My rear seat project

Our 58 CJ5 only came with driver and passenger seats. It didn't take long to realize we wanted a back seat for passengers, which lead me down this road. As I now know and most of you already knew, trying to make it original is problematic. Not many rear seats made originally, 60 years of time, etc., so it's either the new stuff that totally does not look vintage, or going with one of the reproduction military style or CJ3/4 with the spring tension plungers style, etc. They don't flip/fold out of way plus making the brackets to slip under, cutting to install the spring plungers (which I've been told don't work so good).

While working on the 55 wagon I measured it's back seat and decided it was just not wide enough. Then I thought I could just add 5 inches to each side, figure out how to widen the springs, etc. And if I wanted to ever remove it temporarily, I'd would still be left with the L shaped brackets in the floor which would be in the way and haderzous and require undoing the bolts. What a pain!

Then it hit me!!!!

A perfect solution..........

 

So I measured the front drivers seat and it's perfect. It sits flat but easy enough to to weld on 2 legs. So I ordered a front wagon seat from Montana Overland and found 2 of the CJ passenger seat pivot brackets that will be here this week. As soon as I get the seat recovered, I can determine what height to make the legs. Then I'll make up pivot pins just like the front passenger seat, mount the brackets to the floor and be set. I'll be able to flip and fold the seat if I need space in the back and actually easily remove the whole thing if needed, just like the passenger seat. No unbolting and the only thing left on the floor will be the brackets which are pretty low profile.

I'll post pics as I go as I think it will be a great solution, at least for me.

 

There is a rear seat on ebay. It is easy to have it a roll and tumble. The seat is 36" wide from the early era. Ebay 1967-1971 jeepster rear bench seat.

 

Looking forward to seeing how it works out...

And pics!!!

 

Obviously my method will not be factory correct, but it will be period and manufacture correct appearing. Using the same pivot brackets will help it look correct and function better for the jeep as oppose to the L brackets. In the flipped or folded positions, you won't see foam, just the metal pans.

 

Over the weekend, I took apart the wagon drivers seat that I'm using to make a CJ rear seat. The cotton and horse hair (or whatever it was) was nasty afteter all these years. The springs were horribly rusted but the metal base pans were still good on paint. Interesting how they used roofing felt between the springs and the pan. I'm assuming for squeaking. But after almost 60 years, that's all good. Next I rigged up sheet of plastic with some boarder stones to make a vinegar pit. After soaking for only a few hours, it was starting to come off. Amazing process. So 24 hours of soaking and power washing and the metal looks new. Will get it painted and put back together to send over to the upholstery guy. Once I get that back, I'll start work on the seat frame flip legs. That's where I'll add some pics.

 

Mickey, something to consider, on my first Jeep a 1960 DJ 3, I made a 6" box under the rear seat, instead of just legs. It gave me a lot of extra safe place for storage, it gives you some leg room. I kept four rain suits in it because I didn't have a top. Just a thought. My Tux came from the factory with rear fender pads for seats, they work good for slow rides, but too windy for highway speeds. Good luck with build.

 

Here is springs before and after soaking. Now ready for rime and paint, then to the upholstery guy.

 

Sure cleaned up nicely!

 

Here is my home made vinegar bath.

 

Finally got all the pieces together and ready to get sandblasted, painted and upholstery. Will post pics when Willie gets back from tranny place.