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I just got a great 1960 CJ5 that has the cheapest hardest most uncomfortable seats on the planet. So my question is...if you could go back in time and do it all over again what would you put in your build? I'm kind of leaning towards the shorter original type seats. But I've noticed that a lot of people don't have those. Is that a style statement or a comfort decision. Thanks for your insights!
I always liked the original seats (for aesthetics, not comfort!). I think you could find 'original look' and they would be much better padded than before.
Smittybilt makes one. I have the 'tall' version now going on 10 years with no tears and no discernible rust underneath. It's a DD and beach vehicle with only a bikini, rain or shine.
Somehow, I think Hi-backs might not look right in a CJ5 .
As a general observation ir is my experience that aftermarket seats Suk.
they are poorly constructed, uncomfortable and even though they are hailed as "original fit" it just means they bolt to the seat mounts with out re drilling.
They set higher and more forward than original and injected foam is for guys that think a Church pew is more comfortable than a Lazy boy.
Just about any after market seat will need to be dropped at least 3" and moved back at least 2" to put your back side in the same place it was with the original seat. The big question is, Do you have that room? I guess if you are shorter than 5'10" and weigh less than 200# this will not be a great problem but if you are over 6' and closer to 300# your head will be above the roll bar and the wheel will drag in your lap.
For original fit, the closest junk yard fit I have found was a low bach Chevy work van seat from the 80s. these tension spring suspension and have replaceable foam so the springs and foam can be replaced and the seats recovered. These are not the strongest seats ever built, most definitely not the best looking and are not the easiest to come by anymore.
These also do not do the best job of keeping your backside in position relative to the peddles and wheel and 8 hours of wheeling will result in a sore backside and major expenditures of energy to keep your self from sliding out of the seat and falling out the door.
In a CJ5 reclining seats are a waste of effort. the roll bar will keep you from going very far. Electric seats?? yea right.
Now assuming that you have decided that you can (1 engineer new mounts to put the seat someplace to the same neighborhood as the original occupied. Or (2 you are short and thin and the extra height and depth can work for you. Lets talk about after market seats.
there are four things to consider with a seat suspension, padding,covering and fit
suspension is what absorbs shock to your favorite spine and back side. Two options, suspension and injected foam. Suspension seats are the result of military research that resulted in seats that could carry our boys across rough terrain at high speeds and absorb the shock or having explosive devices detonate under your vehicle. Basically it is a web lawn chair on steroids. They work quite well and are firm but comfortable.
Injected foam on the other hand is about as comfortable as molded Styrofoam, subject to deterioration and compaction, they are not serviceable or recoverable.
I was going to continue comparing injected foam to suspension but it is a waste of time. injected foam seats are junk, pretty much dealing out anything from Smittybuild or Bestop and a few others I am sure.
When i say fit you may think bolt pattern but I am actually talking about how well it fits you. believe it or not at least one manufacturer has fit recommendations by waist size. If at all possible, make arrangements to set in your options before you buy them. If they are really bad they can be shipped back but that is a PITA and on your dime.
Covering is important. UV resistant, breathable, tough, replaceable and good looking. I think that covers it, no pun intended. There is one high end manufacturer, if you want seats for your vintage Lamborghini, that pretty well offers everything from Elephant to unborn baby seal. I hear it is a bit of a problem to hose the mud off at the car wash from the baby seal.
Where does all this lead?
Two suppliers and two seat options.
Corbeau Baja and the Mastercraft Nomad.
Both suspension seats, The same price range, not cheap but not requiring a second mortgage on the house, both doing a good job of containing and supporting a rather ample 42" waist size.
+
Baja, plus: lower side bolsters make it easier to get in and out, a very big point off road and/or in a CJ5 . Minus, lower side bolsters does not hold you in place as well, biggest problem with the original seats.
Plus: suspension system was original supplied to military vehicles. Minus: injected foam padding with formed vinyl covering. This was pretty much the deal breaker for me. will not last as long and not serviceable only replaceable.
plus, made in the USA.
Nomad, plus: suspension seat with layered foam padding.
both serviceable and replaceable.
Plus: The manufacturer claims that these set an inch lower than the competition. Without them setting side by side I will not swear to this but it is something for consideration.
plus: seat cover is removable and replaceable, UV resistant mesh material breaths well, minus: mesh allows foam to get wet so if you left the jeep /seat uncovered and it rains your but may not be as dry and comfy as you wish it were. Minus: imported. I would have been happy to pay a bit more for made in the US of A over Pacific rim slave labor if the quality and design were there.
so the bottom line(finely IO).
Mastercraft Nomad seats,
I knew going into this that it was not going to be an after noon pull these out and put these in kind of job. New seat pedestals were built and the drivers side fender was notched to give me the room and access I think I needed. both of these mods were done to fit these seats. I tried everything I could to avoid looking back and saying " well , I wish I had done that differently". Of course one day I will more than likely say that very thing, when I see what You did.
P.S. Thanks for wading through this incredibly long winded post. I have been out of commission for about a week and for the most part setting around the house surfing computer or TV so I have a bit of time on my hands.
As always, as it says in my signature "you asked for my opinion".
Well, I am stuck with a busted Jeep! Gotta make time and get the money to fix it. If it is not that, it is something else. Anyway for the OP, I cannot recommend Bestops Trailmaster seats. Seats have been discussed before and a search on this forum could help.
I just put in a pair of Smittybilt standard bucket seats in my 80 CJ5 . The originals were wore out. They do sit higher than the originals, so it is a little more difficult getting in and out. I like the fact that the backs are higher than the original low back seats. My shoulders now fit the seat where before that would be over the top of the original seats. I haven't driven too far as yet, but so far they are fairly comfortable.
You guys are AWESOME! Thanks so much IO for you advice and the pics. I was leaning towards the baja seats after doing my own research but the non removable cover is a deal breaker. My fender wells are already cut down so hopefully it don't be to much of a project. (Famous last words lol).
1980 cj5 258ci straight 6, 31x10.50's. Partial Teamrush iginition upgrade, MC 2150 Carb. 4.0 head swap, factory header. I call him "Eugene".
Dad's jeep when he raced in the 70's. Cj2 running gear, ford 300 cu in 6 cyl with 3 deuces. Fiberglass model T body and hand laid fiberglass hood. welded 5.38 gears and beer keg fuel tank. see avatar
Wife's: Black 04' Liberty with all the bells and whistles.
You guys are AWESOME! Thanks so much IO for you advice and the pics. I was leaning towards the baja seats after doing my own research but the non removable cover is a deal breaker. My fender wells are already cut down so hopefully it don't be to much of a project. (Famous last words lol).
You should again review IO's post a few posts back he has done allot of work in getting seats to fit.........no aftermarket seat is going to fit in there with your under seat fuel tank and properly cut fender wells. A tilt column may also help with leg clearance..........what size are you?
If the frames and the suspension is not bad re-covering those and having the seat guy add some padding is always a good choice........Stock low back CJ seats from 70's vintage CJ's will also work nicely. Just not enough room in the old early CJ's all the aftermarket stuff was made for the 1980's and later Jeeps. Post some pictures of what you have.
If it isn't comfortable and practical at the same time, it's got no place in a Trail/Driver Jeep...
To each there own, but I'm one of those guys that doesn't like high back seats, especially in an old Jeep.
I took my seat to an upholstery shop and for around $100 the guy installed new high density foam, MUCH more 'Sponge' than the old seat ever had,
And put together a cover that is UV, Water resistant and mud won't stain it.
He also made a draw string cover to go over the seat (one for bottom, one for back) that looks like some kind of high thread count/heavy density canvas.
Slip them over, cinch up the draw string and those stray screwdrivers in the back pocket won't punch holes in the seats!
I used a set of 60/40 out of a 2000 ranger just had to grind off the rivets for the ford brackets and they bolted right up to the 80 CJ7 mounts the passenger seat even tilts forward yet, plus the sliders and tilt work great yet
, I wish I had done that differently". Of course one day I will more than likely say that very thing, when I see what You did.
