New Seat Installation

[TheDark1]

This is what I started with, Procar seats and a console from a jeep. After determining what height I wanted the seats at, I started after it.


I started with some 5/8" round bar. After drilling, I chamfered the hole about 3/16" of and inch with drill bit one size larger. This helps hold the tap straight when starting to cut the threads.




Find some cool bolts.



Start welding. Notice that I capped the ends of the square tubing. It might show in some places and I wanted it to look finished.

[TheDark1]

This is what I ended up with. It mounts to the original seat location on each side and goes over the hump.


Welded in some tabs for the console to mount to.


These are the tabs for the original seat bolts.


I gave them a quick sanding and painting.


The finished product after some new carpet and floor mats.

[lakeroadster]

Cool thread, thanks for the posting.

Have you driven your truck with the new seat arrangement? The reason I ask is I too have Procar seats but I mounted mine much higher, probably four inches higher (see photo below). I located the seat so my arm would rest comfortably on the door when the window was down.

It's a personal preference thing.. just curious what you thought from a driving perspective.

Again, thanks for the thread.

[TheDark1]

Hey John,
Yeah, I've driven it. I like to sit low, but I'm also built like Grape Ape (6'2" 265lbs). I like to have my arm just below my shoulder when the window is down, and this is what worked for me. I also placed my eyes in the center of the windsheild from top to bottom. I would suggest to everyone to try different heights with some blocks or spacers before welding everything. I sat higher with thicker seats and my knees were in my chest most of the time. When I had the 3-speed it wasn't so bad, but now with 5 gears, it was getting to be rediculous. I also had to stick my head down by the dash to see red lights. It's a lot nicer now.
The coolest thing about this set-up to me is that it's totally custom but uses only the stock bolt holes. All of my other brackets were one off and each was different. I spent half the day welding up holes that I'd drilled in the floor over the years. Now if I can find a rust free cab, all I have to do is switch the seats over. ---Jeff

[markeb01]

Nice design work. I like the concept of only using the stock mounting locations. Looks really solid.

[lakeroadster]

Jeff,

Grape Ape... I am lovin that analogy. Glad to hear it's all good. And I hear ya in regards to holes in the floor, I am a card carrying member!

[Ghostwhite]

not to get off topic but I can't find a decent bench locally, how do you guys like the lowback procar? I like the look and some of the other procar seats

Thanks, Ghost

[markeb01]

I have air pockets where 3 of my spinal discs use to be, so comfort and support is critical to my functionality. I've had the Procar Lowback seats in my truck for somthing like 8-10 years now, and they still look and feel like new. Previously, I had very expensive Recaro seats. They lasted 3 years and broke down to the point I couldn't drive the truck. I have a 9 year old Honda CR-V and the original seat has worn to the point I can't drive that either. So I just ordered an adapter bracket and will be installing a Procar Lowback in that one as well (I have a spare since I've also made office furniture out of these).



If I found something better I'd probably buy it, but from my experience these seats are great, and very inexpensive compared to others on the market.

[TheDark1]

I actually bought mine after a few e-mails from Markeb01 and seeing John's(Lakeroadster) installation. I've had them in for a few months now and I really like them. I don't drive very far since this is not my daily driver, but they seem way more comfortable than my full hi-back Recarro's that I had before.

My biggest concern was the thickness of the seats. The hi-backs were so thick at the top that I had to have them almost straight up to have any type of leg room. So I would have to adjust them for the type of driving I was doing. If I was on a road trip I could lean them back but not push the clutch very well, if I was in town I had to drive like I had a hunched back. These give me a good driving angle and still have leg room for the clutch.--Jeff

[lakeroadster]

Legroom, a fella can never have too much, and seat reclining can make a huge difference in driving comfort too. Being a hacker I have considered cutting the double wall cab insert to allow the Procar seat to recline back more. Basically trace the outline of the seat back onto the rear cab panel, cut-it out, and then make a metal insert to weld in or use something like this old school rodders trick http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/any-...ow-135400.html

I was planning to do this but since I have installed a flatter steering wheel (less dish) I find that it allows me room to move the seat forward a bit and recline the back. I still might do the recess, I am inclined (pun) to cut first, ask questions later. Leave no panel unmodified

[TheDark1]

That would be a cool way to gain a few inches of interior space. Anyone can restore an old truck, it takes a real man to cut one up.