Got some truck buckets and not sure what to do with them.

[cjohnson6772]

I've got some low back 71-72 buckets out of a blazer and I'm not sure what to do with them. I've debated on whether or not to put them in my 72 truck. The covers are original and look good, but crack when you touch them. The foam looks perfect. The shape of the buckets is perfect. But when I move the seat or bump them, a lot of rust falls out of the bottom. I'm sure that the frames need some work but I'm hesitant to tear into the seats just yet.

Ok so here are my questions:
-If I tear the seats apart can I reuse the foam?
-If I decide to sell the seats, would it be better to sell them as is now with covers and foam intact or to strip them down to the seat frames?
-Can someone point me to a good thread on restoring the frames?
-Should I be overly concerned with the rust?
-Does anyone have the specs on the passenger side bracket? I would like to just make one like the original stationary mount.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

[Zoomin]

When you say rust, is it big flakes or more like powder?
Posted via Mobile Device

[cjohnson6772]

Originally Posted by Zoomin

When you say rust, is it big flakes or more like powder?
Posted via Mobile Device

Mostly what I would say is about the size of course grains of sand, but some flakes roughly 1 inch long and maybe 1/4" wide......

Any clue about reusing the foam?

[Zoomin]

The only times I have seen foams get ruined is when the cover gets ripped and they go through continual cycles of wet and dry. Poke your fingers through one of the cracks and pinch the foam and give it an easy pull. If it disintegrates or a chunk comes loose, they are gone. If it holds together and looks like it is holding it's shape, you should be good to go.
Posted via Mobile Device

[cjohnson6772]

Sweet thanks for the info. I may try and and pull them off soon and see what I have underneath. I've been trying to look on here for some idea of how to fix the frames and what they should look like.

[VA72C10]

early classics sells the passenger mounts for $59 plus shipping...

http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog....ory=upholstery

[sameyrasmea72]

If you are going to sell them, leave them intact. They never sell as good without the original covers. Just take good pics of the frames or explain the rust issues.

[cjohnson6772]

Originally Posted by sameyrasmea72

If you are going to sell them, leave them intact. They never sell as good without the original covers. Just take good pics of the frames or explain the rust issues.

Thanks everyone for the responses. And yeah I was thinking that they wouldn't bring anything without the covers.

[jaros44sr]

JMHO in dealing with these seats, but I paid 200 for a set with good frames and foam. SMS has the fabric for about 400, they claim it to be original, but it has an extra 6 rows of embossing, so it is not exactly original!

Be careful, all utility seats are not the same. Two differant styles, as one set will sit more up right, and tracks are not interchangeable. Tracks mount up about 2" longer then factory buckets. The foam is the most important part of the seat, as this gets costly to replace, if it is available at all.

Not alot of demand for this style of seat, but I like them as they are wider and more comfortable, plus they interchange from side to side. To me, they look more truck like, then factory buckets which would look more at home in a chevelle or camaro.

I had a board member give me an extra set of frames, w/ pans, and it cost about 50 bucks per seat to ship them in from Texas.

LMK if you need any help

You may want to switch this thread over to the Blazer/Jimmy board, as these pick up trucks don't use these seats

[cjohnson6772]

Thank you for the info, but my seats are actually the narrower tapered buckets. They came out of a 76 blazer, but they are the same as truck buckets. The didn't have a console unfortunately. What are opinions on the repop consoles?

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by cjohnson6772

Thank you for the info, but my seats are actually the narrower tapered buckets. They came out of a 76 blazer, but they are the same as truck buckets. The didn't have a console unfortunately. What are opinions on the repop consoles?

dam, typed all that for nothing

you want a repop console, they are terrible! Can't use any of the factory parts...you want one, pay shipping and you can have it

[tgriffin27]

I have been looking for a set of truck buckets so if you decide to sell them let me know please. I live about two hours away from raleigh.

[cjohnson6772]

Are you coming to the NC meet in salisbury on April 16th? If I decide to sell I will let you know and maybe we can work something out. I'm just on the fence about bucket seats right now

[cjohnson6772]

These pictures aren't great, but I just found them on the cell phone and I know how we all love pictures

[VA72C10]

Those look like 73-75 blazer buckets. Almost the same except for the way the foam is across the tops of the seats.....and the brackets are different. They definitely have the blazer brackets on them. I have two pair of those....

[Liz]

guys please dont turn this into a sale post.. I hate having to edit stuff against the rules, dealing with a meet I'm hosting and folks I am friendly with. Thanks!

[VA72C10]

Wow, totally missed those posts Liz....sorry :doh:

[cjohnson6772]

Sorry Liz if this is against the rules.....not trying to post a sale ad. I am just seeking information. I will probably wind up using them myself anyways once I find a good console. VA72, what will I need to do to the foam to make these seats accept factory 72 truck bucket covers? I thought the driver's side bracket was the same?!?!? I know for sure that I would need to make or replace the passenger side, but those can be bought. Can I use the driver side? Thanks again for all the info and sorry if it seemed as if I am advertising. If I intend to sell I will do so locally or become a supporting members. Thanks for everything guys.

[VA72C10]

If they are in fact 73-75 buckets the brackets are a little taller than the 67-72 ones. If they are earlier brackets then yes, you could use your driver's side and just buy the passenger stand one. Or simply use these brackets. The only difference is they are slightly taller and you will be able to tilt your passenger seat forward for access behind it. Can be pretty convenient to store some jumper cables or just to access the jack back there. Unless you're going 100% original it won't matter.
You will have to drill holes to mount these in a cab and add in some supporting bracketry/washers underneath unless it came with original buckets anyways...

[cjohnson6772]

One last question before I let this thread die. I know you said that the seat back foam is different from 72 seats as well. Looking atr pictures now I see what you mean. Do you think that I could simply add repair foam to shape the existing seat back and use factory covers? Also would I be better off buying covers from lmc or somewhere or trying to buy the fabric from SMS and having a local shop sew the material together?

[VA72C10]

Which covers do you want? If you are planning on the factory covers it will be much cheaper to just get them pre-made. I found the 71-72 scroll pattern ones for just under 200 shipped to me on sale from PUI which makes some of the best covers.

[cjohnson6772]

Wow....I have been looking at the blue houndstooth factory covers for like $350....I will looking up PUI shortly

[VA72C10]

Houndstooth is going to be more expensive. but keep looking for coupons. I got my PUI covers from Classic industries when they had a 20% off sale. I also got a set off ebay for a good deal so consider looking there also.

[ETsC10]

I guess it depends on how much $ you want to go.

I would think getting this sets stock seat cover would
be least expensive and saving the foam is a must as
they are very pricey in most cases.

Your idea of getting upholstery fitting your trucks stock
seats is a good one if you can modify the foam to fit.
You might want to check with our forum vendors
for covers...way more affordable than going the
route of buying fabric and hiring it out (basically
bringing your seats to "custom" status.

If you want full-blown stock, it would probably be
cheaper and better, in the long run, to begin with
the correct carcus.

JMO--I know nothing about this year.