How tough is it to restore "bucket buddys"? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

toyplumbertrucks · 12-31-2012, 01:54 PM

I am not to familiar with these type of seats , but I really want a set. Is there anything I should know or ask before I make a purchase? Are the foam replacements avaliable for the seats? Are ther any common problem or hard to find hardware I should know about? Will the standard seat belts work with these? Thanks, Toyplumbertrucks.

C10_ustacould · 12-31-2012, 02:30 PM

There are foams and covers available. As a matter of fact board member Truckseats can hook you up with both. The tracks are often worn and originals in good condition can be hard to come by, but some folks have had good luck with aftermarket tracks from companies like Speedway. The adjustment handles are also a problem spot, as they are often broken or missing. There used to be a board member that made a nice replacement, but he no longer offers them. As far as purchasing seats just give the seat frames, springs, and mounting frame a good once over to ensure they aren't rusted out. Also, make sure the center seat console box isn't rusted and that all of the hardware is there. Well, I'm sure some others will chime in with good advise so I'll leave it to them. Good luck!

Check out this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=truckseats

Sammy · 12-31-2012, 02:41 PM

Things to look for and consider. Foam is available but can get expensive. Keep that in mind if the set you find needs foam replacement and most do after this many years. $1100 to $1500 or even more is not uncommon for a completely restored set. $300-$500 is the normal range for a set needing redone depending on condition. Dodge BUDDY seats are also out there with very little differences. Sliding seat track on the drivers seat with the adjustment arm are the two biggest condition items to look for other than foam replacement. I think comfort in these seats compared to the bench is much better. Stock lap belts work fine same as your bench.

**john** · 12-31-2012, 03:01 PM

Here's some good reading on rebuilding buddy buckets.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=549941

**leddzepp** · 12-31-2012, 03:47 PM

Take them (or any seats for that matter) to an upholstery shop and let them work their magic. I had a set of buddy buckets completely restored with new covers and foam for $500. 40 year old foam is junk no matter what it looks like and needs to be replaced.
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12-31-2012, 01:54 PM	#1
toyplumbertrucks Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: st. john, in Posts: 280	How tough is it to restore "bucket buddys"? I am not to familiar with these type of seats , but I really want a set. Is there anything I should know or ask before I make a purchase? Are the foam replacements avaliable for the seats? Are ther any common problem or hard to find hardware I should know about? Will the standard seat belts work with these? Thanks, Toyplumbertrucks.

12-31-2012, 02:30 PM	#2
C10_ustacould A day late and $1 short... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northwest FL Posts: 3,877	Re: How tough is it to restore "bucket buddys"? There are foams and covers available. As a matter of fact board member Truckseats can hook you up with both. The tracks are often worn and originals in good condition can be hard to come by, but some folks have had good luck with aftermarket tracks from companies like Speedway. The adjustment handles are also a problem spot, as they are often broken or missing. There used to be a board member that made a nice replacement, but he no longer offers them. As far as purchasing seats just give the seat frames, springs, and mounting frame a good once over to ensure they aren't rusted out. Also, make sure the center seat console box isn't rusted and that all of the hardware is there. Well, I'm sure some others will chime in with good advise so I'll leave it to them. Good luck! Check out this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=truckseats __________________ 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

12-31-2012, 02:41 PM	#3
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: How tough is it to restore "bucket buddys"? Things to look for and consider. Foam is available but can get expensive. Keep that in mind if the set you find needs foam replacement and most do after this many years. $1100 to $1500 or even more is not uncommon for a completely restored set. $300-$500 is the normal range for a set needing redone depending on condition. Dodge BUDDY seats are also out there with very little differences. Sliding seat track on the drivers seat with the adjustment arm are the two biggest condition items to look for other than foam replacement. I think comfort in these seats compared to the bench is much better. Stock lap belts work fine same as your bench. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

12-31-2012, 03:01 PM	#4
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	Re: How tough is it to restore "bucket buddys"? Here's some good reading on rebuilding buddy buckets. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=549941 __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

12-31-2012, 03:47 PM	#5
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,017	Re: How tough is it to restore "bucket buddys"? Take them (or any seats for that matter) to an upholstery shop and let them work their magic. I had a set of buddy buckets completely restored with new covers and foam for $500. 40 year old foam is junk no matter what it looks like and needs to be replaced. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul



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