Seat Construction
  • Amelia Brooker
    5
    I have a customer with an older international truck who would like to have a custom seat made for their truck. The only piece they have left from the seat is the outer frame.

    Any ideas/advice on how I can build them a seat? My only thinking was to make a base out of plywood and then put a very think layer of foam (like 8 inches) on the plywood and upholster that. Is that the best way or does anyone have a better method?

    Thanks in advance for any help!

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    Amelia Brooker Options
  • Cody Lunning
    39
    I’ve done a few international scouts before and from the factory they are just plywould and foam for the benches. I can try and remember to get a pic of a bench I have now for one
    Cody Lunning Options
  • Amelia Brooker
    5
    Thanks Cody, I appreciate your response! Glad to hear I was thinking along the right lines. If you have any pictures that would be awesome!!
    Amelia Brooker Options
  • Cody Lunning
    39
    @Amelia Brooker3s0gf48jafy0lgyz.jpeg
    eezw6vbqtuampq3a.jpeg

    Sorry the pics are crappy but it’s my dungeon of a basement with little light. One is it just sitting there with there. The other is the plywood bottoms looking from the bottom up. These have yet to be done and as far as I can tell, are original.
    Cody Lunning Options
  • Amelia Brooker
    5
    Awesome thank you so much Cody, that helps a lot!!
    Amelia Brooker Options
  • Mike Goldring
    9
    8" thick foam is probably too much IMO you might want to measure the thickness of a standard bench seat and the back is generally less thick than the bottom.
    Plywood support will work but make sure to use some good dense foam.
    Mike Goldring Options
  • Hal Bast
    13
    I find it is always good to get the driver to try the seat before you make the cover. Some of the "larger" guys don't work with a thick seat...I've had to rework some seats in the older cars/trucks to get them to fit without rubbing the finish off the steering wheel. Just a thought.
    Hal Bast Options
  • Amelia Brooker
    5
    Mike, I agree with you that is really dense for foam. My customer is telling me they want to be 8" above the frame. I have a similar style seat from a Studebaker pickup and it's around 6-7 inches with the springs and everything above the frame, so hopefully it will work out the same.

    Thanks Hal, that's a really good idea to have them test fit it in their truck before I do the final cover, it's no fun making adjustments after it's all completed!
    Amelia Brooker Options
  • Eric Gordon
    41
    You may want to cut out openings on the driver and passenger side of the board. Staple some elastic webbing to provide a little bounce to the cushion. I like to use marine ply for the strength.
    Eric Gordon Options
  • Amelia Brooker
    5
    Ah shoot, I'm only seeing your message now Eric. That's a good idea, I'll have to remember for next time.

    Got the seat finished! Thanks to everyone who gave me advice!

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    Amelia Brooker Options
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