Stock Bench Seat Question

[SBpunk]

So was bored at work and had seen someone selling a refurbished bench seat that got me thinking. I pulled mine out, still in good shape, and put in some WJ buckets but now I'm having second thoughts. Has anyone had their bench recovered and padded? My biggest issue with the bench sea is when I sat down my little 5'6 butt sank to the point where I was looking through the top of the steering wheel. Over exaggerating a bit but still. The springs and brackets are in tact. I ran some 550 cord to replace the release wire which worked great but the padding is shot. Not sure if a typical reupholster shop will be able to throw some padding in or if its something I need to try and set up myself before having it recovered. Thanks.

[HOrnbrod]

When I had a bench years ago and had it reupholstered locally. Kept the outside grey vinyl as it was in good shape and just had cloth center sections replaced with rolled and pleated. It firmed it up and was tons better as I wasn't sitting in a hole anymore, but it was still a bench with zero lateral/side support. Later I found some XJ 2-DR buckets and sold the bench. I much prefer the buckets.

 

[krustyballer16]

I had mine redone but I can't remember if he just put new, thicker padding in it or put something "solid" on the springs so the padding wouldn't smoosh thru them. After searching all over around here, he was the only guy that would do it for less than $1000... it's a 50' seat. It's got some lines that aren't straight, which we didn't notice until install. But it works I guess...

 

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[SBpunk]

When I had a bench years ago and had it reupholstered locally. Kept the outside grey vinyl as it was in good shape and just had cloth center sections replaced with rolled and pleated. It firmed it up and was tons better as I wasn't sitting in a hole anymore, but it was still a bench with zero lateral/side support. Later I found some XJ 2-DR buckets and sold the bench. I much prefer the buckets.

 

 

Yeah the only thing I'd miss is the arm support but my pup would be able to spread out. Plus I'm short enough to roll the window down and hang my feet out to sleep hahaha

I had mine redone but I can't remember if he just put new, thicker padding in it or put something "solid" on the springs so the padding wouldn't smoosh thru them. After searching all over around here, he was the only guy that would do it for less than $1000... it's a 50' seat. It's got some lines that aren't straight, which we didn't notice until install. But it works I guess...

 

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Holy crap! Maybe I'll give it a shot myself to repad it. The material is in good shape still. There used to be someone on the forums that made custom seat covers but don't think they're around anymore

[krustyballer16]

Try putting a piece of cardboard or something else thin but kind of stiff between springs and padding. That might help. I'm 5'8" and this height, whatever it is now, is perfect for me. And it's still soft and supportive.

Bucket seats would be better, but bench looks better I think

 

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[Pete M]

mid 90s dakota split folding bench.  best upgrade I've seen yet if you want a bench.

[SBpunk]

Finding a mid 90's Dakota around here is like finding a Comanche in the junkyard with perfect tail lights and bucket seat brackets lol

[Pete M]

car-part.com might be of help with junkyard searches.

[SVPete]

Had my bench seat recovered about two years ago for around $400. The material itself has a foam backing. He slipped a couple of carpet squares in above the springs which gave back some of the firmness.

[Tex06]

I've got camo and gator seats that the PO reupholstered.  Freaking awesome....I'll snag ya a pic tonight.  Most upholstery shops should be able to cut you some foam and either double up on it or replace it.