Donor vehicle for seats

[vince1]

Fuel tank is still in cab but I would like to change out the bench seat. Are there some donor vehicles that allow an easy swap?

[GMDad]

I used a 60/40 split from a mid 90s pickup. Outside bolts in same place. Easy install and one of the best upgrades I have done to the truck. Not sure which year they started but you can get later ones with a shoulder belt built in

[vince1]

Thanks.

Half price weekend up here at pick n pull. My back can't take that left cheek low syndrome anymore.

[Clyde65]

I put 2005 Silverado 40/20/40 seats in my 65. It has seat belts and real comfy. Have to drill new holes and I suggest putting in braces under the floor.

[vince1]

I think that is what I might have. Got one this morning from I think an 06 3500 with a center console and 2 cup holders and 3 belts

Center piece just fits over the tall hump but not far enough back because of the tank. Ideas?

Anybody know of a suitable between frame tank for an 8' fleetside?

[Clyde65]

Boyd's

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by vince1

...
Anybody know of a suitable between frame tank for an 8' fleetside?

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646002
Fuel tanks

[vince1]

Wow, it looks like I will have some reading to do tonight. Tomorrow I may go to the junkyard for an external tank. Thanks for the links.

I took out the inside tank and set the center console in with a couple of screws. Then placed the outer seats and drilled some mount holes. These seats I got are quite thick so they will have to be all the way back. Pretty comfy though on first try out but it will take a while to get them mounted properly.

[vince1]

Is forward of the wheels OK for the tank? It looks like there is more square inch area up front.

Scatter shield in case a driveshaft lets go? I saw that happen on a runaway Kenworth where the driveshaft took out the hydraulic tank. I say runaway because the driver threw it into neutral down a long steep hill so he could go faster. Unfortunately for him his luck eventually ran out.

[vince1]

The seats are in. I am going to like these. Inside and outside tracks had to be staggered two notches because the center console that dictates track placement couldn't go back any more. Inside tracks overhang just a bit at the front. Seats still have lots of travel.

We have a local supplier for external tanks, welded aluminum or stamped steel.

Thanks for your help guys.

[LostMy65]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=seats

[vince1]

I ordered the 78 - 83 CJ Jeep tank P/N JP1C (25 1/4" X 18 1/4" X 11") and only 15 US gal. which I think is about the capacity of the in cab tank. There should be no frame work in the back but will have to add a fuel door through the box side. Ordered the sending unit too but will probably have to modify it for the 30 ohm fuel gauge.

87 Blazer tank as I looked it up is 28 3/4 X 28 1/8 X 10 3/4 and more capacity. The rear cross member would need to be altered with this one and I think maybe also the frame rails. I list it here because others have used it for this purpose.

[vince1]

Possible negatives on this 2006 seat are that I think it sits a little lower and even with it all the way against the back wall you still sit more forward. For you guys that need lots of leg room I don't recommend it.

[vince1]

I take that back about the 06 seat not being OK. Yesterday I was putting the truck to use watering trees and had not adjusted the seat. With the back more upright there is the possibility of more legroom. Took it out for a fuel up this morning and it is quite nice. Old seat 2 or 3 out of 10, this seat 7 or 8 or more.

The new tank took fuel with the pump nozzle handle full on just like fueling a new car. As an added benefit I had put in new rear springs and it was pretty bouncy. With the tank at the back it rides better and the stance looks better too.

[vince1]

From what I have been finding out about that Jeep tank sending unit it is 73 ohm empty and 10 ohm full. I will be ordering an after market fuel gauge Equus 7361 or 8361 which hopefully will work.

I used a bed frame to support the tank which I cut and welded to fit and it is hung with four bolts and spacers from existing holes in the frame. It is oriented with the filler pipe on the right side. The 1" fill hose had to be quite flexible to connect from the tank outlet at a 45 upturn and then over the frame rail to the fill pipe assy.

Total cost for my seat and tank conversion is about $400 Can.

[vince1]

I think if I were to do this again I might try one of the universal tanks from Tanks Incorporated. At least the 0 to 30 ohm sending units are available for them.

[joesscamaro]

Thanks for the info! I have been debating the newer truck seat like you just did, but wasn't sure about leg room. I'm 6'4" 230lb, so if there's no more leg room to be had by doing this seat change...I'll probably just stick to my stock bench seat.

[OldChevy61]

I just put 2004 Tahoe seats in mine, tank still in cab. Moved the jump seat forward enough to clear tank. Seat tracks sit just behind jump seat mount. Plenty of travel . You Will not gain any room in the cab by moving the tank to the rear as the seat top hits the cab before it does the tank. I cant tell that they sit any lower myself. As stated the jump seat mount hangs over the front ledge a little on mine as well but with seats where the are comfortable for me all fronts line up. Sure is a more comfortable ride than the bench seat.

[vince1]

I wouldn't give up on that seat yet. With the back more upright you definitely get a few more inches of legroom and there is a real difference in comfort level. If I can find a tall friend I'll let him try it out and get an opinion. I think yes you do get a little more room with the tank out because the top of that middle piece did hit the top of the tank. Maybe it wouldn't matter because the outer ones could still be adjusted all the way back. My seat only cost $45 at the junkyard so not much to lose.

[vince1]

The filler needs to be finished with a box or something around it. Changing the seat alone is probably only 5% of the work of doing both it and the tank change.

[verdell]

Originally Posted by joesscamaro

Thanks for the info! I have been debating the newer truck seat like you just did, but wasn't sure about leg room. I'm 6'4" 230lb, so if there's no more leg room to be had by doing this seat change...I'll probably just stick to my stock bench seat.

joesscamaro,

I'm 6'3" 245 and I honestly think that switching out the bench seat was one of the best upgrades I've done in terms of ride comfort. It didn't increase the leg room but it sure is a more pleasurable ride. I get quite a few complements on it from other truck guys as well when they sit in the "cockpit"...lol

[vince1]

Got the bird house around the tank filler built out of some old Douglas fir. The opening at the bottom stays open in case the bumble bees come looking for a home. Obviously the grain on the roof would have been easier and better to run the other way.

I guess I go to plan B if I ever think of putting on a camper.

Too bad about the image out 90 degrees.