buckets like you see in Justin's truck. Bought them from Jonathan - VA72C10. He's the man to talk to IMO, if you're wanting buckets. I like the buddies too but I'm with Justin. It's tough to beat the buckets / console .. just my .02. and, it depends on what you plan to use it for.

GRX · 11-16-2011, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slomotion

Buckets are nice, and the ones I had were more comfortable than the early bench seats, but buckets in a pickup limits who you can take cruising with you. I guess it boils down to form and function.

Exactly! I for one prefer the bench. It's nice to be able to lay across the seat, if you know what I mean

rushingg149 · 11-16-2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slomotion

Buckets are nice, and the ones I had were more comfortable than the early bench seats, but buckets in a pickup limits who you can take cruising with you. I guess it boils down to form and function.

Does anyone know if the fixed bench seat back in my '70 can be converted to a folding seat? I have saddle tanks on my C30 and I am planning on removing the gas tank inside the cab to create storage. I would like to have a folding seat back to better access the storage.

**special-K** · 11-17-2011, 09:59 AM

There are quite a few vendors as well as members on this site who are upholstery wizards who have a whole lot of experience with rebuilding any seat that came in these trucks. But,when it comes to that type of work I prefer a local shop. I have a guy who specializes in old vehicles that I've dealt with for over 30 years. Actually it's the grandson (in his 30s) who runs the shop now. Before reproduction I'd have them "make" my seat covers.

As far as the seat folding forward goes,I believe you can pull rear bolts to allow it to move forward. The seat back upholstery covers the bracket and fastens to the bottom,so something needs to be modified there. Also,the seat bottom bulges past the bracket,so it will rub there pretty good. Anything can be done. The foam could be trimmed and cover mdified. Or,if non-OEM is ok a cover can be made to fit whatever you do.

rushingg149 · 11-17-2011, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

There are quite a few vendors as well as members on this site who are upholstery wizards who have a whole lot of experience with rebuilding any seat that came in these trucks. But,when it comes to that type of work I prefer a local shop. I have a guy who specializes in old vehicles that I've dealt with for over 30 years. Actually it's the grandson (in his 30s) who runs the shop now. Before reproduction I'd have them "make" my seat covers.

As far as the seat folding forward goes,I believe you can pull rear bolts to allow it to move forward. The seat back upholstery covers the bracket and fastens to the bottom,so something needs to be modified there. Also,the seat bottom bulges past the bracket,so it will rub there pretty good. Anything can be done. The foam could be trimmed and cover mdified. Or,if non-OEM is ok a cover can be made to fit whatever you do.

Thanks for the advise. I was pretty confident it could be done but have not reached that stage yet, just trying to plan ahead.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 04-23-2015, 10:34 PM

All real nice, but I think I like slomotion's best. The dog doesn't hurt.

Andy4639 · 04-23-2015, 11:00 PM

I did these back over the Christmas Hollidays!

1999 Tahoe 6 way electric/heated seats. Recovered by me with new heater pads backs & bottoms.
72 Blazer console refurbed by me and a friend of mine painted it.

These are what I took out of it.

chopnchaneled · 04-24-2015, 11:16 AM

I use a 98 silverado split seat with a fold down arm rest.

hugger6933 · 04-24-2015, 12:26 PM

Of course there is the 99-07 type seat from the Silverado. It does fit and the center console also makes a arm rest /seat . If your bigger than average you may want to skip that idea but it is a HUGE plus to have the seat belts in the seat so that is more comfort there as well

11-04-2011, 12:56 PM	#1
rushingg149 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Commerce, TX Posts: 75	Bench, bucket or split seat? I am considering possibly changing my 1970 C30 bench seat out for bucket or split seats. Ideas, suggestions, examples, sources, pictures - anyone?

11-04-2011, 01:33 PM	#2
JWall Frequent Flyer Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 2,258	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? IMO...It's hard to beat a nice set of buckets & console. __________________ - Justin 76 SWB C-10 - 98 SWB C1500 (x2) 1 Owner 1976 SWB

11-04-2011, 04:42 PM	#3
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? i like bench seat Attached Images __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

11-04-2011, 06:12 PM	#4
C10_ustacould A day late and $1 short... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northwest FL Posts: 3,877	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? Buddy Buckets... __________________ Buck Instagram: C10_ustacould 1963 SWB Fleet Side 528 Desert Beige Milly 1967 SWB Step Side 506 Medium Blue The Old Girl 1968 SWB Fleet Side 503 Light Green Ellie SOLD 1965 SWB Fleet Side 507 Light Blue Prescription Strength SOLD 1971 SWB Fleet Side 521 White Shiro SOLD 1968 SWB Step Side 503 Light Green My Old Farm Truck SOLD

11-04-2011, 06:56 PM	#6
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? That's a factory setup and they aren't sold other than unrestored or restored originals (except there is a poor reproduction center console) I have a set I can recover in red or any other color you're interested in and can do seatbelt or cupholder style console or billet cupholder option. __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

11-04-2011, 07:02 PM	#7
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? Well to me these are the best optioned seats for our era of truck. Even though technically they were only available in 67-68 they will fit all the way to 72 with no modifications. __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

11-04-2011, 07:06 PM	#8
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? I like the buddy buckets too. I have them in my 67 dump truck and they are great. I put my straps in the seat box, and can haul both my kids when needed. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

11-04-2011, 08:37 PM	#9
rushingg149 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Commerce, TX Posts: 75	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? Thanks to all of you thus far for sharing your ideas and pictures. Very good loking seats. I have the original bench seat. How hard are the buckets to find?

11-05-2011, 07:34 AM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? Bucket seats aren't all that hard to find. It's what they will cost you that may make it a hard choice...by the time they look like the picture shown.Especially with some vendors going over the top with pricing. I've seen similar sets go for a $600 difference in the same quality at the same swap meet. I've had them all and nothing says cool or icing on the cake like nice bucket seat/console or buddy bucket interiors. But,when it comes down to it a bench seat is hard to beat when all you have is that little bit of space and one row of seating in a pickup. If it's a show truck,that's one thing. But,if you use it I like to have the choice of giving more than one person a ride and I've laid across mine more than a few times to catch some shut eye before. __________________ "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 ~

11-14-2011, 11:15 PM	#13
newmaac Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Cupertino, CA Posts: 17	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? I've heard of people swapping a more modern 60/40 bench, from a Tahoe or Silverado into the C series trucks. I haven't done it myself (yet) but I think that it would be cool to have a power seat to fit our old cab. Mike

11-15-2011, 10:21 AM	#15
slomotion Old Duffer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Maine Posts: 1,822	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? Buckets are nice, and the ones I had were more comfortable than the early bench seats, but buckets in a pickup limits who you can take cruising with you. I guess it boils down to form and function. Attached Images __________________ '68 Short C20 Flatbed Dually w/ 292 4bbl, Langdon cast headers, and WC T5 trans. '81 G10 Shorty Van "Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement." Will Rogers "Under promise, then over achieve."

11-15-2011, 10:26 AM	#16
trapperjack Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Republic of Texas Posts: 361	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? I was looking for a 90's split bucket to put in my 67. The factory 90's split benches will supposedly unbolt from the sliders and bolt onto our sliders. Don't quote me on that, that's from reading, not experience. I found this seat from a 93 choo-choo regular cab pickup, and for $40 was willing to try it. Center drops for arm rest, raises for a seat, and center bottom rises for storage. Has lumbar support, too. The color is good too. I'll let you know how it works out. Attached Images __________________ 1962 Chevy K10 factory 4x4 stepside longbed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=494632 1967 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 long bed (Henrietta) traded 1968 Chevy 1/2 ton panel wagon, V8 and powerglide http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=483345 1978 Ford F250, beater stepside 2008 Jeep Wrangler 4 Door 2010 Chevy 4x4 plain jane work truck

11-15-2011, 11:30 AM	#17
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,207	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? I just bought a set of black buckets like you see in Justin's truck. Bought them from Jonathan - VA72C10. He's the man to talk to IMO, if you're wanting buckets. I like the buddies too but I'm with Justin. It's tough to beat the buckets / console .. just my .02. and, it depends on what you plan to use it for. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

11-17-2011, 09:59 AM	#20
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? There are quite a few vendors as well as members on this site who are upholstery wizards who have a whole lot of experience with rebuilding any seat that came in these trucks. But,when it comes to that type of work I prefer a local shop. I have a guy who specializes in old vehicles that I've dealt with for over 30 years. Actually it's the grandson (in his 30s) who runs the shop now. Before reproduction I'd have them "make" my seat covers. As far as the seat folding forward goes,I believe you can pull rear bolts to allow it to move forward. The seat back upholstery covers the bracket and fastens to the bottom,so something needs to be modified there. Also,the seat bottom bulges past the bracket,so it will rub there pretty good. Anything can be done. The foam could be trimmed and cover mdified. Or,if non-OEM is ok a cover can be made to fit whatever you do. __________________ "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 ~

04-23-2015, 10:34 PM	#22
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,278	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? All real nice, but I think I like slomotion's best. The dog doesn't hurt. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025



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04-23-2015, 11:00 PM	#23
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? I did these back over the Christmas Hollidays! 1999 Tahoe 6 way electric/heated seats. Recovered by me with new heater pads backs & bottoms. 72 Blazer console refurbed by me and a friend of mine painted it. These are what I took out of it. Attached Images __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

04-24-2015, 11:16 AM	#24
chopnchaneled Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 1,050	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? I use a 98 silverado split seat with a fold down arm rest. __________________ I don't think we get smarter as we get older. We just run out of Stupid things to do.

04-24-2015, 12:26 PM	#25
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,279	Re: Bench, bucket or split seat? Of course there is the 99-07 type seat from the Silverado. It does fit and the center console also makes a arm rest /seat . If your bigger than average you may want to skip that idea but it is a HUGE plus to have the seat belts in the seat so that is more comfort there as well

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