Seat foam
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,911
Likes: 1,192
From: Deerbrook, WI
We had a discussion about this several months back. At that time, we discovered that foam depth changed with different model years. My truck is a 52' and it doesn't have foam--53' and newer trucks do.
My general impression from the earlier thread is that adding foam to a 52' and older seat might make it "sit" too high.
My general impression from the earlier thread is that adding foam to a 52' and older seat might make it "sit" too high.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,374
Likes: 5,382
From: Central PA
The seats in a 53-56 is wider than a 51-52 seat, so the foam will be wider but I am sure it could be cut down to size.
In reference to what USCG panel said, if your seat didn't have foam originally and you add foam it will sit higher. In the 53-56 series the deluxe cabs (53-54) and the Custom Cabs (55-56) had foam rubber on the seat. The standard cabs did not. I found that the standard cab seat springs were a bit different than the deluxe and custom cab seat springs. I put 2 inch foam on my seat and I sit too high.
In reference to what USCG panel said, if your seat didn't have foam originally and you add foam it will sit higher. In the 53-56 series the deluxe cabs (53-54) and the Custom Cabs (55-56) had foam rubber on the seat. The standard cabs did not. I found that the standard cab seat springs were a bit different than the deluxe and custom cab seat springs. I put 2 inch foam on my seat and I sit too high.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,911
Likes: 1,192
From: Deerbrook, WI
I should add that my truck is a panel. Panel seats may be different from the bench seats found in pick-ups. After thinking about it, I'm not positive that we determined in Ivmcc's thread that all 52' and earlier seats don't have foam. I would need to read the thread again. I just know that my seats are original and they don't have foam.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,995
Likes: 422
From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
The 48-50 seats did not have any foam only a sort of dense batting backed up by a coarse fiber material. Replacing this with foam could be done, you'll need to be very careful to get the right ride height and posterior comfort. Those springs do not naturally deliver a shiatsu massage by any account.
I'm uncertain if the 51-52 seats were padded in the same way. Based on appearances, I would venture they were.
I'm uncertain if the 51-52 seats were padded in the same way. Based on appearances, I would venture they were.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,911
Likes: 1,192
From: Deerbrook, WI
My seat is constructed as follows: Tied springs attached to a metal frame--a burlap covering--followed by a half inch or so of cotton batting--and finally a vinyl like/oil cloth type material completes the seat.
I'm having my seats re-done this winter. I'm expecting great things, but I suppose I shouldn't get my hopes up too high. The original technology is bound to have limitations. Right now the springs are poking up through the seat material, the metal frames are broken in a number of places, and some of the springs are no longer attached to the frames or each other. I'll make a full report when the work is done.
I'm having my seats re-done this winter. I'm expecting great things, but I suppose I shouldn't get my hopes up too high. The original technology is bound to have limitations. Right now the springs are poking up through the seat material, the metal frames are broken in a number of places, and some of the springs are no longer attached to the frames or each other. I'll make a full report when the work is done.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Billings, Montana
Like 52 USCG Panel my 56' had the cotton and burlap, which the mice really liked. My frame is in very good condition. So when it gets redone this winter I am sticking with the cotton rather than foam.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,911
Likes: 1,192
From: Deerbrook, WI
I'm sticking with the cotton batting as well. The person lined up to do my seats said she will be able to get materials pretty close to original. I'm trying to keep my truck as original as possible. As a Coast Guard truck, my truck had white canvass slip covers over the original seats. I'm going to duplicate that special feature as well.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,374
Likes: 5,382
From: Central PA
The standard cabs for the 53-56 trucks had the cotton batting like you describe. I wish I had done that to my truck seat instead of buying foam. I found out a little too late that the deluxe or Custom Cab truck seat frames were built differently than the standard cab seat frames. So on my seat with the foam I sit too high and it is difficult to push the seat back forward. I am pleased with how it looks however and am hoping that the foam compresses over time.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 794
Likes: 120
From: Behind the wheel, IN
I went with foam when I redid my seat. I'm pretty happy with the results. I should have gone with a thinner piece for the backrest. (I used 2") The result has pushed me a little close the the steering wheel.
Senior User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Billings, Montana
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