Seat questions and opinions for big guys in 40s and 50s trucks

Had my seat redone in my 56 a few wks ago... Well Im sitting 1.5" higher in the truck and 1" further forward... well Im a big guy and this makes my steering wheel about an inch from the body now in the keg pack abs.. and My eyesight is now at the top of my windsheild.. so it actually sucks driving the truck now, they fixed the seat springs that were broken over the years but has actually hurt the enjoying of driving it.. So never the less I paid 350 and have a killer look but dont enjoy driving it... so anyone have a seat recomendation for me.. do I take it apart and cut the springs down? or take the springs out and put high density foam in the bottom, or do I just save this seat for a future project and put something late model seat in there? suggestions and opinions are welcome here...

 

Don't cut the springs, compress them a bit and hog ring them in place...

 

can you cut the seat frame where it bolts to floor to lower it?,...this would get it lower anyway.

 

I would go back to the upholster who did the seat, and ask them if there is anything they can do to fix it. It looks like they did a wonderful job on the upholstery, so they may have a good solution to make it work without starting all over.

 

Something I didnt think about... basically like clamping a coil spring ...

 

cab substructure is in the way... Its as low as it can go...

 

You know my thoughts. I'm 6'2" and am happy with the Cherokee seat's I put in. Last time I was driving it I had put a speaker box with two 8's I had pulled out of my wifes old PT in the cab behind the seats, cause they fit and they went boom, and even with those in there robbing me of a couple inches of travel it was still Ok. Installation was very straight forward, but you'd loose your amp space so I don't know. Theres only so much room in the cab, gotta decide whats more important sometimes.

 

Double check that substructure to seat clearance. May look tight in front, but lowering the BACK mounts is most effective.

 

Maybe a smaller stering wheel????

 

I had the same problem with my F-1 seat......I sectioned 2" out of the mounts to lower it. I also used a slightly smaller steering wheel. I'm 6'4" tall.....still a little tough getting my feet on the pedals. I wish I could move the seat BACK...

You may have to go with a thinner seat......driving all cramped up is no fun!

 

Maybe take a trip to the wrecking yard and try to find a pair of shorter seat mounts that you can just bolt to the floor and seat frame. You might have to reinforce the floor for new seat mount locations unless you get really lucky. Also, maybe a steering wheel with less dish to it. The seat looks great. It if were me I wouldn't mess with the seat itself.

 

I like the seat, so I wouldn't mess with it. Maybe get another seat and try some foam.