***** Upgrade Seats (2004 Silverado Donor) & Carpet Replacement *****
I'm sure most of you folks are already aware, but 31 year old seats suck. They were awesome back in the day, but fabric deteriorates and the foam and springs tend to wear out over time. Mine were well worn and anything short of replacing them was out of the question. I've researched other peoples projects for several years now, and I think I've learned enough from other people's install to do my own. I'd also like to mention that I am merely sharing my install. I am not a structural engineer nor do I imply the right nor wrong way to replace seats. Once again, I am simply sharing my story.
I originally set out to replace the seats only. But after I got the seats out of the truck I could see what 31 years of dirt, fast food crumbs, and kiddos can do to a carpet. So, I gutted all of the floor and sidewall carpeting.
I was disappointed to see so many "spider cracks" in the floor at the seat mounting points. I welded them up as best I could with my mig welder and then painted them. I also fabricated some 3/8" plates for both the top and bottom of the cab. This should provide better support in both upward and downward forces of the seat. Keep in mind that (at best) I'm guessing this is enough support in the event of a future crash. Keeping the seat mounted to the cab is crucial, so I used grade 8 bolts, washers, and lock nuts.
At this point I was fully committed and there wasn't a better time than now to DynoMat the floor. I cleaned the floor as best I could and rubbed it down with alcohol so the DynoMat would have a clean surface to hold onto.
I found a 2004 Chevy Silverado driver and passenger seat at a local salvage yard for $150. They were in great shape, but they smelled like
@SS. I took the seat covers off and put them in my washing machine. I washed them twice with Tide and Downy fabric softner, and most of the smell came out of them. I sat them in the direct sun and let them air dry with 2 box fans on them for 3 days, and at this point there was no more smell to them.
At this point I put the carpet back in. I called Stock Interiors and ordered a new complete carpet package (front and back) with a rubber backing that's supposed to reduce road noise. I was shocked to see that this stuff is made in America! It was about $500 including shipping. I had to hand cut the 4-wheel drive floor controller, mount points for seats, etc. I then bolted the seats into place, and I couldn't stop smiling. I've been waiting to
comfortable seats for many years now. After I tightened the last bolt I just hopped in the truck and sat. I probably just sat in the truck for a good 15 minutes. Man, it was a good feeling.
