Considering the '40 seat frame has only 4 bolts v.s. 8 on all buckets I've ever seen, I doubt there is such a thing as bolt-in buckets. To save on drilling more holes in the floor, along with making the buckets higher to match the stock seat height, I would make a simple frame out of 1/8" x 1 1/2" angle iron that uses the stock '40 seat mounts, and allows the buckets to be positioned as you want. I did this many years ago when I.....thought... I was going to use '70 Mustang buckets in my '40. I finally got older, wiser and found a '40 seat. (o...n...l...y kidding )
The stock '40 seat sure is a big bouncy thing. Not really ergonomically correct, and is probably gonna let you slide right off the side in a fast-n-tight turn. But there is no other seat which looks even close to "right" in that ****pit.
I have Camaro buckets in my 40 coupe, but they did not bolt in. I originally built a base that bolted to the original 4 holes but I did not like how it hindered any access to the rear seat area. So I used the adjustable seat bases that all rod shops carry. I love the comfort of the seats and the fact that my wife or my 6'4" friend can ride in comfort. Recently had a friend offer me a pair of Wise Guys buckets for half of what he paid, no way I am doing that. I love the way a stock 40 seat looks in a 40, but I have not liked the bounce of the ones I have used, so buckets for me.
After 50 years of ownership I never could come up with a good stock seat. I used Dodge Intrepid buckets. Photo is the brackets I made to mount them. P***enger side is hinged and set up with a bear claw latch for access to the rear area.
I had Explorer/Bronco buckets in mine for a few years. Never liked the look. Had to buy a roached-out '40 sedan just to get the original front seat, but looks SO much better, and is actually very comfy (in a soft, overstuffed couch kinda way).
Just a thought... www.HotRodSeats.com http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...model-a-rollpans-bengels-hot-rod-prod.615201/
I have a 40 Ford coupe doing a 60`s drag car style. I have a stock seat but it looks to resto for this type build. I too am trying to figure out the right buckets to put in the coupe.
When I bought my 39 Ford coupe in 1972 it had high backed Dodge buckets of some sort. They work but look just like Dodge highbacked bucket seats. My 41 Ford 2-door has the original bench seat. Every time I tun a corner someone slides over against a door. The salvage yards are full of bucket seats. Take a tape and go play! When I buy store bought custom seats I'll have enough money to buy a store bought 40 Ford.
When I bought my 40 pickup back in 1981, it had a pair of 64-65 T bird seats. They were badly installed on top of a sheet of plywood on the seat base and they were too wide for the doors, as 40 Fords narrow suddenly from the door back foward,, but with all that they were comfortable. Later I tried a set of Austin American Sedan seats around '85. They fit but were a bit strange.This was all before Glide, make due with what was in the junk yard. Finally have a cut down Nissan truck bench seat. Still can't afford a Glide.
I can't claim personal experience but I have noticed that some late pickup bucket seats have built in shoulder harnesses, a definite plus. Now all you need to do is be sure the seat is securely installed. Charlie Stephens
Not easy based on what has been described. The 40 body narrows at the seat front unlike most later cars. So the bucket seat sizing is a challenge. You might look at an mazda 3 or something similar that have a narrow seat.
I stuck a pair of 65 SS Impala seats in my 40 Ford coupe and they are tight but it looks like they will work.
I used 65 mustang seats in mine. You will most likely have to build risers for most any buckets you use because the factory bench seat is so tall. Mine are so much more comfortable than that bouncy bench seat was. But I guess it depends on the style of build. Mustang seats worked for my 60's style build.