bench to bucket conversion......?

[JasonKuehl]

I know this may be a strange question, but has anyone tried to cut down a bench seat into two buckets? I'm working on a rather tight budget, and would like to have bucket seats in my 72 f100. I can find the low back mustang or bronco seats that would bolt in with only minor work, but even the ones in very poor condition are out of my price range. I'm running on fumes budget wise, and have so far lucked out in using leftovers from other projects and scavenged parts for the current work. I have several different cloths that will be used in reupholstery, as well as all manner of air tools, plasma cutter, and welder at my disposal. I would just jump in and start cutting and pasting on the bench, but I'm curious to see if anyone has tried (even if it was a tried and failed).

[sargentrs]

Anything is possible. The springs would be the tough part, IMO. My local junk yard sells their buckets starting at $35 each, that's the way I'm going with my '74 Dart as I already have '66 Mustang buckets for my truck. There are a lot of practically bolt in options http://www.fordification.com/tech/seats.htm or installs with minor mods.

[JasonKuehl]

My local pick n pull isn't that cheap, and pretty much has all newer cars. I might be able to talk them down a bit in their prices, but finding low back buckets would be the problem. I'm not sure a modern high backed bucket would look right in the cab. I might have to look over the bench, see how it's built, then just dive in.

Bolt in or minor modification is ok, but it doesn't matter to me if major modification is required, it's amazing some of what can be done with simple tools and a welder.

An old biker once gave me some advice that has stuck with me: you can make anything fit together with a cutting torch and a welder.

[sargentrs]

I hear ya! I paid $150 for my buckets because, like you, I never have liked high backs sticking up in my back windshield. I work in a fab shop and have free access to equipment and all the scrap I can scrounge or buy new steel and company cost. In my build thread you can see my seat plan and the frame I made to mount them on (page 35-36)