I'm planning on redoing the interior on my truck. I need a bench seat setup that will fit. Any suggestions on seats that fit and look original/ comfortable? Also any recommendations on how to mount the seat or make a platform. Thanks

 

If you are not going with a 53-56 bench, then I have good things about ranger seats. Good luck, John

 

Mr. Niolon has a write up on his webpage for doing a late 80's to early 90's GM seat at http://www.clubfte.com/users/jniolon...enchseats.html
Good Luck!

 

In my 56 I used a seat from a 98 Ford F-150. Demension wise it is almost identical to the original seats, only a lot more comfortable. The only drawback I have found is the two funky looking head rest they have. As for the seat track, the tracks are a little wider, but I was able to use the original seat track bolt holes with out drilling new holes. I dealt with the problem using a piece of 3/16 steel plate. By measuring the 98 model seat tracks and the distance between the 98 and the 56 seat tracks I cut the plate and drilled the two sets of holes bolting the seat to the outter set of holes and then placing the seat in the truck and carefully lining up the inside set of holes with the original seat track holes, and bolting it in.

Michelle
Chelle's 56 Hauler

 

There was a reasonably informative article on this in a very recent issue of one of the two major old truck magazines. As I recall Ch*vy p.u. seats from approx. 88-98 are supposed to be a perfect fit. They don't have the headrests that will stick up in front of your rear window (always been a pet peeve of mine) and they are fairly comfy. Some of them have the fold down center arm rest/cup holder/glove box type thingie, etc. Appearance wise, some of them look a TINY bit like the Tea design seats...

(Hope I was sufficeintly vague...)

Later,

 

I considered a GM seat for my truck (for about two tenths of a second). All kidding aside I wanted my truck to be all Ford. The head rest are a pain. I have one friend that liked the fit of my seat and he used one like it and had the head rest removed, it really did look nice. I may do the same someday, I guess it depends on the cost.

Michelle
Chelle's 56 Hauler

 

Thank you all for the great response. I have heard the ranger seats work nicely. I also heard the Chevy seats are very easy to install. I'm with most of you on the headrest. I don't want anything above the window line. I have a 98 F150, I'm going to measure it for size. MS Michelle, great info. I'm like you.... Can't seem to go to the extreme of having Chevy parts on my Ford. It's gotto be FORD or nothing. LOL.... I'll check out the website for ideas also. I had Porsche Carrera seats in my truck, Talk about high backs.... LOL.. They had to go in the trash. I picked up a seat from a 40 ford and mounted it rather poorly. It works, but the seat is not wide enough for the cab and you almost sit on the edge while driving Ha ha ha... Poor wife on the other side of the seat. Thus, I want to do this right and not make a major project out of it. Original bench seats are going for big $$$$$$$ right now. That's another factor. It would be nice to have original, if you can find one. Ed

 

I agree with MS Michelle and you both that it has all Ford, no less. I have Ranger seat and I also have a 96 F150 seat , see which one fits and looks the best in my 56 M100. Don`t care for the tall head rests, may change that later.

 

Original seats can still be found. Blitzcraig sold me the one out of his 56 (he went with lightning buckets) for $50. I sent it to the upholster who fixed a couple of springs and completely RR'd it for $200. It is a little bouncy, but the original style is great. You can post a want on this site's classified section. There may be someone closeby willing to help you out. Good luck, John

 

imlowr2 says: . Original bench seats are going for big $$$$$$$ right now. That's another factor. It would be nice to have original, if you can find one. Ed

I have an original seat for a 53 to 56 if you want it. It is in pretty good shape too. Just e-mail me and let me know.

Michelle
Chelle's 56 Hauler

 

The seat article was in Classic Trucks magizine August Issue. It listed a bunch that would fit. I too, have a 56 seat that came out of a "custom" cab. I live in Mississippi. If you are interested let me know.

 

Ya see Lower2, they're comin out of the woodwork. These seats are of little use to anybody unless they plan on using them in their truck. And they take up up a lot of room. So make somebody's day and and get one out of their garage. Good luck, John

 

Jag, I got two options. One in Texas/ colorado and Mississippi. I'm pretty excited. I've looked everywhere to get an original seat. It would be nice to find one in CA. Shipping is going to be interesting. or I can pack the kids and go for a ride. LOL.... Say, you live near me. I'll take your seat. In fact, I'll even come and pick it up from you. Ha ha ha haha.... Just kidding. Thanks for your help buddy and to everyone else.

 

Boy, I'm lucky I got mine from Blitzcraig when I did. You are close. I believe he lives in Santa Cruz. Have you tried posting a "want" on the calssified section of this site? Good luck, John