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Early Cj5 Seat Measurements

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Thunderkiss65, Jul 11, 2022.

  1. Thunderkiss65

    Thunderkiss65 New Member

    Hello, I am needing the measurements of early low back factory seats. I plan on building my own seats for my jeep, the ones that are in it are mismatched high back seats which are very ugly and positioned too high. I haven't nailed down a solid plan, I would like to build more factory correct seats but I am considering bomber style with separate seats and mounting brackets. My fuel tank is still under the drivers seat but the tool box is no longer under the passenger seat, although I may add that later. I haven't decided if I will use springs or foam pads for cushions, they just need to be lower than 8 inches from the top of the tank to the top of the seat bottom including the brackets. Thanks,.... oh, long term comfort isn't an issue. I only use it as a UTV around my property.
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2022
  2. Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I'm sure someone has original seat frames, Maybe try posting on the "Restoration and Research" section. Making seats from scratch sounds like a big project - are you needing ALL the measurements and ALL the angles ALL the thicknesses of ALL materials? Maybe be a little more specific on what you are wanting.

    There are several photos in this thread. I searched "original seats" > thread titles only.

    http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/128706/
     
    Criss and Thunderkiss65 like this.
  3. Thunderkiss65

    Thunderkiss65 New Member

    Thank you, I didn't see that post, and I didn't realize that those seats had steel frames like that. I was going to use tubing for the main structure, and removable pads. So I guess I only need the overall height of the seat back, width and length of the lower seat portion. I want a simple, weather resistant seat, more like the military seats. I just don't want them too look too big or too small in the jeep. Thanks
     
  4. Thunderkiss65

    Thunderkiss65 New Member

    Still need rough outside measurements of early original low back front seats. Width, and depth of seat bottoms width and height of seat backs. Bare tube frame measurements would be great and iI will figure out the padding thickness. Pics of a tape measure across the seats would also work. Thnx
     
  5. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Just a thought - Smitty LowBacks are not a lot of money, and look close to OEM. Work great for me, on custom sub frames to lower them as much as possible
     
    Thunderkiss65 likes this.
  6. Thunderkiss65

    Thunderkiss65 New Member

    Thanks, did you make your own custom sub frames?
     
  7. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    yup - welded some water pipe bent to look like the original style. Posted pics here several times before. This is the drivers side, made the passenger fit with the OEM demountable hinges.

    Set the seat height and angle with spacers under the seat.


    CJ5 1957 driver seat mount for Smittybilt.  Custom.JPG
     
  8. Thunderkiss65

    Thunderkiss65 New Member

    That's what I'm talking about. But I want to make the whole seat. Your mount looks perfect. I don't want to buy seats, I would rather put that money into new leaf springs and shocks or a metal top. I just wanted to get a ballpark measurement on the seats so I have an idea of where to start. My seats are cobbled in mismatched high back bucket seats that are ugly and positioned wrong. The driver side seat is a Bestop and the passenger seat is a jeep seat (I just discovered that today, it is so faded you can barley see the jeep logo) So I guess I will tear that one apart and mimic those measurements in my design, only low back.
     
  9. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I admire your ambition. Not sure it will save any cash.

    I'm unclear if by "early" seat frames you mean the original 1950's type one piece rigid-frame seats with coil-spring cushions. They did not have any "logo" on them.
     
    Last edited: Aug 7, 2022
    Mark T. likes this.
  10. Thunderkiss65

    Thunderkiss65 New Member

    By early I mean the ones with the tube frames that mount like yours. I have most of what I need. My passenger seat is out of a newer cj I assume. It is a high back with Jeep printed on the material in the center. My jeep is a 65. Thanks
     
  11. boopiejones

    boopiejones I can’t drive 55

    I recently made seats for mine. I wanted something nice and low, as I have a long torso and was literally looking over the top of the windshield with smittybilt seats.

    Water pipe for the lower frame and angle iron from old bed frames for the seat and back sections. Cushions are plywood covered with foam and canvas.

    The bottom cushions are 18x18 inches and the back cushions are 15x18. Back extends about 18 inches above the seat cushion. Angle is pretty reclined, definitely more than any stock Jeep seat. Not sure the exact angle but I just eyeballed it to fit best in the wheel well.
    DC145F04-7D4F-4E80-8E37-8E1C708CE1B1.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Aug 7, 2022
  12. boopiejones

    boopiejones I can’t drive 55

  13. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member


    Like these? These would be correct for a '65
    upload_2022-8-8_0-4-13.png
     
    Mark T. and Beach66Bum like this.
  14. Thunderkiss65

    Thunderkiss65 New Member

    Thank you. Very nice , that is more of what I have in mind. I need to keep the bottom low too, the Bestop driver seat has me looking right into the top of the windshield frame. I am pretty sure the passenger seat is out of a YJ, it is comfortable so I may copy the angle from that seat.
     
  15. Wingnut68

    Wingnut68 New Member 2022 Sponsor

    I used blackpipe and went across the tub with a support in the middle. More or less same as orig, I think. The existing set looked like they had been "worked on". I can send measurements if you want. I can't figure out how to attach a pic.