Buddy Buckets - Chevy vs Dodge?

[msgross]

So I have seen pictures of the Chevy and Dodge Buddy Buckets. For those that don't know what they are (you must not be from this planet, j/k) they were offered in 67 and 68 Chevy's. They have a fixed passenger seat with a sliding driver seat. The center seat folds down like an armrest and the lower part of that flips up to reveal a metal storage box. Very cool yet very pricey on the market today. Junkyard finds for the Chevy seats (in rough condition) go for $300+. Restored seats go for $750+. I even saw a pair go for $1900 on Ebay (where those Blazerman's?)

So while at Carlise Truck show this weekend I stumbled accross a seat of Dodge Buddy Buckets (atleast the Dodge vendor said they were Dodge). They are a very close match to the Chevy's. I have noticed that the mounting bracket on each end is slightly different and the upper foam is shaped slightly different. They must be made by the same company (Bostrom i've heard?) because the frame is the same, the center is the same and the lower foam even says "GM-22" like the Chevy's. I picked them up for my 68 and figured that at the worse case I pay $275 for new skins and have them recovered and reshape a little foam.... Oh yeah, I paid $150 for these and a set of Chevy's in poor shape sold for $300.

Post any measurements or pics of your seats so that others can see the difference... I plan on either fabbing a new end bracket to match the Chevy's or just installing an angle iron on the floor and bolting these right in.

[msgross]

more pics of the seat bottoms, Board member Jaime72 pointed out that his Chevy buddy buckets have GM-22 on them....

[msgross]

and the final pic of my little buddy in his buddy seat!

[msgross]

Here are some pics of Chevy seats that I pulled from the forum, thanks to Blazerman, Kingsolver72 and Sakohntr for the pics.

I would like to get some measurements for the lower chevy bracket if anyone is able to assist?

[SCOTI]

I knew the seats were very similar but never knew the frames were so close in design (GM vs. Dodge). I have 2 sets of the GM variety.

[Bob Moore]

Way to go - you got a bargain in my opinion. I have picked up both kinds of seats over the years. I actually like the Dodge upholstry pattern better than the GM.

You could always post a WTB for the GM frame or as you noted use the Dodge frame.

Dodge uses the same mounting method (also the same frame if I recall) for a bench seat or bench buddy buckets. You can look at the junk yard for the way they did it and copy or purchase parts at the yard. I don't know about the height off the floor for the Dodge vs. GM in the front. I know Dodge is adjustible in the back for the rear heigth.

[sick69]

Ok so they were offered in 67-68 chevys what years were they offered in the dodges?


Frank

[BLAZERMAN]

Originally Posted by msgross

Here are some pics of Chevy seats that I pulled from the forum, thanks to Blazerman, Kingsolver72 and Sakohntr for the pics.

I would like to get some measurements for the lower chevy bracket if anyone is able to assist?

Nice score Mike, the sliders, brackets and foam do apear to be just like the GM versioin. PM me the spicific measurments you want and Ill try and help you out.

No those were not my seats on Ebay, I offered mine here on the board for 750 with no takers and they are just as nice as the set that went for 1900. [thats my set at the top of your pics]

[msgross]

Thanks for the words... I guess I need the measurements for the end piece on the frame at some point. Enough measurements to reproduce would be great. That appears to be the only difference in the frames.

I don't mind if this seat sits a little lower since i'm 6'3". I plan on getting a quote to fix the ripped part and then choosing to recover with chevy vinyl or not.

As for what year of a dodge? who knows... everyone seems to find these seats in other vehicles. I picked these up at the swap meet. I had just dropped my parts off at Special-K's booth and was aprking my truck accross the grounds. On the walk back these caught my eye, so I spent $150 before I had even sold any of my parts! Addictions suck!

[jamie72]

keep telling the story, like salt in a cut.. i was only a couple hours late!! good score!! need any pics or measurements from mine send a pm..
i want to see pics when you get them done.
jamie

[msgross]

Originally Posted by jamie72

keep telling the story, like salt in a cut.. i was only a couple hours late!! good score!! need any pics or measurements from mine send a pm..
i want to see pics when you get them done.
jamie

wilco, you shouldn't have slept in on Friday!

you and the mrs make it back to Indiana ok? That other set of GM buddy's sold for $300. Almost worth flipping but not that much... I'm gonna contact a local shop and get estimates...

Take care...
Mike

[jamie72]

yep got home around midnight, but of couse i had to stop and look at a truck on the way home..i was trying to talk to the guy with the chevy seats but he was pretty rude...