Bench seat options?

I was wondering if anyone has successfully installed or retro fitted a bench seat into thier CJ. Obviously I cant really cram 3 adults up front, but I like the idea of one of the kids not missing out on a Jeep ride. If so what did you use, and what did you do for brackets? Thanks in advance.:?

 

The 60/40 front bench seat was optional in CJs. Look around and you'll find one.

 

I've been looking for one since I had my 75(7 years ago), I am just seeing if anyone has used something like a pick up seat, or out of a wagoneer or something. The last one I found was $300 for a basket case. This is a budget build so I'm trying to get creative while staying on the cheap.

 

you can try to fit a back seat as a driver or passenger seat. im not sure of the widths just an idea

 

I'd think a compact pickup seat (old Datsun, Toyota, etc.) might be the right width. As long as it fits between the sides of the body, I expect you can make it work. If you have a pick-your-part yard nearby, get out your tape and make some measurements of the CJ dimensions, and check out some seats in the yard. I don't tnik you're going to find one that's split like you need to keep using the toolbox though.

 

Take a look at 'third row' minivan seats too....alot of the street rodders are using them. (Dodge Caravan, Chrysler, etc.) Alot have folding backs, some have built in seat belts, I think.

If the dimensions are correct, chances are good that you can find a nice one as they hardly get any use.

The main drawback to alot are the seat backs will be tall enough that they may physically look odd....there are many different styles though.

 

Thanks for the tips. I forgot about the Chrysler vans. I found one out of a Pontiac Montana that had the integrated child seat also. I was also thinking about an older S-10 seat or out of a Ford Ranger. They both have lower backs and might not look so awkward in the Jeep. I have heard of people also using early Mustang seats, but I imagine those are about as easy to find as original Jeep bench seats. Somewhere down the line the tool box was removed from my 5 so I dont have to worry about blocking it off. I plan on buying a couple of ammo boxes from the surplus store and mounting them with some sort of track under the seat to slide out. Sometimes it's fun being on a budget. It forces you to be creative.

 

I was thinking about using a seat from PRP. They'll custom build a bench the width you need/want. I first saw one of these in a Willys truck build I saw a few years ago done by a guy in Utah named Mark Bales.

Here's a couple of pic's . . .

Bench seat


Here is an idea what it was like in the Willys . . .


One more . . .

 

I've got a 60/40 seat that came w my '61 CJ (they were xtra's). The "40" appears to be original. The "60" half isn't covered, just the frame and springs. Someone rebuilt it as some of the springs appear to be new, but it never went past the rebuild stage. I won't be using it. It's in Jacksonville, FL

 

I love our PRP front seats. Well put together and comfortable. these are 4 years old and they look like new. PRP will do custom covers too. We have a older seat out of a Scout in the back. I recall that we had to narrow the seat back frame a little bit. but it was close enought that the seat fit.

http://www.pbase.com/pwrwgn/image/120180434

 

How much do you want for them. If your selling? Any idea on shipping to 48867 in Michigan

 

I tried this link, but no luck. I'm trying to install a bench seat, instead of the buckets.
The driver's still had the bracket which fit perfect. But the passenger's seat didn't have
a bracket with it, and the bucket seat bracket won't fit. Does anyone have some good pics
of the bracket under their bench seat?

 

Ive heard that the back seats out of thte early blazers, broncos, jimmys fit pretty well.

 

I have a 60-40 seat but the right side folds forward. There are two small brackets shown in the photo. They are identical. Also a photo of the right seat. The caps on the rear posts are 1" diameter that I got at Home Depot.





You might want to look at a 70-71 right side frame. It is a similar pipe to the one on the left. It might give you a better bracket for the full seat.

 

That's perfect. That's what I needed! Thanks for your help. Can I copy your picture over to a WTB ad in the classifieds section?

Here's a pic of what I'm working with:



Thanks,
C

 

Be my guest. Glad it is what you are looking for.