73 CJ5 Seats / Console

I am in a little of a dilema and need some advice. My jeep has the original seats front and back, along with the original brackets. My neighbor cut the driver seat bar back so I could install a console. (off subject: Does anyone know why that bar under the driver seat runs that far accross?) Does anyone know if any of the new seats can be mounted to my original brackets? I have no experience welding. The original seats and brackets are in good condition but I really want 3 point seatbelts or something a little safer than just the lapbelt and I bet the newer seats are a little more comfortable. Also, with the bar removed under the driver side, do I need to make any more modifications before installing a console? I saw where the Bestop console said it fits a 73 but when I pulled up the directions, they start at a 76. Thanks for any help.

 

Arlie I've got a '73 and had the same question. I fabricated new brackets for both front seats that do not extend beyond the outline of the seat bottom. It's far from original but gave me more floor space. I used 1" square tubing.

 

It's vestigial. The bar extends over to clear the under-seat fuel tank, used before 1970. AMC/Jeep did not see the need to change it when moving the tank to the rear, perhaps anticipating the complete makeover of the CJ for the 1976 model year.

 

my 75 has a rear tank but the seat brackets extend past the side of my seat

 

Yes, they all do. Jeep moved the tank to the rear in 1970 but did not change the seat bracket design until 1976.

 

I thought it was for a 60/40 seat . I have the same thing in a 1974 . been looking for seat, no wonder I could'nt find them

 

Don't know if it would fit, or work, but a 60/40 seat just came out for the TJs. In all the major Jeep catalogs.