Pretty quiet in here... what are you working on? (10 Viewers)

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I sourced a whole new interior off of EBay for my 1980 this past summer in the correct grey color for the later 40’s. I had to setup an automated search with push notifications then pounce when something good came up.

It was a lot of cobbling together of old parts. I had to buy three used front seats then mix and match the parts to make two good ones. The drivers seats are always torn up but the passenger seats are usually good. Good thing is the seat bottoms are interchangeable.

Eventually, I’ll fully restore my seats but for now they’re functional, period correct, and look way better than crappy non-adjustable aftermarket seats I had in there before. I did score a sweet set of grey 40 jump seats with the fold out legs so I’m good there.
 
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I sourced a whole new interior off of EBay for my 1980 this past summer in the correct grey color for the later 40’s. I had to setup an automated search with push notifications then pounce when something good came up.

It was a lot of cobbling together of old parts. I had to buy three used front seats then mix and match the parts to make two good ones. The drivers seats are always torn up but the passenger seats are usually good. Good thing is the seat bottoms are interchangeable.

Eventually, I’ll fully restore my seats but for now they’re functional, period correct, and look way better than crappy non-adjustable aftermarket seats I had in there before. I did score a sweet set of grey 40 jump seats with the fold out legs so I’m good there.
This stuff is getting more difficult to find for sure. I was looking for a while to find the correct jump seats with the folding leg. I gave up looking for the exact vintage part and found some from a 79. They have a little different design in the folding bracket for the leg. I'm not an extreme purist. So, I'm okay with mixing parts from different years.
 
Since yal are talking seats. Is it stupid to think getting an upholstery shop to redo foam and leather for the seats? My cousin and I had talked about redoing the front seats and jump seats so its all the same leather. I was thinking if an upholstery shop is doing that work, changing out the foam inserts shouldn't be too expensive? Anyone done this before and actually know the cost.
I've only had a shop redo the carpet in my daily and their labor was only $150 which made me think this work on the 40 couldn't be too bad.
 
I’ve been contemplating having a local shop make new covers. I think the material durability is an issue and I didn’t feel like experimenting. There’s a few posts of Lseat looking good at first but then wearing within a couple years. It’s my understanding you can use FJ60 seat covers on a pair of 79+ buckets. So, I was trying to think outside the box for covers too. Seems like people like the CCOT & SOR covers and the only complaint I’ve found is related to shipping & handling fees that SOR charges. It’s been a long time since I’ve purchased anything from SOR and it looks like there’s no getting around the fees even with a club SOR membership.
 
Since yal are talking seats. Is it stupid to think getting an upholstery shop to redo foam and leather for the seats? My cousin and I had talked about redoing the front seats and jump seats so its all the same leather. I was thinking if an upholstery shop is doing that work, changing out the foam inserts shouldn't be too expensive? Anyone done this before and actually know the cost.
I've only had a shop redo the carpet in my daily and their labor was only $150 which made me think this work on the 40 couldn't be too bad.

I think you’ll have the best end result by buying the foams and seat covers specifically for the 40 rather than having an upholstery shop try to custom replicate the patterns.
 
The original foams were reinforced with wire. An upholsterer will cut/sculpt a new seat bottom. I don’t know what the SOR foam is like but it seems to be the only place offering a molded replacement. I’d rather go with the molded foam replacement or find a good passenger side to swap in place.

The Cruiser Corps. offering looks nice and for $100 cheaper than the SOR option it’s worth taking a look. My biggest concern is longevity though. I don’t want to go through all this trouble to need a replacement a few years later. More data points with the CCOT & SOR options.
 
This stuff is getting more difficult to find for sure. I was looking for a while to find the correct jump seats with the folding leg. I gave up looking for the exact vintage part and found some from a 79. They have a little different design in the folding bracket for the leg. I'm not an extreme purist. So, I'm okay with mixing parts from different years.

Yea, I’m not an extreme purist either. I’m just trying to get from crap to cool, and I figure if I’m gonna spend the money might as well spend it on original parts that’ll add value to the truck.
 
I have the Cool Cruisers seat covers for my 40 but have not installed them.
The stitching looks tight and well done on the backsides but have not idea on the fitment.
My hang up on the job was finding a new seat cushion.
There is no way I’m paying $250 for the front seat foam from the one vendor that sells it for a 40.

These are the seat foams I have up for grabs.

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I'm working on someone getting a free 4runner:

 
That's interesting @HoundDog the seat foams I have don't have molded channels at the front portion.
 
I think you’ll have the best end result by buying the foams and seat covers specifically for the 40 rather than having an upholstery shop try to custom replicate the patterns.
For the patterns, my cousin mentioned doing something different. Whether its diamond stitching or whatever, I don't think he necessarily cares about it being original, and I think having a touch like that on trail rig might be cool.
 
I was thinking about perforated vinyl @afgman786 . I"m not a purist but I do like the some upgrades from the original. I also, know that if I keep upgrading I'll never get this truck on the road.
 
hell of a lot better than the ones I have. what do you want for them?

Free for my CLCC brotha’s. Just pm me your address and reimburse me for the cost of shipping.
 
Free for my CLCC brotha’s. Just pm me your address and reimburse me for the cost of shipping.
That is stunning.
The generosity of some of the people in this club to do or help others is the reason I did not sell my 40 a while ago.
 
We would run some wide webbing over the springs on weak seats to stiffen them up and give the foam some extra Suport.

Back in my upholstery days.
 
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Started prepping for engine removal. Drive shafts out, speedo and e-brake disconnected. Used the engine hoist to lift off the front bumper with 8274 attached. Now I got plenty of working room without the front bumper in the way.

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