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seat situation

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by MOP, Jan 14, 2007.

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seat selection

Poll closed Jan 19, 2007.
  1. Put Bestop covers on intermediate CJ5 low backs?

    3 vote(s)
    8.8%
  2. Have intermediate low-backs re-done?

    5 vote(s)
    14.7%
  3. Buy Smittybilt low-backs?

    2 vote(s)
    5.9%
  4. Have original (early CJ5) low-backs re-done?

    24 vote(s)
    70.6%
  1. Jan 14, 2007
    MOP

    MOP Active Member

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2003
    Messages:
    1,131
    I have some original 60/40 seats in my JEEP currently. I don't like the coil and spring suspension as it can bounce me pretty good on the trail. Plus, I'd like to free up some space.

    I have a set of intermediate low backs that are solid, but a little aged and could use covers or new upholstery (they are the foam without springs and coils). I have the original bucket seat brackets from my JEEP to mount them (will need to adapt passenger side).

    I have a set of original '64-'65 bucket seats (frame integrated in seat) that need upholstered, but they have similar coils and springs as the bench seats, and I am concerned they will also be "bouncy".

    For some reason I am really wanting to order a set of these. Does anyone here have experience with smittybilt low-backs?

    [​IMG]




    So, what should I do? Am I imagining that the original coil/spring seats really throw you around on the trail? Are the Bestop low-back covers pretty solid?
     
  2. Jan 14, 2007
    StraightToPlaid

    StraightToPlaid Ludicrous speed!!!!

    West Chester, OH
    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    338
    I've been wondering about seats too. I want to get a high back with at least a shoulder belt but I'm wondering what seats would work and how to get the shoulder belt.
     
  3. Jan 14, 2007
    Sledgehammer

    Sledgehammer Sure, I'll try it

    Ellery, Il
    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2006
    Messages:
    341
    A friend of mine put high backed seats in his 69' and disliked them b/c he couldn't see very well out the back. They were always in the way for him, even at 6'4". I'm not telling you what to do just something to consider.
     
  4. Jan 15, 2007
    Chris Insull

    Chris Insull All roads lead me back to the beach... 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chesapeake, VA.
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    805
    I recoverd mine with an apholstery kit about 18 months ago. I like the look of the original seats and feel they are comfortable enough for me. I've spent upwards of 4.5 hours in them driving to the trail, and can't complain at all... HTH! MOP, what are you doing with the split bench seat?
     
  5. Jan 15, 2007
    MOP

    MOP Active Member

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2003
    Messages:
    1,131
    Not sure on the 60/40. I am trying to keep my '65 in mind before selling off parts I might want in year or two.
     
  6. Jan 15, 2007
    jayhawkclint

    jayhawkclint ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Oklahoma City, USA
    Joined:
    May 18, 2006
    Messages:
    2,622
    Those Smittybilts look nice, but I sure do hate giving any of my money to JC Whitney. If you end up recovering, I would take it to a shop. I had a local guy re-cover some seats for me a while back, and in the end the materials and labor ended up being less than what I would've paid for a kit, and the work looks like something the factory might've done. After seeing what was happening with the throttle that one day at Tuttle, I would say recovering the old spring seats are not for you. So, I guess my poll would go something like 1) research Smittybuilt, 2) recover intermediate low backs at a shop.

    Do you remember Eugene's buckets? I'm not sure what they came out of. I saved them for the next project just in case I needed to fill a hole. They look pretty solid, though. Firm seating, about the right height, the right color, already sitting on frames. You want a pic?
     
  7. Jan 15, 2007
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    9,221
    I think they came out of a 60's F-body.
     
  8. Jan 15, 2007
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    9,221
    I wouldn't redo the original seats. They've caused you too many problems at Tuttle too many times.

    Get some seats that are just foam like what I have in Linus.
     
  9. Jan 15, 2007
    jayhawkclint

    jayhawkclint ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Oklahoma City, USA
    Joined:
    May 18, 2006
    Messages:
    2,622
    Yeah, I was thinking that myself. Not saying they are JEEPish enough for resto like in you '65, but they might fit your criteria for trail usage.
     
  10. Jan 15, 2007
    BenB

    BenB Member

    Stevensville, MD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2006
    Messages:
    72
    I just had my two front seats reupholstered a few months ago. They are the original lowbacks, they came out looking good. The problem I have is when I took them in the guy gave me a rough estimate of $300. which was the most I was willing to spend. He said it depended on the condition. Well when I went to pick them up he said he has never done a set of jeep seats where the seat frame and springs were in such good condition. He ended up charging me $420. how much would he have charged me if they were in bad condition. If I could have I would have walked away. Like I said they came out looking good, but not $420 good, not to mention the fact he would not stay open an extra thirty minutes so I could pick them up after work and they weren't open on weekends. They also came out softer than they were originally, so my butt now bounces off the gas tank when I hit a bump. So if you live around Dothan, AL-buy new seats.
     
  11. Jan 15, 2007
    MOP

    MOP Active Member

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2003
    Messages:
    1,131
    Well, I guess I will go against the consensus and go get a quote on recovering the intermediate low backs. I swapped in the driver's side yesterday and it seems comfy enough.

    I don't like that it seems to tilt back more than I am used to, but I can make a 1/2" or so spacer for the rear mounts so that the angle is more upright. I forgot how much space there can be between the seats without a bench seat. I like it!
     
  12. Jan 15, 2007
    MOP

    MOP Active Member

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2003
    Messages:
    1,131
    Just got back from an upholstery shop. $285 for reupholstering both intermediate low backs with new or additional foam, as needed. That is more or less what I was expecting. That price is basically the same as buying new Smittybilt's.

    Anyone here purchased the Smittybilt low backs?
     
  13. Jan 15, 2007
    etu

    etu Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2005
    Messages:
    68
    Ive got a pair of Tan Bestop high backs in my 66 CJ5 and they work fine, ride well & bolted directy to the original rails. No complaints. You can go to the feaured jeeps and see it http://www.earlycj5.com/featured/etu.

    However now I wish I had the low back seats nstead just because they look more original. If someone want to trade (seats!!) let me know.
    Eddy
     
  14. Jan 15, 2007
    Chris Insull

    Chris Insull All roads lead me back to the beach... 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chesapeake, VA.
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    805
    Completely agree!! Just keep me in mind if you decide to sell...:beer:
     
  15. Jan 15, 2007
    captain cj

    captain cj Member

    Crystal Beach...
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2005
    Messages:
    331
    Mop, if you are going to recover the intermediates check with Mona at New Life Canvas I think it would be much cheaper. You would have to install them yourself Its not very hard I just did mine and they came out great. I think Ron Dog got a quote from her recently.
    Steve
     
  16. Jan 15, 2007
    MOP

    MOP Active Member

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2003
    Messages:
    1,131
    Thanks Steve, just sent her an email.
     
  17. Jan 15, 2007
    MOP

    MOP Active Member

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2003
    Messages:
    1,131
    I hear ya madizell... my CJ5 had high backs in it for ~8 years while my dad owned it, and ~6 months after I bought it from him. It was the brand I'm guessing, but they made me sit way too high (to the point of being dangerous by reducing visibility, IMO). They were pretty worn out, so i trashed them.

    I considered buying some Bestop Trailmax high backs, but if they feel like their low backs, I don't want them. I don't want to spend $250+/seat for other brands that I have no idea how they position and feel.

    I probably don't value my health enough....... hopefully I don't have to learn the hard way.
     
  18. Jan 16, 2007
    Txjake

    Txjake I wrenched with Sparky

    Oklahoma City OK
    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2006
    Messages:
    544
    MOP, have you looked at some of the Toyota seats, ie early FourRunner, etc? I have seen some seats like that, that look pretty good and are comfortable. Honda too.
     
  19. Jan 16, 2007
    MOP

    MOP Active Member

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2003
    Messages:
    1,131
    We don't have any decent bone yards around that I know of, and I really don't have time to go hunting for one. I have been considering that kind of option though.

    I am not too concerned right now. I swapped in both intermediate low backs this weekend, and they seem decent enough for the time being. Even without reupholstering they are in reasonable shape.

    I will see what the New Life Canvas lady says; if she is as cheap as mentioned before I will go that route. If not, I'll likely just get the Bestop covers for now.

    Either way, I won't have so much money in them that I won't consider different seats in the future.
     
  20. Jan 16, 2007
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
    Messages:
    2,793
    My '60 has high-backs in it. Don't notice a visibility problem out the sides or rear with them. They do sit kinda high and I don't think the mounts are even close to original. My legs rub agains the steering wheel when I try to leave the jeep. I had to make some mounting out of angle iron and move the driver's seat about 3 1/2 to 4 inches to the right to get it centered on the wheel. the angle iron is mounted to the bottom of the riser straps instead of the top now which lowered the seat 1/2 inch or so, but I think it is still a little high. Plus the cushion depth is enough that when sitting comfortable in it, my head is almost brushing the bikini top. At stop lights I have to bend down a little to see them. On the other hand I don't need sunvisors this way. (top of the windshield wipers.)R) :coffee:
     
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