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Low backs or High backs

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by 72CJ5er, Jun 1, 2005.

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Lows or Highs??

  1. Keep the HighBacks

    17 vote(s)
    40.5%
  2. Get the Lowback seats

    25 vote(s)
    59.5%
  1. Jun 1, 2005
    72CJ5er

    72CJ5er Renegade Member

    Hampton, TN
    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2004
    Messages:
    158
    Which should I go with on the 72? originally it had the lows of course, I have a set of highs from a Camaro or something like that but I like the look of the lows. question I have is this, is it worth the 129ea for the lows? are they comfortable enough or should I stick with the highbacks.
     
  2. Jun 1, 2005
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,193
    Why not find some original lowbacks?

    I've had aftermarket highs...comfy but blocked off the rear. Sometimes I think lows are more comfy on the trail as you don't have a seat back bumping your shoulders.

    If the aftermarket lows are the Besttops...I'd pass. I sat in Nixon when John had them in there...and didn't find them comfy at all - they had a horizontal bar that just caught me wrong below the shoulderblades.

    If you can get a deal on some original lowbacks, the upholstery kits aren't that expensive on eBay.
     
  3. Jun 1, 2005
    72CJ5er

    72CJ5er Renegade Member

    Hampton, TN
    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2004
    Messages:
    158
    well, I got one of the old originals, not too bad but its just one and I dont know offhand where I could find just one for sale. if anyone near TN got just one or a pair. lemme know
     
  4. Jun 1, 2005
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    4,584
    I got a set of low backs from quadratec i believe, they are from Outland" products, if i remember correctly. they matched very well to the original seats, it matches my rear seat perfect. I had high backs but went back to the lows because we will have the kids in the back and you just cant beat the visibility with the low backs.
     
  5. Jun 1, 2005
    74CJ

    74CJ Jeepers Creepers

    Upstate NY
    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2005
    Messages:
    98
    I haven't found a set of highbacks that fit well in my '5. All seem to have too much padding in the seat area and therefore too high to the steering wheel. I just finished mine and had to use the original seats in it. They are in need of reupholstry. What's this about kits on ebay?
     
  6. Jun 1, 2005
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    I found the original CJ lowbacks to be very comfortable. That said, I spent an extra $250 (1975 dollars) on Bostrom highbacks with armrests. These were the same seats that were used by the dealership in their racecars, and they were definitely better. So, as always, you pretty much get what you pay for.
     
  7. Jun 1, 2005
    speedbuggy

    speedbuggy Looking for a Jeep now

    Living the Good...
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    Jul 1, 2004
    Messages:
    1,270
    I preffer the lowbacks as well. I'm a big boy and the lows just make everything easier. Not to mention, I think they look better ;)
    Just my .02
     
  8. Jun 1, 2005
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,193
  9. Jun 1, 2005
    SandhillMike

    SandhillMike Moderator

    Archer, Fla
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2003
    Messages:
    246
    I prefer the low backs, they just look and fit better in the 5. Mike has a good point about the bestops, they also have a horizontal bar at the rear of the seat that is uncomfortable on the butt if the padding shifts away from it. One of mine is ok, but the other is not so hot.
     
  10. Jun 2, 2005
    aldo

    aldo Impoverished Imbecile

    Mostly in Toronto...
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    Jan 1, 2005
    Messages:
    66
    I'm a highback fan meself...

    Can't explain it, just think they look cooler.
     
  11. Jun 2, 2005
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    I installed Super Seats (steelhorse) in my rig about 10 yrs ago. The headrest made them highbacks, but the headrest is removeable. Recently I've been running it without the headrests. The seats are now a little taller than stock lowbacks, but not so uncomfortably high.
     
  12. Jun 2, 2005
    Chuck

    Chuck Sponsor

    Southshore Ma
    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2004
    Messages:
    1,463
    For me it would depend on where the Jeep was most driven, for off road it would be low back for body rotation and comfit, on the street, high backs for safety (whiplash).
     
  13. Jun 2, 2005
    72CJ5er

    72CJ5er Renegade Member

    Hampton, TN
    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2004
    Messages:
    158
    I am building it for pretty much all off-road activity. I have the YJ for my DD and some good off-roading. I figure I am gonna take my monies and slowly build on the 72, start with basic 4 wheeling and slowly go to full only offroad Jeep lockers and all.
     
  14. Jun 2, 2005
    boscoedog

    boscoedog New Member

    Fayetteville, AR
    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2004
    Messages:
    28
    i installed the smittybilt/outlander highback seats in my 5 and love them.

    i have the original low-backs and a set of new un-installed seatcovers from ebay.
    i would sell the seats and covers for the price i paid for the covers and the cost of shipping the whole thing where ever you want it.

    i was going to recover the old seats but i decided it was easier and cheaper just to buy the new highbacks from smittybilt.
    the seats are in pretty bad shape but the do sit and could look nice with the new covers and lots of tlc.

    b
     
  15. Jun 2, 2005
    BlueFlu

    BlueFlu past owner of some ecj5's

    Hermitage, TN
    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2004
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    1,552
    I like high backs. Never found them to be a problem off road.
    In fact I have Dans old high backs in Bam Bam. ;)
     
  16. Jun 4, 2005
    kbm

    kbm kbm

    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2003
    Messages:
    19
    I vote for the highbacks. I think they look better. They are a whole lot
    more comfortable than my wore out lows.
     
  17. Jun 7, 2005
    53Flattie

    53Flattie Intigator

    Easley, SC
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    842
    I like the *look* of the lowbacks. However- the highbacks are MUCH more comfortable, IMO. I had the stock lowbacks, and installed a set of Bestop highback. I like them a lot. I used the stock frame and re-drilled the holes in the seat to match. The passenger side sits a *little* high, but not too bad.
     
  18. Jun 7, 2005
    trailcrawler

    trailcrawler Central Ohio Cj'er

    Columbus Ohio
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2004
    Messages:
    86
    My passenger side sits up high too. I have some type of aftermarket highback seats that I would like to replace someday. Not sure about the low back but high seem pretty comfortable.
     
  19. Jun 8, 2005
    Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep..

    North Central FL
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2003
    Messages:
    2,132
    Hey Scott.. I used to have LB in the 5 and they were great. easy access and egress and fairly comfy BUT if you ever plan on using a harness of any kind I'd go high.. I think you saw the MAstercrafts I got for mine.. very comfy but not cheap at all and they were a B^&ch to fit. I had to cut into the fenderwells a bit to get them back for enough for me. The OEM LB seats were kinda low and close now that I think about it which always crowded my knees some. I guess it's more about what ya like..

    BUBBA
     
  20. Jun 8, 2005
    72CJ5er

    72CJ5er Renegade Member

    Hampton, TN
    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2004
    Messages:
    158
    I am wondering what other vehicles if any had factory LBs that are similiar. I like the idea of good room, but I already have a set of HBs I got when I got the 'glass tub. I may go with the HBs for now and try some LBs as $$$ allow.

    atm I am in Jeep DTs :) I am at the beach in Wilmington NC, there is a place down here to be able to drive out on the beach at Fort Fisher. I think next year one of my Jeeps will be with me. lol
     
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