sebring, tahoe or trail blazer seats?

[Madtrucker]

So I'm looking for safer seating options for the whole family, I guess more importantly seat belt options. I just received my 72 blazer from Arizona, it has a nice stock looking rear seat with front 40/20/40 seats covered to match.The seats are dark gray vinyl, fronts have cloth inserts on backs and bottoms with a little wear. As far as seat belts it only has stock style lap belts, I have 4 children ages 1-7 and would like shoulder belts even though they'll only be in it for ice cream runs and cruises.

So to the point, I'm looking for recent seat swaps or seat belt retrofit ideas . I'm considering adding shoulder belts to the rollbar for front seats, and having the backs n bottoms redone. Then adding 3 shoulder belts to the stock rear seat, mounting the retractors to stock points and running the belt over the seat. Any thoughts or ideas on this, or anyone know the cost involved in partial seat recovering?

Other idea is to get front sebring convertible seats (near mint) integral belts for $95. And I also found a 3rd row tahoe seat on cl for $200 obo in a similar color. But I'm sure I'd still end up having one set recovered in attempt for a better match, but I doubt the belts themselves will match. Other downfall is these seats are tan but the rest of my interior is black. And not to mention I have new custom carpet I'd rather not cut up.

In a perfect world I'd get a full set of matching tahoe seats, but thats not working out for me.

please share your ideas or swaps. Pics and as much info as possible would be much appreciated. I know this has been posted here n there but I havent seen any from start to finish.

[DemkoG]

don't have a Pic but seat out of a 2003-2009 Cadillac srx have the built in belt and look are comfy.

[Madtrucker]

So far I got a 3rd row seat from a 08 Tahoe. I started making brackets to clip the seats into. But now I'm thinking of simplifying them and bolting them in permanently.

[jc06vmax]

Originally Posted by Madtrucker

So far I got a 3rd row seat from a 08 Tahoe. I started making brackets to clip the seats into. But now I'm thinking of simplifying them and bolting them in permanently.

I went with gray cloth seats from an '01 silverado and '01 tahoe. Like you, I thought about bolting them in permanently but ended up ordering the universal mounting bracket setup off ebay for around $150. I wanted to have the option to be able to fold the seats down, flip them up, and pull them out with ease.

Definitely glad I went this route. I can pull the seats out with ease in under a minute and back in just as easy. I like the versatility of being able to yank them out to be able to haul stuff then throw them right back in and know that they'll be secure.

I've got some pics somewhere of my setup...I'll just have to do some digging.

[viking427]

You should be happy with the late model Tahoe 3rd row seats - they're a nice compact split bench that has seating for 3 kids (or two adults) and all 3 belts are integrated into the seat backs at a slightly lower profile than the 2000-06 models. I think you'll want the brackets to fold them up or remove them completely - the convenience factor should not be under-rated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2fmQqjdJ1I

Save yourself the reupholstering cost ..which has become super-expensive these days... and grab the 2nd row "fold & tumble" seats from the same truck to use for your front buckets. If you need 3 across seating up front also (total vehicle occupant count = 6), then use a GM or Dodge middle console/folding seat between them with same or similar color/material. Yes, front retractable belts would need to by mounted on a roll-bar, which you most certainly will want if you're concerned with belts anyway.

These late model 2nd row F&T seats were mechanically operated to fold down and tumble forward by rear lever -or- electronically by push of a button if that option was ordered. The button(s) are located on dash and on C-pillars, which would be both trick and convenient, but I suspect the wiring harness and motor operation for them is tied into the main vehicle's CPU.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVKGV3mIij4

[Mcmarkrazz]

Originally Posted by Madtrucker

So far I got a 3rd row seat from a 08 Tahoe. I started making brackets to clip the seats into. But now I'm thinking of simplifying them and bolting them in permanently.

Have you done this and how was it done I’m debating also on bolting in or ?

[Madtrucker]

Jc, I'd like to see how flush those brackets mount to the floor. So far the brackets I started are not flush, I'm using factory holes and 2 bolt heads got in the way. I'm also trying to avoid hacking up my carpet. Safety is most important though so I'll get the brackets if I'm not to comfortable with the the end result of mine.

[jc06vmax]

The kit I got was universal and came with spacers for the brackets when one side would be on a ridge and the other in a valley, which leveled it up nicely. I mounted the brackets about an inch behind the factory holes since they didn't match up anyways...but that would result in you cutting on your carpet.

I eventually picked up a rug from Walmart for $19 that had the same kind of loop carpet that comes in the kits and cut it to fit around the brackets. I just kinda rushed through it and it still came out looking decent for the cost IMO.

Here's a pic of the brackets before I straightened that one out


Before I got the carpet pulled back and attached.


Seats with no carpet.


Seats with carpet.


Hope this helps a bit.

[Madtrucker]

Yes it does help. I was checking that kit out on eBay. Do they latch nice and tight? Any wiggling or rattling? Did you put any extra plate under the floor?

[jc06vmax]

Originally Posted by Madtrucker

Yes it does help. I was checking that kit out on eBay. Do they latch nice and tight? Any wiggling or rattling? Did you put any extra plate under the floor?

They are in there tight. No movement or rattling whatsoever. The one I got came with Grade 8 hardware so it should be strong. I didn't brace it anymore underneath...coincidentally it ran right through the middle of the crossmember under the floor so I figured that was enough for me since I rarely have anyone riding back there anyhow. With kids though, I'd say it's better to have it and not need it as opposed to need it and not have it.

[Chulisohombre]

Pretty trick setup There with the quick disconnect brackets.

[29od1]

This is just another guys option for mounting.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=512026

[Wasted Income]

I made an aluminum seat frame for the Tahoe 3rd row seats







And then i used 2nd row buckets from a new suburban for the front seats







They work pretty well....

[AustinBelair]

Originally Posted by Wasted Income

I made an aluminum seat frame for the Tahoe 3rd row seats







And then i used 2nd row buckets from a new suburban for the front seats







They work pretty well....

How much did you cut down the factory bracket to use those 2nd row seats in the front? I've got a 97 Yukon 2 door that I am wanting to do this to.

[Chulisohombre]

i still want to do this someday. Looks great again every time I see it I'm in awe.

[Wasted Income]

Originally Posted by AustinBelair

How much did you cut down the factory bracket to use those 2nd row seats in the front? I've got a 97 Yukon 2 door that I am wanting to do this to.

I responded to your PM, but I'll respond here for the masses as well. I don't really know how much I took off...just started cutting until it fit right. Even if I had measurements, they'd be different for anything other than a K/5....and even if it was a K/5 it still might be different depending on what you'd be using to measure, and where you'd measure from, etc.

So basically...pull the seats out of your Yukon and go to town with it.

[brawls43]

Originally Posted by Wasted Income

I made an aluminum seat frame for the Tahoe 3rd row seats

Thought I'd ask the question here again, instead of the PM, so any answer can help others. What spacing did you use for the frame? Does it keep things from shifting side to side well? I like the simplicity of your design vs using the exact locations from the original Tahoe. Also, what size rod/bar did you use? 1/2"?

Thanks

[Ebstard944]

I bought a replacement Tahoe floor pan, and stock brackets and had them welded in.

[Wasted Income]

Originally Posted by Ebstard944

I bought a replacement Tahoe floor pan, and stock brackets and had them welded in.

I like your execution with the tahoe floorboard sections. I wanted my seat raised up a bit though, since there is no footwell like in a tahoe. It still feels like you're sitting on the floor, but not quite as bad.

[Ebstard944]

oh yeah, and 99 Silverado extended cab front seats, and a 2013 f350 jump seat/console. So the front 3 seats are sholder belts, and 2 of the 3 rears are. I think 2007+ 3rd rows are sholder belt center.

[Ebstard944]

I agree about height, but there is this crazy Lady at my house that I have convinced the blazer can work as a truck too! lol

[Madtrucker]

I like the full frame idea, wish I would have seen those before I went through the hassle of lining 5 brackets up. Yours are much cleaner looking. I guess I forgot the KISS rule. Anyway I've got $30 in brackets, and reinforcement plates underneath. And I used the factory rear holes that are already reinforced. They fit right and tight and just need some paint. I'll post some pics later.

Keep the good ideas coming, I'm still open to front seat options. I haven't priced having them upholstered to match yet.

[jc06vmax]

Originally Posted by Madtrucker

Keep the good ideas coming, I'm still open to front seat options. I haven't priced having them upholstered to match yet.

I have seen some guys set their front seats to where they flip up like the factory passenger seat did for the sake of getting in the back...I figured I would just be able to slide the seat forward all the way and be ok, but after doing it, I wish I would have come up with some way for the seat to flip up because it's a pretty tight squeeze getting in and out.

Then again, I never ride in the back of my own truck either

EDIT: Just thought...if you want/get electric front seats from a GM truck, I want to say 03 and up have to have some funky wiring done to make them work. Mine are from an 01, both power, and all they needed was a hot and a ground.

[1970BLZCST]

How are you guys bolting the front Tahoe seats in? Not the fold and tumble seats just the normal front seats from a 2000 era pick and tahoe with the built in seat belts

[viking427]

You can pretty much bolt any seat in with some angle iron with large washers or 1/8th inch plate beneath the floorboards as reinforcement for both seat and seatbelt mounts . a welder comes in mighty handy here.