I have a basically stock '30, 82-b, closed cab, Model A pickup. I don't believe that the bench seat bottom in it is the original one, because it sticks out so far from the seat pan at the front and has no pegs to fit into the braces (not sure of the term) which keep it from sliding forward. It is a daily driver and I have some arthritis problems with my left leg which makes it highly entertaining to see me enter and exit at present. No problems with the steering wheel riding into my belly, but I have to slide fully over into the p***enger seat in order to pull my left leg into the cab and get it situated into position to drive. I have been thinking about putting in either buckets or a small bench seat from maybe a van or a bus to replace the original seat. I don't really want to have to modify much to make it work and wondered what are some good options as to seats to consider for this swap? I would be keeping the bench seat in case I later needed to return it to more of a stock setup. With the bench seat mode I have seen one that didn't require the seat pan to be eliminated/removed. I am looking to gain more leg room in the cab area and yet not be too cramped by overstuffed seats. With the small bench seat I am thinking that I can keep the stock back top cushion and not have to remove it. With buckets I'd likely have to remove that top seat and the seat pan. Any ideas or suggestions as to what seat options are easiest, require the least modificaiton and can be comfortable and functional, as well as easy enough to replace later if returning to stock? I also have to install some seat belts, but I have them ready to go and just waiting to see what I can come up with for the new seat replacement, first. The upholstery in my pickup is a black naugahyde material. Not fancy, but functional and goes with the daily driver theme well. Thanks for any suggestions or tips.
Looks very nice and comfortable but in my opinion you have lost at least 3" of space with the thickness of the top of the back rest.. Space in these is at a premium, also you need a backrest that tilt as forward and a base that lifts to gain storage in otherwise lost areas for tools/ battery/ clothing etc. Perhaps this does these so I apologise if it does.
When in Holdenville, Ok, I spoke to the fellow who owned this A pickup. I don't recall if he said the seat came out of a bus or what, but it folded up like the Jeep seat mentioned. It seemed to fit pretty nice and had a thin profile, unlike the back of the seat of the Ranger. He had done the upholstery on it himself.
I feel your pain, and unfortunately could not find the solution. The problem, IMHO, was the closeness of the corner of the bottom cushion to the door post. I could not get my foot through the space without leaning far over onto the seat, in order to raise and twist my 12D foot enough to p*** through the space. Increasing the gap would require a shorter bottom cushion, which would kill the leg support. A thinner seat back helped with the overall ergonomics, but zilch on getting in and out with ease. I wish you luck. I loved my A, but recently traded it off for a 41 pickup. No comparison.
Yup, that pretty well describes why it is entertaining to others to watch me enter or exit my pickup at present. No space at the door post and seat as you describe and my 9 1/2 size foot catches exactly how you describe. I do have a column support to change out so I don't always put my weight on the steering column and risk a leak at the gas tank though by pulling myself in or out by holding onto the steering wheel. I'll be looking in the local wrecking yards to see if anything at all seems to work any better than that stock seat bottom. Crossing my fingers. I am not sure if buckets would do any better or not.
Dodge caravan second row seat, NOT the back seat. Second row seat is just over 40in wide and some hinge forward. My car is a roadster but I post this pic to show the amount of room. I am 6'5" Sent from my SM-G900V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I too used the mini van seat. Fit great, even with the arm rests on each end. The seat bottom does come out a ways though take a measuring tape when you go to the wreckers.
what ever you do ,Don;t go buckets. I have used bus seats ,if you can find them. The Caravan sounds good.
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