Hey All,
I've got a '79 Chevy K10 pickup truck that I am currently fixing up, and one of the planned upgrades is to replace the factory unadjustable bench seat. I've managed to snag the front bench out of a 1968 Olds Toronado (6-way power adjustable with separate, fold-down backs) in my local u-pull salvage yard, but the big problem is it's not wide enough - about 7 or 8 inches too short. To make this seat fit, is it as easy as stripping it down, cut the frame and weld in extensions, build new adjuster cables, add new springs, cut new foam and make new seat covers (I know, I know - I just glossed over a huge amount of work)?
I'm hoping that I can just add metal to the center of the seat - that way I don't have to modify the D/P seat backs, only the fold-down arm rest/console. I've also acquired some of the s-type seat springs for the bottom, so is there a set spacing necessary, or just whatever gives the right amount of support? I noticed in Dan's upholstery tutorial (this will come in *real* handy, BTW) that he cut new springs for the bench, so is there any trick to measuring how long they need to be, or is it just cut a bit long, straighten 'em out, then measure and cut again?
I am also planning on attempting my own upholstery on this - it'll give me some practice at least (besides, the [currently] baby-blue and white seat will kinda clash with a black & grey interior ) when I tackle my other projects. I'm sure I'll have some more questions when I get to that point, so fair warning y'all.
Thanks,
Mike
I've got a '79 Chevy K10 pickup truck that I am currently fixing up, and one of the planned upgrades is to replace the factory unadjustable bench seat. I've managed to snag the front bench out of a 1968 Olds Toronado (6-way power adjustable with separate, fold-down backs) in my local u-pull salvage yard, but the big problem is it's not wide enough - about 7 or 8 inches too short. To make this seat fit, is it as easy as stripping it down, cut the frame and weld in extensions, build new adjuster cables, add new springs, cut new foam and make new seat covers (I know, I know - I just glossed over a huge amount of work)?
I'm hoping that I can just add metal to the center of the seat - that way I don't have to modify the D/P seat backs, only the fold-down arm rest/console. I've also acquired some of the s-type seat springs for the bottom, so is there a set spacing necessary, or just whatever gives the right amount of support? I noticed in Dan's upholstery tutorial (this will come in *real* handy, BTW) that he cut new springs for the bench, so is there any trick to measuring how long they need to be, or is it just cut a bit long, straighten 'em out, then measure and cut again?
I am also planning on attempting my own upholstery on this - it'll give me some practice at least (besides, the [currently] baby-blue and white seat will kinda clash with a black & grey interior ) when I tackle my other projects. I'm sure I'll have some more questions when I get to that point, so fair warning y'all.
Thanks,
Mike