1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Bench Seat Upgrade?

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Old 10-19-2016, 08:33 PM
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Bench Seat Upgrade?

Original bench seat needs work... and at LEAST needs to be re-ulpholstered.
Ideally, I'd replace the tired foam base cushion... so I'm searching for an OEM or equivalent foam bench cushion, and asking for reliable suppliers.

I'm also searching for a "pre-sewen" "cover" (not a standard seat cover you'd find at O'Reilly's but one that slips directly over the foam) The original was vinyl "Comfortweave" but the fabric is not as critical. Worst case I can have something made.

... but am also curious if there are other options for seat "configurations" (ie. twin bucket w/center console) that would fit my 'ol '86 F350... or am I pretty much stuck with the bench?

cheers!
RB
 
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Old 10-20-2016, 04:26 AM
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There are options for using later split benches or individual seats with a console like a Bronco.
Gary and Brad and others know more about what and how these fit than I do.

I'm replying because I recovered my seat on Sunday using LMC's 49-5732 'kit'.
This was to replace their 49-5712 style that I didn't like as much as my dog did..

One way to help is to slip a piece of cardboard under the foam so the springs don't cut into it, and it sits on top like it should.
I used the box my new sliding rear window came in, as replacing that was my reason for pulling the seat out anyway.

Be prepared to fix the support frame behind the drivers back. (two of my slats were broken out)
Having welded them back in before, I went a different route and zip screwed 1/8x1" aluminum from the scrap pile in place this time.

You can spray glue a piece of elastic fabric over the bench foam if it seems to need help.
I'm too cheap to spend the $$$ LMC want for new bench foam so i used a scrap of headliner fabric the last time I did this six years ago.

Be aware that the hog ring pliers that come in the 5732 kit are absolutely useless.
Their aluminum staples are not much better.
 
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Old 10-20-2016, 01:39 PM
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thx for the info/details/advice... and all that makes sense based on what I'm seeing with my foam and covers. I'll keep in mind the dog attractant factor (plus I also need to replace my rear window sliding section!)

I MAY spring for the foam... but want to check out seating options first. The bench frame bolts in in the corners, so I would assume that either there is a split seat arrangement that is tied to a common frame with the same bolt pattern... or I'm going to have to drill out bolt holes in the cap floor to accommodate a separated 2 seat arrangement (probably won't do that if that's the only option.

thx again for the info!
 
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Old 10-20-2016, 01:54 PM
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Gary has his famous (infamous?) Eight page microanalysis of the various seating options, Bronco, Crew cab, various split benches...

Swapping to a later model better optioned seat is a pretty popular mod.
You might try searching for 60/40 bench or 40/20/40, or Bronco bucket swaps.
 
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Old 10-20-2016, 02:03 PM
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... I should probably know who Gary is... but I'm very new on this forum. Is his "research" posted somewhere? I'd love to see it!
... and I'll do the search...
thx, again!
 
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Old 10-20-2016, 02:11 PM
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Oh, sorry. I'm on my phone so I don't see any stats or signatures.

Welcome to the forum

Gary Lewis has some of the most epic threads on the forum.
There was a lot of discussion about seating options for his 'Dad's Truck" tribute. Maybe he will even pop his head in and give you the pros and cons.
 
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Old 10-20-2016, 02:15 PM
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... your doing this on your phone? LOL! Power User!
I'm digging in the forum search for seat swaps... quite a bit... but I'll see what I can dig up from Gary... and hope he chimes in...

... and thx for the warm welcome!
 
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Old 10-20-2016, 02:23 PM
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Welcome to FTE !

Originally Posted by rbond
... your doing this on your phone? LOL! Power User!
I'm digging in the forum search for seat swaps... quite a bit... but I'll see what I can dig up from Gary... and hope he chimes in...

... and thx for the warm welcome!
Gary's site :
???Gary's Garagemahal - Home
 
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Old 10-20-2016, 02:25 PM
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If You grab the free "Garage Talk" App , it supports quite a few forums for smartphones.
 
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Old 10-20-2016, 02:25 PM
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Perfect Don!
I was JUST reading Gary's info about his seat swap on that site when you're msg came in... thx for the confirmation

Cheers!
 
  #11  
Old 10-20-2016, 02:59 PM
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... got it, Don... thx!
 
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Old 10-20-2016, 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
There are options for using later split benches or individual seats with a console like a Bronco.
Gary and Brad and others know more about what and how these fit than I do.

I'm replying because I recovered my seat on Sunday using LMC's 49-5732 'kit'.
This was to replace their 49-5712 style that I didn't like as much as my dog did..

One way to help is to slip a piece of cardboard under the foam so the springs don't cut into it, and it sits on top like it should.
I used the box my new sliding rear window came in, as replacing that was my reason for pulling the seat out anyway.

Be prepared to fix the support frame behind the drivers back. (two of my slats were broken out)
Having welded them back in before, I went a different route and zip screwed 1/8x1" aluminum from the scrap pile in place this time.

You can spray glue a piece of elastic fabric over the bench foam if it seems to need help.
I'm too cheap to spend the $$$ LMC want for new bench foam so i used a scrap of headliner fabric the last time I did this six years ago.

Be aware that the hog ring pliers that come in the 5732 kit are absolutely useless.
Their aluminum staples are not much better.
You got me thinking...I have a few sheets of 1970's wood paneling that would be perfect between the foam and springs
I like a firm feel
 
  #13  
Old 10-20-2016, 04:44 PM
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... aaahhh... Road Warrior style... nice.
 
  #14  
Old 10-20-2016, 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by rbond
... your doing this on your phone? LOL! Power User!
I'm digging in the forum search for seat swaps... quite a bit... but I'll see what I can dig up from Gary... and hope he chimes in...

... and thx for the warm welcome!
I was on my phone also and it is not easy to look up links and post them.
Dave ----
 
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Old 10-30-2016, 01:57 PM
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40/20/40 from a 97' F-350 was a direct bolt in for My 86 f350
 


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