1956 chevy 3100 seats

[tinyjaime]

I am wanting to install a nice bench seat that will fit into my truck that does not take up too much of the big back window. I would like all the creature comforts drink holders flip down arm rest etc.

What have you guys done? I see a lot of guys come up with good ideas for the AD trucks but i have not came accress any i liked for the taskforce. Oh btw for now i will keep the tank behind the seat.

I am planning to cruise the salvage yards just wanting to get an idea.

Any ideas, pics or link do you have to share?
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[Dan in Pasadena]

'89-'98 Chevy truck bench.
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[starterman99]

early 90's seat in 57 small window using factory 90's seat frame.

[fabguy]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

'89-'98 Chevy truck bench.
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Thanks for that Dan, I think I will be going to the wrecking yards this weekend to find one. Also, can the frame be cut down?
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[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by fabguy

Thanks for that Dan, I think I will be going to the wrecking yards this weekend to find one. Also, can the frame be cut down?
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You're welcome.

If you mean cut down to lower it closer to the floor, yes. Someone on the board (of course I can't remember who) posted a picture of how they did it too.

The "side" metal pieces you see when you open the cab doors - for lack of a better description - have two rounded square holes. You cut through those to remove however much you want, re-weld these sides and the formerly square holes are then more rectangular. That's a lousy description without a photo but I hope it gives you the idea.

[TX58]

I used a third row minivan seat that fits perfect. Not too wide,and low enough to fit under big window. I cut off the armrest and welded the original bench seat brackets. Really pleased with the way it came out. Had it reupholstered in cloth and vinyl
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[TX58]

Here it is

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[bobinbc]

The second or third row seat from a Safari or Astrovan is nice. Has all the armrests, cupholders etc and if you want they come in leather. They are a couple inches narrower than a full size pickup seat. Here's a pic of one recovered, the drink holder is folded up in the middle. Best way to mount it is to adapt the base to a stock bench seat base.

[gale]

Originally Posted by bobinbc

The second or third row seat from a Safari or Astrovan is nice. Has all the armrests, cupholders etc and if you want they come in leather. They are a couple inches narrower than a full size pickup seat. Here's a pic of one recovered, the drink holder is folded up in the middle. Best way to mount it is to adapt the base to a stock bench seat base.

That seat really looks good! Do you know the approximate year model of the donor van?

[Cobra427sc]

Hey gale! From my research that I have been doing for those beautiful seat that bobinbc had done.
This is what I found out.
They are from 1996 -2005 Chevy Astro GMC Safari Bench Seat (Second & Third Row).
But I would go with the 2004 as it is the only thing i found with and actual year to them.

I found it here.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=2004%...3%3B1024%3B768

Hope this helps anyone out because they are really Sweet seats bobinbc!!! Thanks Buddy for the nice pic's of your seats Just sweet! I'm looking for them to, found some but to far for me
Cobra427sc.

[gale]

Thanks, I'll troll a few wrecking yards and see what I find. The seat base is spot welded in a '54 so I needed to know which direction I was going with this. I'll get rid of the old seat now.

[Cobra427sc]

Well the link for some reason doesn't work but if you Google (2004 Astro/Safari Bench Seat)
in Google Images it should be the second picture.

[Cobra427sc]

TX58 I just wanted to say that is a really sweat seat!!
Do you remember from what van it was from the year?
Also if it is not much to ask what did it cost to have it reupholstered?
Reg.
Cobra427sc

[Cobra427sc]

Originally Posted by TX58

Here it is

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TX58 I just wanted to say that is a really sweat seat!!
Do you remember from what van it was from the year?
Also if it is not much to ask what did it cost to have it reupholstered?
Reg.
Cobra427sc

[Dan in Pasadena]

Bob,
I owned a high trim level '86 Safari with dual second row buckets but the third row was a conventional bench. It didn't look anything like that. That's truly nice. Do you know what year it came out of?

[bobinbc]

Dan I think I got one from around year 2000, I have a set of power buckets from one also. The bench got used in another project.
If you pull one yourself, try to get the matching seatbelts with it.

[tinyjaime]

Very nice guys i think i will be going to the wrecking yard also. You gave me a great idea on what to look for.
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[TX58]

Those seats do look great. I was going for the stock look and was tired of buying rusted out originals. With the 3rd row seat I was able to get the look with modern seat feel and comfort. I was really pleased with the width and height. And by welding on the original bracket I was able to use the original bolt holes in the floor.
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[tinyjaime]

Well to give everyone an update. I went to the junk yard in Las Vegas in the blistering heat which was a bad idea lol and checked all the trucks. I saw some good things I could make work but decided to rethink the idea in my ac my car. I drove to a local hot rod consignment shop and spotted a nice set of buckets from a Chrysler 300M with power, heat, and memory. I was told they were from a full size Dodge truck but after research I know they are from a 300M. If I relocate the fuel tank I am sure I can make them work and boy are they comfortable.

Thanks guys. I do like the idea of the 2nd row seats from a Tahoe or Escalade. I guess it will always be my project.

Thanks guys for the ideas

[TX58]

Thanks, I really like the way it came out. I'm not sure what year/model the seat came from. The guy told me it was a dodge/Chrysler mini van. I do know it had its own seatbelts and armrest. Thinking it was a 3rd row seat from the minivan. I cut off the folding armrest and welded the seat to the original 58 brackets. It bolts in the original holes on the cab floor.
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[Cobra427sc]

Well TX58 it is Awesome! I like the style simple and stylish. Do you know what is the length of the seat is? Also do you have any pictures of it in the truck yet?
I have a long way to go for my 56. Maybe next year all have it done, it's pretty much just the shell right now.
Reg.
Cobra427sc

[TX58]

Not in the truck yet. I'm working under the dash and its easier without the seat installed.I can measure it when I go back to the shop. I forgot to answer your other question. I paid $420 plus fabric (which I ordered elsewhere) to do the seat,visors,and door panels. Not bad for the quality of work I think. The cloth is from a place that carries vintage auto upholstery. 60's Impala pattern. The vinyl was bought local and matches the exterior/interior Wimbledon white color.

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[Cobra427sc]

Yes please! I would like to know it's length. Have you tried it in the truck yet? How close is it to the doors on each end of the cab?

[dubie]

one thing that should be asked is about your suspension. Are you running a solid axle or do you have independent front suspension? I've hear that the ride comfort is compromised when you swap out the spring suspension factory bench seat on a solid axle truck and replace it with a foam seat. The reason being is that the springs in the seat are part of your suspension in these old trucks. Kind of like a spring seat on a hard tail chopper, it absorbs some of the shock from bumps. When you change it out for a foam seat, you loose that extra suspension.

Although, I really do love the way that TX58's seat looks, hmmmmmmmmmmmm

[TX58]

Good point.
I'm running solid front axle for now. I'm willing to sacrifice comfort for the chance to drive a classic truck. Kinda what I go thru when I drive my old Jeep wrangler lol
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