Buckets or Bench???
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
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From: Longwood, fl
Buckets or Bench???
Have a 55 F100 with an old caddy bench and am getting close to start thinking about a real interior. Been trying to decide which way to go and am looking for some feedback from those that have already made the decision. My build is modified stock so not trying to maintain complete original theme. One day it is a bench the next it is buckets??? Have seen some nice center consoles in the galleries and some beautiful examples at the Supernats this year with both. To those that have converted to buckets do you regret it or wish you had sooner? What made you decide to go to buckets and would you do it again? Also, if I go with buckets have seen some Honda seats that look great and seem to fit beautifully. What are you using, know I don't want high backs if I go that way? Thanks for your feedback.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: S.C.
I have a 55 also I went with the 60/40 seats with a fold down arm rest from a Ranger. I like them I had bucket seats before that with an oak console, I think bucks don't maximize cab space; don't get me wrong there are a lot of nice looking trucks with buckets this is just my $.02 worth.
Jaye
Jaye
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Like you, I haven't made that pick yet. However, I have a floor shifter and, while I like the look of a bench (especially the Chevy truck bench in our Effies), it is kind of ruled out because of the shifter. I currently have an old GM bench and don't like it much as it gives little side-to-side support. I'm thinking buckets. Haven't picked them yet.
I'll watch responses to this thread for some help selecting my seats.
I'll watch responses to this thread for some help selecting my seats.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
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From: Longwood, fl
I do like Jayes application. Probably could find cheap and has adjustability for driver and passenger and armrest plus the third person capcability if needed. Still looking at options and am planning a Lockar floor shifter as well.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,955
Likes: 9,727
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I am currently running buckets out of a mid 90's Suburban (I removed the headrests so they don't stick up and block the back glass) I got the seats for free and they are really comfy (drivers has 6way power and lumbar, passenger just has lumbar).
I like the idea of the 60/40 split bench.
Bobby
I like the idea of the 60/40 split bench.
Bobby
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 388
Likes: 5
From: Florida
Make sure you have locks on the driver side door before you get rid of the bench 
Its hard to slide in or out of the passenger door to lock up with buckets ;P
Its hard to slide in or out of the passenger door to lock up with buckets ;P
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Bend, Oregon
I like the 60/40. I have a bench and have thought about redoing the seat making it more contured...
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,243
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From: Michigan
I've had all of the above in my truck and now I'm back to the stock bench seat as the final seat.
I did cut the seat frame height down by 3/4 of a inch. That seems to allow me to look thru the middle of the windshield.
Chuck
I did cut the seat frame height down by 3/4 of a inch. That seems to allow me to look thru the middle of the windshield.
Chuck
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,734
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From: Kansas City area
I used 2000 Buick 60/40 seats in my 56 (sold) and found them too big and they didn't allow enough leg room for someone 6'. I think your size will have a factor is selecting which way to go.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I just like the looks of a bench seat in these old trucks better than buckets. That's why I chose to use a Ranger bench seat in my 48. I have a column shift so I could have gone either way...
Vern
Vern
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 144
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From: Livonia Michigan
I got some buckets from merc546 and they have worked out well.My 56 is modified and I think the buckets look better than the old bench. I built my own console to put my radio in and it's works well with my floor shift.
I still have the bench in the garage just in case.
John F.
I still have the bench in the garage just in case.
John F.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I have 6 way power van style captain's chairs that came in my panel. They are extremely comfortable with the fold down arm rests. The T56 transmission has the shifter fairly rearward alongside the seat and I want walkthru access to the rear so bench seating would not be an option. I have a 94 Taurus with 60-40 power bench seat sitting in my yard that I keep meaning to measure the seat width for reference, but that was also a very comfortable seat and included inflatable lumbar cushions built in. If I were looking for different buckets I'd be looking at some of the Japanese upscale brands such as Lexus, Infinity, etc. They have excellent ergonomics and luxurious look.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Earth
I have buckets in my '53, with the driver's being a power seat. The nice thing about it is that I was able to put my ratchet shifter in between the seats and not have to lean forward everytime I want to put the truck in gear or decide to shift it manually.
