Buckets Or Bench

[muddpile]

What do you folks prefer? I am trying to weight the pros and cons against each other. Here's my list so far:
Stock Bench:
Pros:
-Have it already
-Looks Stock
-Seats 3

Cons:
-Needs recover
-Needs Foam
-Not as stylish or comfortable as buckets

Buckets:
Pros:
-Brand New, no need for parts
-Comfortable and Stylish
-Likely cheaper than rebuild in the long run
-Room for custom console

Cons:
-Only seats 2
-Looks excellent, but not 100% stock.

Is there any point I missed? I'm kind of between a rock and a hard place. For function, I'd say bench, but I also have to think that I don't often have 3 people. Any suggestions anyone?

[70 shorty]

Me personally I'd say bench only. It would be hard to put my 2 daughters in car seats on one bucket. For your purposes, I'd probably be inclined to say buckets. It would be nice to have the extra storage of a console.

[Palf70Step]

Too me you left out an option. Different bench, like one from the 88-98 years. super comfortable, looks great seats 3......

Too me, most buckets are more comfortable and supportive than a bench seat, but in a standard cab truck I prefer having the extra seat. If I made or had an extended cab, buckets all the way. But I am not a purest for stock.

[powell72]

it's not what we prefer, it's whats more comfortable to you and what looks better to you. But since you asked, I prefer bench.

[CHEVYE]

i think benches are more comfy in these trucks. buckets always seem to sit up too straight.

[HeavyD]

If you are on a budget, I say redo the bench. For $250-300 bucks you can have it redone and its ready to go. PM me if you need a place to get it redone in Saskatoon..I may be able to help. The guy I sold my Mach 1 to is an upholstery guy on the side. He assured me he knows what he is doing, but that remains to be seen. Most likely he will be more reasonable than going to a shop.

[shortymac83]

I'm all about the bench seat. looks great (mine is getting white leather tuck 'n roll with blue piping, I think), chicks dig' em in more ways than one, they're comfortable when they're redone right, and they're just plain cool.

[RIDDLA]

Ive got some bench seats out of a blazer newer model but thinking on putting back the bench seat
its your choice

[weasel29gm]

I agree on the late model bench, bolt in and your done looks and rides great. My 2 cents!!

[1-PU70]

Had both but nothing like a set of

[67ChevyRedneck]

I'm a big fan of bench seats. My camaro has buckets and I don't like 'em. Plus, my girlfriend can slide over and sit in the middle. 1-PU70....that is an awesome looking original interior. If you get a newer bench you can get one that has a fold down center console for storage...just a thought.

[Johnny05]

I also kicked around the idea of putting in bucket seats or a newer bench. After having a nostalgic moment I went and had my bench seat recovered. Besides it's usually only my son and I in my truck and I was thinking he could have the same memories I do of me and my Dad..

[Deuce]

I just bought a 60/40 split bench out of a 98 chev ext cab for $100. Power everything. Has a fold down console/armrest so it looks like buckets, but when you fold it up it seats 3. Plus has storage in the seat backs because it was in a ext cab.

[A.P.]

IMO Bucket seats are better and comfortable.

[Hook'em]

I like the stock look and ability to seat three.

[StingRay]

What about the 67-68 CST bucket seats. A little hard to find and a bit pricey but in the end are literally made for our trucks and have very few cons. I have managed to find two in the last couple of years so they are around to be found.

[muddpile]

Wow! Lots of very good points here! It seems that the majority of people here are choosing bench over buckets, which doesn't really surprise me. I've been driving the work truck all day today off and on (1988 Dodge reg cab with bench, base model) and I must say that a bench seat is kind of nice in a way. It seats three, you can pile junk up on it right to the headliner if you want (and if it had a headliner...) and there is no irritating space for stuff to slide in between the seat and the console. Looks like a bench might just be the way for me to go. That or the 67-68 CST buckets, but that's if I could find a pair, and I don't feel like looking that hard or paying an arm and a leg.

Now, here's the real kicker, I need a bench that is BLACK. A newer bench would be nice, but how many 88-98 chevys do you see with black interiors? I've never seen many. Recovering the stocker is still an option, but a newer black one would be pretty sweet.

Thanks for the help so far and any other opinions will be greatly appreciated.

[68gmcdually]

I bought a 40/20/40 bench out of a 2001 Silverado, with the console flipped down they look amazing. In a regular cab truck although as previously stated by Yukon jack they are deeper than the originals and get you too close to the wheel. They work great in my truck since I have an extra 25" behind the doors.

[HeavyD]

One other point to consider is that the stock bench just bolts back in with no hassle. Not trying to steer you either way, but it is something to consider if you are not into drilling new holes, etc..

[mr402]

All I got to say is think head restraints. 2 plus years and my neck still hurts after being rear ended. Problem is those late model benches are very spendy.

[Canadian694x4]

I never have had a set of (Truck) Buckets but I love my bench seat...I would go so far as to say I find it very comfortable.

[NPilot1975]

How about the best of both worlds, 3 up when you need it and a console when you don't. Plus storage under the center seat.

[5150]

Some of the factory buckets out of the 99-up chevy trucks have that middle jump seat. It's a 40/20/40 seat-it has no console, but I can carry my daughter with us now. And if you don't want to install that jump seat leave it out and build a console.