Bench Seat Rebuild

[SquareRoot]

So I discovered that my bench seat is literally falling apart today. I figured I'd order some new OEM style covers from USA1 and add some hog rings and pliers to the order. Then I removed the OEM covers and discovered the foam needs replaced. Worse yet, the lower horizontal bar had rotted & detached from the mechanisms on the ends. Well S**t! Two questions: The foam on the back seems like it's attached to the seat frame? How can this be replaceable? I was looking at the TMI seats, but at $2200 I think that is just stupidly overpriced. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[Soundmound]

If you end up going TMI, I might be interested in the cover depending on the color if you can't return it. I have recently been toying with swapping to an OBS bench though also.

 

[hogdaddy]

Stock seats are junk imho.
There is no back foam available.

Truck Bench Seats - TRUCK SEATS

Each of our 40-20-40 truck bench seats features a dual-purpose center console with cupholders, than can also fold out into a third seat. Our truck bench seats come in both high back and low back models.

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[GTX63]

Every squarebody seat I have upholstered, the foam is removable. Sometimes it is pretty snug and molded around the framework, but it comes out. It is still fairly easy to find a spare bench seat on Marketplace if the OEM is broken. I purchased foam on the last seat from LMC.
Yes, I would agree that there are more comfortable seats out there. The OE seats aren't junk, and if someone likes them or not, it is just preference.

 

[hogdaddy]

LMC does not have seat back foam for 81-87 available (no one does but I could be mistaken) only for 73-80 which is a different seat frame.
I still think the frames are crap but that's my opinion.

1973-91 Replacement Seat Cushions

Shop from thousands of parts and accessories to help you restore, maintain, and customize your Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge or Ford truck or SUV. Keep 'em on the road with the right part, right price, right now.

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[billnoble6894]

Look at LMC - they have foam and covers

 

[SquareRoot]

There is NO foam for the backs for the later models. And no, I'm not throwing $$$ at the factory bench seat. I'm ordering the new bucket seats from LMC. They are affordable and I will fab a custom console with cup holders and storage space.

 

[SquareRoot]

LMC does not have seat back foam for 81-87 available (no one does but I could be mistaken) only for 73-80 which is a different seat frame.
I still think the frames are crap but that's my opinion.

1973-91 Replacement Seat Cushions

Shop from thousands of parts and accessories to help you restore, maintain, and customize your Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge or Ford truck or SUV. Keep 'em on the road with the right part, right price, right now.

www.lmctruck.com

I agree and you are correct.

 

[DoubleDingo]

There is NO foam for the backs for the later models. And no, I'm not throwing $$$ at the factory bench seat. I'm ordering the new bucket seats from LMC. They are affordable and I will fab a custom console with cup holders and storage space.

What, no bench seat and the matching bench seat console made for bucket seats?

 

[SquareRoot]

What, no bench seat and the matching bench seat console made for bucket seats?

I have wanted buckets for years. I ride alone in my truck 99.7% of the time. I have ZERO storage space, no cupholders and the bench lacks any type of support. With a gear shift and twin sticks now in the trans tunnel, there will never be a need for someone to sit in the middle. In my case, the buckets solve many issues. Putting a cheesy console on top of the bench looks absurd as does that TMI "waterfall" console that looks like a giant skidmark!

 

[SquareRoot]

And another thing...no way am I paying for those seat brackets! I can fab a one piece bracket to mount both seats and a console and use the existing OEM mounts. TMI version is over $300 for literally $40 in material. The LNC ones still require cutting and welding and an additional 4 holes in the floor. Nope...not happening.

 

[DoubleDingo]

You may not remember the thread from a few years back where someone asked about the center console that is for Blazers but wanted to install it in his truck with a bench seat. It was classic, similar to the spark plug thread the went off the rails.

With that said, carry on my friend, and post up some pics when these bad boys are installed.

 

[Frankenchevy]

What, no bench seat and the matching bench seat console made for bucket seats?

Imagine the conversations you and your gf could have. She’d be close enough to whisper in your ear.

 

[SquareRoot]

I guess I missed out on that thread but ya, I can picture that. lol

 

[Soundmound]

Sounds like I might get to buy a seat cover. LOL