91 Bucket Seats

[ShouldaCoulda]

Hi everybody, new to the site. I have a '91 that I've had since '94. On its 2nd engine and 3rd tranny. Over 1/2 million miles. Will never give up this truck!

I need to replace the front buckets, worn out, foam disintegrating, ratchets don't work.

I can't afford new, so what should I ask for at the yard? What years and make/models bolt up. The seat pedastel's are good.

Any and all advice will be highly regarded and appreciated. Thanks.

 

[dyeager535]

I'm assuming this is a K5?

The tilt/slide seats were what I will call a "running change" in 1985. I have no idea if they just used up leftover '84 parts to put the first ones together, or if the factory of origin was the cause, or what. But you will find some '85's with tilt only, and some will have the tilt-slide seats. I don't believe ANY '86's ended up that way, so '86+ should be guaranteed the same.

The mechanicals of the seats are a bit odd. I don't think my '87's tilt/slides work right, but it sounds like everyone has the same problems...the seats don't actually lock upright. The sliding portion may be as simply as a bad wire or spring(s) underneath that operate it.

As to the seat cushion parts you are talking about. IMO, while it may be somewhat expensive, you either need to talk with an upholstery shop, or check out lmc truck and see what they offer for seat repair. Anything this old is going to be showing it's age in one way, shape or form. Less use/sun exposure is going to help, and you MIGHT find some seats with good covers/foam, but I think you will find it fairly difficult.

I've used seat covers on mine since I got them (and they were in good shape 10 years ago) and they seem to be in really good shape. But it took me a long time to find ones in this good of shape, and the right color.

 

[ShouldaCoulda]

Yep K5. Upholstery shop is a good idea. I was wondering if any of the later model seats would work. I've heard of people putting in seats and center console's from newer trucks. Yes, maybe, no?

 

[dyeager535]

With enough time and effort you can make anything fit.

I don't think there is anything out there newer than our trucks that you can fit as a true bolt in. Some might be easier to retrofit than others, but none AFAIK can just swap right in.

 

[ShouldaCoulda]

Thanks for your time and effort. I'll give the local upholstery shops a call.

 

[rjfguitar]

Yep K5. I was wondering if any of the later model seats would work. I've heard of people putting in seats and center console's from newer trucks. Yes, maybe, no?

This, in my opinion is the way to go. The stock K5 seats from any year aren't that good, I think. I put a pair of buckets in my K5 that came from an early 2000's era Mercedes C class and love them. Firm conforming fit and black leather.

 

[82355]

I personally love the stock '86+ seats. I would just have an upholstery shop redo them.

Martin