seat
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,188
Likes: 4,792
From: Burbank, WA
A lot of guys have had good luck with using Ranger pickup seats. They have a 60-40 version that's nicely contoured for comfort, and is thinner than the stock bench.
The gas tank was designed to allow the seat to hit the back of the cab before it hits the tank, so there's no extra seat room to be gained by removing the tank.
The gas tank was designed to allow the seat to hit the back of the cab before it hits the tank, so there's no extra seat room to be gained by removing the tank.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,831
Likes: 8,329
From: northwestern Ontario
Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 1,696
From: Kentucky
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,686
Likes: 1,254
From: Jefferson City, MO
HA! found it. You just have to get the correct search terms in. You have to scroll down a ways to get to the seats section.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...0-ford-trucks/
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Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,013
Likes: 9,952
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I'm glad this topic has come back around. I'm thinking of ditching the mid 90's Suburban seats in my 49 for a bench. A 60/40 would be awesome.
When I was looking at the Ranger seats it seems like all the ones I saw had molded in headrests. Nice seats but I don't want my seat backs sticking up over the back glass. If I can find a decent seat either without headrests or with removable headrests that would work. I saw a few seats from mid 90's GM cars that looked like they'd be a good option.
I'll read back through the info on seats and hopefully something will work out.
When I was looking at the Ranger seats it seems like all the ones I saw had molded in headrests. Nice seats but I don't want my seat backs sticking up over the back glass. If I can find a decent seat either without headrests or with removable headrests that would work. I saw a few seats from mid 90's GM cars that looked like they'd be a good option.
I'll read back through the info on seats and hopefully something will work out.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 520
My 55 F-100 did not have a seat in it, when I bought it, so I had nothing to compare to.
I have the goal of my truck to keep it as much Ford as reasonably possible.
I looked at various seats and came up with second row seats from a new Ford Explorer Limited. All 3 seats were $250, delivered. It took me quite a bit of time to figure out the mounting system, using the factory F-100 mounting holes plus three more.
I mounted the center seat solid and bought adjustable sliders for the right and left seat.
The center seat has an integrated seat belt with shoulder harness. This truck has to be one of the few that has a center seat with a shoulder harness. That seat is much heavier than the left or right seat.
The down side is that they all have head rests. I am sure they could be cut off and the holes plugged, but they do not bother me when I weigh the looks versus the safety factor.
I have the goal of my truck to keep it as much Ford as reasonably possible.
I looked at various seats and came up with second row seats from a new Ford Explorer Limited. All 3 seats were $250, delivered. It took me quite a bit of time to figure out the mounting system, using the factory F-100 mounting holes plus three more.
I mounted the center seat solid and bought adjustable sliders for the right and left seat.
The center seat has an integrated seat belt with shoulder harness. This truck has to be one of the few that has a center seat with a shoulder harness. That seat is much heavier than the left or right seat.
The down side is that they all have head rests. I am sure they could be cut off and the holes plugged, but they do not bother me when I weigh the looks versus the safety factor.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 218
Likes: 19
From: Central NC
Direct swap on 56 three on tree column?
Any mods to Horn or turn signal cancel?
Adequate extra room for the trouble? (yeah I know Lose the belly.... )
and yes, probably better in a separate topic.. mods can split if they desire.
Last edited by ghall; Apr 22, 2024 at 10:02 AM. Reason: ?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,400
Likes: 5,407
From: Central PA
In 1956 Ford made some safety improvements. One was having steering wheel that has a recessed center. 56 steering columns were a few inches shorter to accommodate the steering wheel. The 53-55 steering wheel is flat. So by putting a flat wheel on your column you'll gain a few inches. You make room for your expanded belly but it may not be comfortable for your hands and arms. You'll have to figure that out.
1. Yes direct swap.
2. Your 56 horn button should fit. The TS switch is in the bell at the top of the column. You would just be replacing the wheel.
3. Worth the trouble? You gotta decide that.
The above is accurate as far as I know. Someone, like BigWin, who is more knowledgeable than me may come along to confirm or correct my thoughts.
1. Yes direct swap.
2. Your 56 horn button should fit. The TS switch is in the bell at the top of the column. You would just be replacing the wheel.
3. Worth the trouble? You gotta decide that.
The above is accurate as far as I know. Someone, like BigWin, who is more knowledgeable than me may come along to confirm or correct my thoughts.
Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 1,696
From: Kentucky
That's a nice article. John has some great ones. I was thinking of the one that listed a bunch of different seats and the widths. I think it discussed other parts that you could swap.
HA! found it. You just have to get the correct search terms in. You have to scroll down a ways to get to the seats section.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...0-ford-trucks/
HA! found it. You just have to get the correct search terms in. You have to scroll down a ways to get to the seats section.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...0-ford-trucks/
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 955
Likes: 199
From: Pratt Ks
If the cab width is the same on a 56 as on a 50 then you can use an 80's ford ranger bench seat with ease and you can retain the slide mechanism as well.
I don't know if the cabs are the same width though, but someone else probably will chime in to inform us.
I don't know if the cabs are the same width though, but someone else probably will chime in to inform us.