55.2-59 Split back bench seat - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Johns327 · 06-15-2020, 09:04 PM

I recently added the factory armrests in my truck only to find that I now have to open both doors in order to tip the seat forward. I’m getting ready to have it reupholstered and was thinking it would be great if I could convert it to a split back seat. Has anyone undergone this mod to the original truck bench seat? I’m trying to figure out how to put in the center pivot for both seat backs. If you’ve done this would you please post up a picture, thanks.

dsraven · 06-19-2020, 08:16 PM

maybe an idea to check out the 88-98 chevy split bench. they are usually a 60/40 split but maybe you can get some ideas or simply use the whole seat. it is a pretty common seat to use in trucks because the headrests can be removed so they don't hit the rear window or wall in these short cabs.
here is a thread from the newer trucks showing some options. you may find an answer in there somewhere.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=613744

dsraven · 06-19-2020, 08:20 PM

I think the earlier series, up to about '94, had the small side on the driver's side, if that matters. some had a flip up console/arm rest that would become the seat back too I think.

**mr48chev** · 06-20-2020, 12:36 AM

Those earlier Silverado extended cabs had 60/40 seats with the 40 as the drivers seat. I've got one in my 71 and it is about as comfortable as you will find for a factory bench seat that actually fits in these trucks.

I don't have a photo of it though. Truck is still in the middle of a delayed engine swap and the cab is full of stuff.

Johns327 · 06-20-2020, 09:46 PM

Thanks for the input. A seat swap is probably the simplest solution.
I was just wondering if anybody had tweaked the original seat.
I am just surprised that Chevy made arm rests, put the nuts in the door, but didn’t build a bench seat that worked with it.

06-15-2020, 09:04 PM	#1
Johns327 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Bonsall, CA Posts: 104	Split back bench seat I recently added the factory armrests in my truck only to find that I now have to open both doors in order to tip the seat forward. I’m getting ready to have it reupholstered and was thinking it would be great if I could convert it to a split back seat. Has anyone undergone this mod to the original truck bench seat? I’m trying to figure out how to put in the center pivot for both seat backs. If you’ve done this would you please post up a picture, thanks. __________________ 1955 second series, 3200 standard bed, big window. Owned since 1975, decided it was time to do a frame off. 327, 4L80e, Ford 9 inch.

06-19-2020, 08:16 PM	#2
dsraven Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: calgary alberta Posts: 8,333	Re: Split back bench seat maybe an idea to check out the 88-98 chevy split bench. they are usually a 60/40 split but maybe you can get some ideas or simply use the whole seat. it is a pretty common seat to use in trucks because the headrests can be removed so they don't hit the rear window or wall in these short cabs. here is a thread from the newer trucks showing some options. you may find an answer in there somewhere. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=613744

06-19-2020, 08:20 PM	#3
dsraven Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: calgary alberta Posts: 8,333	Re: Split back bench seat I think the earlier series, up to about '94, had the small side on the driver's side, if that matters. some had a flip up console/arm rest that would become the seat back too I think.

06-20-2020, 12:36 AM	#4
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,709	Re: Split back bench seat Those earlier Silverado extended cabs had 60/40 seats with the 40 as the drivers seat. I've got one in my 71 and it is about as comfortable as you will find for a factory bench seat that actually fits in these trucks. I don't have a photo of it though. Truck is still in the middle of a delayed engine swap and the cab is full of stuff. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

06-20-2020, 09:46 PM	#5
Johns327 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Bonsall, CA Posts: 104	Re: Split back bench seat Thanks for the input. A seat swap is probably the simplest solution. I was just wondering if anybody had tweaked the original seat. I am just surprised that Chevy made arm rests, put the nuts in the door, but didn’t build a bench seat that worked with it. __________________ 1955 second series, 3200 standard bed, big window. Owned since 1975, decided it was time to do a frame off. 327, 4L80e, Ford 9 inch.



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