Cover or replace seats

[Hedgehog]

When I got my CJ it came seatless. So I purchased a set of low back seats from ?, I can't remember right now. They were inexpensive, but comfortable enough. After having them in the CJ for a couple of years now the cover material, an odd mixture of canvas and a plastic like coating is all cracked and stained with some areas with the plastic chipping or out right falling off. Plastic falling of due to the Arizona sun beating down on the seat top. Stained from leaving tools and raw steel on the seat during thunder storms. The canvas backing seems to be doing okay.

Since I'm finally towards the end of most of the rough and tumble part of building the CJ up my attention is one again drawn to the seats. If I can find nice fitting seat covers I imagine that would be the way to go. But those seat covers are expensive. Costing more than I spent for the seats. I'm wondering if it would be better to just bite the bullet and have the seats recovered and possibly re-contoured to make them thinner in the bottom and back, closer to the original jeep seats. The seat frames seem solid enough, but I haven't yet spent days on days off road pounding on them either.

 

[Petescj]

There is a member on here by the name "Stitch". He did some really nice work. I'd pm him .

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I have the OEM, hi-back seats in my '7'. You may well want to look at that style.
I will say, that AMC 'under-built' the seat frames. About 20 years ago I reinforced both of the seat backs and their base.
I have driven and rid'n in CJs with the OEM low back seats. My back much prefers the 'hi-backs'. Especially after bounch'n around on the trail all day
LG

 

[Torxhead]

I have the OEM, hi-back seats in my '7'. You may well want to look at that style.
I will say, that AMC 'under-built' the seat frames. About 20 years ago I reinforced both of the seat backs and their base.
I have driven and rid'n in CJs with the OEM low back seats. My back much prefers the 'hi-backs'. Especially after bounch'n around on the trail all day
LG

That could be an "old age thing" too Lumpy.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That could be an "old age thing" too Lumpy.

I wasn't 'old' when I bought the jeep in '85.
The hi-back seats do make a difference with a long day behind the wheel.

LG

 

[Neuner]

If it were mine, I'd buy new seats. Haven't seen covers yet that don't look funny or just proof that someone was trying to hide worn and torn seats that should have been replaced anyways. Re-upholstered is a different story. Done right, those look really good but cost enough to justify new seats if you're not going for a certain look or material.

From what you've said on here, it sounds like you may have difficulty finding new ones that are low enough profile for a CJ5 ? If that's the case, I'd still try to find seats that work and if unsuccessful, then I'd turn to re-covering the ones you have.

 

[Peanut Butter]

1: Check locally for a upholstery shop and get a quote.

2: Buy a new seat - high back that will fit, This means a original style Jeep seat. Rugged Ridge - Factory Style Replacement Seat with Recliner - Fits 1976 to 2002 Wrangler and CJ - 4WD.com

3: Go seatless... ...it's the latest rage!

 

[Torxhead]

1: Check locally for a upholstery shop and get a quote.

2: Buy a new seat - high back that will fit, This means a original style Jeep seat. Rugged Ridge - Factory Style Replacement Seat with Recliner - Fits 1976 to 2002 Wrangler and CJ - 4WD.com

3: Go seatless... ...it's the latest rage!

Oh yeah! I have used wood packing crates.

 

[Hedgehog]

Hey bread spread - You certainly have a point. Originally I was wondering if the expensive neoprene seat covers, the ones that are water proof and expensive are worth the purchase price over having my seats recovered. My seats aren't torn or breached in any way. So it wouldn't be like I'm covering broken torn . But the seats are stained and there is a sort of plastic covering on the canvas that is chipping off. The sun simply beat the snot out or the plastic. So ......

1: I should get an estimate, but upholstery shops don't seem to be open when I'm available. My bad, I can make time though.

2: Yep I can blindly buy yet another set of seats from the familiar vendors.

3: Funny, I test drove my CJ on a milk crate perched on a pile of boards. I can testify that it was not a comfortable or safe test drive.

High back seats are definitely out of the question. This is all part of my jeeps are not supposed to be comfortable belief and over all stance in life. My sin will never be fully accounted for, at least not in this life. Funny, I'm not even religious. The CJ does need to be stored out of the weather. I do need to clean out the garage.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

"High back seats are definitely out of the question. This is all part of my jeeps are not supposed to be comfortable belief and over all stance in life."



HB seats were OEM
Come over to the 'comfy-side'
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

I have no problem with folks siting comfortable in their chosen ride. I've been told over and over again that low back seats are uncomfortable and have no inclination to argue the point. Low back jeep seats make it easier to turn and see what's happening out back.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I have no problem with folks siting comfortable in their chosen ride. I've been told over and over again that low back seats are uncomfortable and have no inclination to argue the point. Low back jeep seats make it easier to turn and see what's happening out back.

Dat's what them mirrors R 4.
LG

 

[Posi]

Recovering the seats yourself is an option, not hard, but most don't consider it.

Beachwood canvas is where I purchased my cushions and covers, not sure if they will have the intermediate 5s though.

My 54 3b

 

[Peanut Butter]

Nice restore Posi!

 

[Neuner]

very nice Posi! That is so BA.

 

[steve1973]

The intermediate low backs are the hardest to find, and the most comfortable. I put the bestop covers on my original torn intermediate low backs to keep the proper feel and look. Tried the smitty built low backs, they sit way to high, so took them out. Always on the hunt for decent intermediate low backs.


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[Hedgehog]

Guys - Thank you for posting. As most seat threads make obvious, there is no right or wrong answer to this kind of question. I simply have to go to an upholstery shop for an estimate. If their estimate is within reason I'll probably go that way. The opportunity to have them customize the depth of the cushion is a positive. Also they more than likely know a material that handles the Arizona sun the best.