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'74 Cj5 Renegade Frame-off Resto - Seat Help!

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Chris'74, Feb 26, 2020.

  1. Feb 26, 2020
    Chris'74

    Chris'74 Member

    Charlotte, North...
    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2019
    Messages:
    225
    Hey Everyone. Been lurking for awhile. But need some help on my project - Frame off resto 74' CJ-5 Renegade (profile pic). Was very 'stock' unmolested, restoring to stock. Anyone have a restoration seat frame source? Searched all day, no luck. Or seat frames in good shape? ( the metal inside the foam/vinyl not the mounts ).

    After I tore the seats down to the frame, worst fear....came true. My seat frames are rusted beyond what I expected. almost turned to pile of dust. Lower corners 'gone', most zigzag spring 'holders' on frame gone.

    Two options, find some frames to use, or sandblast and rebuild these. Concern there won't be enough good metal to weld up too in the corners after sandblasting. Not looking for "new" best top, omix, smitty built, or others. I know I can get them ... I just don't want them for this project. And buying another junk yard/used CJ seats just gets me another rusty frame. Guess I'll rebuild the frames if I can't find them.

    Also can anyone shed light on my Driver's seat upholstering, I think all factory. I pulled off three separate covers. Cream (bottom) was first, then the Buff Wellington (Middle) with a front print section, and finally what I think was on Wagoneers (Top). What was weird, the Pass and Rear seats only have the one cover, the Wagoneer. Assume PO re-did the driver which wears out faster. I'm the second owner.

    Any help appreciated!

    Seat Covers -Drivers.jpeg Seat Frame - Passanger.jpeg
     
  2. Feb 26, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    I would inquire at the local upholstery shops. The zig-zag springs can be replaced, and I'd guess the frames could be repaired. Seats of this vintage are not plentiful. I suspect you'd need to find a wreck or a Jeep in good condition in a yard somewhere, to find factory replacements.

    The civilian CJ in '74 only came with two fabric colors, black and buff. These are plain, like the bottom example. Suspect these have been recovered twice. Your upholstery shop can use the original vinyl as a pattern. Any patterned vinyl is a replacement.
     
    Allan likes this.
  3. Feb 26, 2020
    Chris'74

    Chris'74 Member

    Charlotte, North...
    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2019
    Messages:
    225
    Thanks Tim. Good points. I have the local shop lined up for the reupholstering them. And yeah they asked to take old off very carefully so they can uses as templates. They just don't do the frame work. I've got the zigzags too.

    If anyone can think of a source for a new frame in a low back, not necessarily a "Jeep" specific frame. I'd be interested in that, and would review the specs. I only came across new restoration seat frames in High Back, and mostly for Corvettes/GMs. Otherwise, I'll fabricate all the metal and rebuild to specs of what I have. Based on the rust I suspect, I'm going to have to fabricate the entire frames. That's just a lot of work!
     
  4. Feb 26, 2020
    Ol Fogie

    Ol Fogie 74 cj5 304, 1943 mb

    Southern...
    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2019
    Messages:
    1,765
    My 74 has the same problem. I have been looking and searching for a almost a year now without any luck. I did see someone on the CL in Dallas TX. with a pair of like new front seats in factory buff for 300 dollars. however they got away before I could make it out there. Keep an eye out and post WTB ads. keep us posted on how it works out if you decide to rebuild your frames as I am thinking about trying that too. Good Luck
     
  5. Feb 29, 2020
    Allan

    Allan 74 Renegade

    Olympia
    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2019
    Messages:
    271
    Chris,
    I can’t help with your seat problem but I too have a 74 renegade 304, 3spd, power steering, same color that I am doing a frame off restoration on! Maybe in the future we can be of help to each other. I’m going to follow you!
     
  6. May 29, 2020
    joltes

    joltes Member

    Wheeling, WV
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2019
    Messages:
    74
    Any updates on this? Did you find something or are you fabricating?
     
  7. May 29, 2020
    Chris'74

    Chris'74 Member

    Charlotte, North...
    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2019
    Messages:
    225
    Not too much to add yet on the seats... I did come across three other seats in Chicago from FB that I had shipped. All three for $150. Best part the passenger fold and tumble works great. They are much better frames then mine. Will still need refoamed and new upholstery but I was just looking for better frames. That is my next 'project' for next week. Most likely I'm going to bake both sets of seats in a cook off over to remove all the foam and crap. Pick the best frames from them. Have them sandblasted. I'll repair anything needed at that point, then have them powdercoated all before dropping off at the upholster for new foam, and Willington Buff. Well that's the plan at least. All this will probably take a month or so. My sandblaster/powdercoater is awesome, but always backed up with work. SO I get in line...
     
  8. May 29, 2020
    joltes

    joltes Member

    Wheeling, WV
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2019
    Messages:
    74
    Moving slowly forward is still moving forward. :bananatool:
     
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