Seats - replace or rework?

[mjulaw]

Looked at old posts regarding seats, but couldn't find a clear answer:

1. I want to replace the seats in an '88. Which seats fit without modification? I've seen posts about Supras ans Saabs, but wasn't sure what was required. What about 4 Runners and newer Cruisers?

2. Same question for replacement of back seat.

3. If modification is required, are there kits for this?

4. Should I just forget replacement and have the seats reworked?

Thanks for any info...Mike Upton

 

[60wag]

Replacing the back seat would be difficult. I haven't ever heard of anything else that fits. Replacing the fronts isn't too hard as long as you're willing to fab up some adapter brackets. Some seats work better for adapting than others. The seats in my old Acura Legend were super comfortable but the mounts had the bolts going horizontally into the body. This type would be a PITA to adapt.

My FJ60 has had the upholstry replaced on the stock seats. I'm not sure but I think its the CCOT covers. They are a nice fit and decent quality. Using the stock seats eliminates any issues with crash worthiness of homemade adapters.

 

[87CRUSR]

I've continued to have work done on the original seats as needed. An easy upgrade to more comfortable seats is always welcome though.

 

[Russ in California]

Looked at old posts regarding seats, but couldn't find a clear answer:

1. I want to replace the seats in an '88. Which seats fit without modification? I've seen posts about Supras ans Saabs, but wasn't sure what was required. What about 4 Runners and newer Cruisers?

2. Same question for replacement of back seat.

3. If modification is required, are there kits for this?

4. Should I just forget replacement and have the seats reworked?

Thanks for any info...Mike Upton

I'm in the same boat with my 85. Be interested how you procede and solve this one.
Russ

 

[theSherpa]

When I was at Specter's a month ago, Marv had me try out a set of seats in a 60 series that had been rebuilt with his replacement seat foam...just the bottom foam had been replaced...and it was really awesome. Not cheap at ~$150 just for the foam itself, but very, very nice.

Steve

 

[PHBeerman]

I thought I had to replace mine, but I cleaned them up and they look good as new. Good more money for other projects

 

[CSA]

What did you use to clean your seats? Mine are dirty, but look like they might come out nice if I used the right stuff on them.

 

[Exiled]

Personally, I don't want to give up the cargo space, but I've always thought a pair of bucket seats with a 10" tuffy console between in them in the back of a 60 would be bad ass!

 

[PHBeerman]

What did you use to clean your seats? Mine are dirty, but look like they might come out nice if I used the right stuff on them.

First off the shelf Foaming cleaner. Then a rug doctor. Brand spanking new.

 

[cahilc]

I've been collecting notes on this for a while and there doesn't appear to be a straight forward simple answer. basically it breaks into two camps, maintain stock or go modify.

I'm curious too for a better solution which is $$$ frugal,
Cahil

 

[dogboy2]

rebuild is easy option without fabrication. rebuilt ours using SOR's replacement seat foam, added mechanical lumbar support, seat heaters, and custom upholstery with map pockets.

they are "custom-stock" and are very comfortable with all of the new adds

-dogboy- '87 FJ60

 

[Doc]

For me, it was cheaper to buy new seats and fab up brackets.

The key, as I found out after 2 days of cussing at the OE brackets, is to ditch the stock bracketry on both the seat pan and new seat, then go buy some perforated square steel tube (like used on stop signs) for easy brackets.

I used one long piece on each side of the new seats (out of a 2004 Honda Pilot) and it's VERY stable and solid.

 

[lovetoski]

Doc,

Two questions if you don't mind?

1. What size square perf tubing did you use?

2. How did you attach the tubing to the floor of your 60? (pic's would be great of course!)

I have a pair of Lexus LX450 Leather seats in my basement, but haven't quite figured out a clean installation. I'm not a fabrication guy, so that's a bit of an obsticle too.

Thanks,

 

[Doc]

No pics at the moment, but I did a big write up on it in this forum not too long ago, search under my name with 'seats' in the title.

The tubing was 1.5" square ( wanted 2", but the seats have power height adjustment, so it's all good ).

For attaching to the floor pan, I first pulled the carpet back and cut out the 'hump' at the front of the pan that the OE brackets attach too. Then I drilled 2 holes in the pan where the seats would go. A 3/4" bolt and fender washer was placed inside the channel and secured with a fender washer and lock washer under the truck body.

At the rear of the channel I used the stock mounting holes and stock bolts, You have to cut a flap in the side of the tube to bend it over to an angle for the bolt to go in solidly, but it works well.

I'll try to get a pic tonight, since i"ll be working on the truck anyway. (painting the roof and installing the roof rack)

 

[Doc]

PS, this is the first real fabrication work I ever did.

The only tools I used were a jig saw and some imagination. It really wasn't all that hard once I figured out to use that perf tube.

 

[lovetoski]

Doc,

Thanks. Didn't realize you cut off the stock hump where the front of the seats attach. Now that I know that it makes a lot more sense.

Best Regards,

 

[Doc]

Here's the thread.

LINK