What to do to make 69-70 buckets into 71-72 buckets?

[402Bowtie]

So I know the foam shapes and upholstery patterns are different between the two types, but are the frames and wire supports the same? What would need to be done to convert a 69-70 bucket seat into a 71-72 correct bucket seats? Thanks in advance.

[sameyrasmea72]

Besides the covers, I think all you have to worry about is the difference in the foam on the back portion only. Everything else should be the same, including the frames, springs and even the brackets.

[GSFMECH]

I want to do the same thing, I have 69 seats in my 72 and it just isn't right. I thought the frames were identical as well. This is interesting because I thought both foams were different, I know the backs are because the insert is shaped differently and I thought the bottom was too, but then again I've never looked at a set side by side. I think if I do it I will go ahead and change the bottom foams anyway to freshen them up and this would take out any doubt. My drivers side bottom foam was worn and I had to add a little foam to build it back up when I reupholstered the seats.

[PICKMUP]

Both the back & bottom foams are different.
If you buy new 71-2 seat foam sets that will correct the problems.
I am a direct factory rep for American Cushion Industries (ACI) and can get great prices for you. Only dealers can buy from ACI...like LMC.
PM or email me if you would like more info, including prices.
EMAIL: frankeham@comcast.net

[Southern C10]

But what about where and how they connect to the floor? Is it the same for 69-72 and what do you need to do to make them fit in a truck that came with a bench seat?

Didnt mean to hijack your thread but I had some of the same questions.

[sameyrasmea72]

A good upholstery guy should be able to take care of the foam problem. These seats are 73-76ish and they are even more different that the 69-70 and 71-72. You might can save some $$$$ over buying new foam.

As far as mounting goes, the brackets (for buckets) are the same in 69-72.
Buckets, on a factory bucket seat truck mount in a totally different location that a bench seat and have special brackets welded to the underside of the cab. If you get really creative you can fabricate most of the brackets or just use big washers.

[GSFMECH]

Frank, you are the man I will talk to when I get ready to do this. I don't know if you remember or not but I got the seats from you.

[PICKMUP]

71-2 seat on the left & 69-70 on the right.
The foams & covers are different shapes and do not change from one to the other very well by adding foam pieces. The covers actually have to be "tucked" & "pinned" into the foam shapes.
This is one case where the new foams will give a much nicer result & hold up a lot longer.
The 73-76 foams are actually much closer in shape to the 71-2, just a little taller in the top of the backs. Original foams are molded into & around the the springs and frames, so moving used foam from one seat to another does not work.
The new foams are actually designed to work with the old springs & frames and are grooved & sculped to fit without being molded together. That's a pretty trick design, as there is no way we could get the pieces or afford the cost of doing it the old fashioned way!

[PICKMUP]

Pics?