Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: DirtyDeb69 on February 12, 2012, 02:22:22 PM

Title: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 12, 2012, 02:22:22 PM
Hi all  :ace:
New to this..... just purchased a beautiful CJ5, but due to being rather plump am finding the squeeze between seat and steering wheel a little tight  :jpshakehead: Also very little leg room.
Doubt I'm gonna loose weight any time soon, and my legs are unlikely to get any shorter....... any advice on replacing/moving seats back seats please? Currently fitted with original 60/40 low back seats. Would like to install high back with seat belt harness, passenger and driver, positioned further back than currently situated. Is this possible?
Any help would be much appreciated, Thanks!
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Tank on February 12, 2012, 02:42:02 PM
Anything is possible,depends how good your tinkering knowledge is.I had a CJ7 and some scrote stole the Cobra seats so i fitted a pair of Metro seats.Have also fitted Vectra seats in a Daihatsu F50 for the very same reason.Depends really if you want to keep rear seats or just have it as a 2 seater.Most seats bases will bolt through,just a case of making new holes to line up
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Nosebolt on February 12, 2012, 02:49:43 PM
some would consider me a touch portly and I had the same problem with my CJ, my solution was to make a new subframe to accommodate some recaros, as a knock on I had to move the cage back 7" and did the rear seat as well to give some decent rear legroom.

it now has a single subframe that holds both seats and a centre console
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Dutch on February 12, 2012, 03:21:09 PM
some would consider me a touch portly....

From what I've heard that would be the understatement of the year..... :hysterical:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Panic mechanic! on February 12, 2012, 03:48:27 PM
he is only a touch portly..... well bristol docks are a port aren't they?
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Nosebolt on February 12, 2012, 03:58:14 PM
moving swiftly away from the fat jokes (but a phrase including the words 'black' 'kettle' 'calling' comes to mind) :098:

heres a few photos to give you an idea, will say that making your own subframes gives you the option of setting the seat hight as well

[attachment=1]

[attachment=2]

[attachment=3]
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Panic mechanic! on February 12, 2012, 04:04:33 PM
i think in all honesty none of us are slimmers of the year and thats what makes birties a bit more fun than a lot of places, I hear landrover defender drivers are using smart car seats to solve tight seating in them
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Tank on February 12, 2012, 04:18:44 PM
Better watch your seats then mate,i might have to pop around and have a look see..... :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Panic mechanic! on February 12, 2012, 05:04:51 PM
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smart-Car-FourTwo-Seats-fit-LandRover-Defender-/160726155413?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item256c068095#ht_500wt_1203 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smart-Car-FourTwo-Seats-fit-LandRover-Defender-/160726155413?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item256c068095#ht_500wt_1203)
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 12, 2012, 05:34:47 PM
Thank you, this is a friendly place! Looking at Corbeau seats with mini mounting set on ebay.....with a bit of tinkering maybe they will work??? Have been doing some research and several people suggest cutting and modifying the wheel arch to allow for more room  :017: 
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Panic mechanic! on February 12, 2012, 05:40:31 PM
be careful about bucket seats as the sides restrict you actually getting in and can cause more problems than they solve.
Sadly you are closer to BullDog67 than to anyone with any skills able to help you. modifying the arch inners is possible, not seen the room in a 5 close up so not sure how much you can gain.
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: isle of man on February 12, 2012, 05:47:11 PM
Could come in handy...

(https://birtydastards.com/frm/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sm-engineering.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fseat_mounts.jpg&hash=0aeeaaa9c86d5e11eccd40cf9c07434e6ce3dd23)  (http://www.sm-engineering.co.uk/alloy_seat_brackets.php)


Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: willo on February 12, 2012, 05:59:10 PM
If I don't loose my job tomorrow :jpshakehead:.............my Seats will be coming out of my TJ shortly :003:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 12, 2012, 06:01:00 PM
This is what I was thinking................Can get hold of seat brackets as shown

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/pair-corbeau-gt-reclining-bucket-seats-classic-mini-subframes-/160730056876?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item256c4208ac (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/pair-corbeau-gt-reclining-bucket-seats-classic-mini-subframes-/160730056876?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item256c4208ac)

Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Panic mechanic! on February 12, 2012, 06:17:46 PM
think they may hinder you more than help to be honest.
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Bubba on February 12, 2012, 06:30:47 PM
i dont want to piss on the fire but sadly i strongly feel that you will not get enough room as this a cj5 not a 7 so the seats are already very close to the rear wheel box best you can hope is to get a couple of inches back and go up at the same time but if it still has its factory large steering wheel you may get some belly wheel clash normally the best route is to cut and notch the wheel box to allow the seat to go back

i hope you can get sorted and may be interested in the old seats when removed
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 12, 2012, 06:37:12 PM
hmmmmmmm maybe the answer is to try to move the original seat back........ think the jeep was designed for a midget. Also considering smaller steering wheel.... maybe shortening the steering column, but think this may play havoc with manouravability as the optional power steering was not chosen  :steeringwheel: :steeringwheel:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Bubba on February 12, 2012, 06:43:14 PM
if you could post up some pics of the space between the seat and the rear arch that would be ever so helpful and of the jeep as a whole as it looks such a nice jeep especially as its a cj5 and we loooovvvve old iron on birtys and would love to help if we can
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Panic mechanic! on February 12, 2012, 06:44:46 PM
think we do have the most cj's owned by a club in the UK
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Dutch on February 12, 2012, 07:21:10 PM
 :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: IrishCJ6 on February 12, 2012, 07:27:20 PM
Yes the Jeeps were made for skinny/shorter folk, the CJ5 seating is very cramped to say the least and is made even worse with the "S" shaped doors. The idea was you actually sitted up and over the wheel like a bus/truck cause of the lack of powersteering in the older days, this gave more control and pressure that could be applied to the wheel. Only real option is to move the seat back by cutting a notch out of the wheel arches to accommodate the shift rearward, just be careful on how much you cut cause you could end up fouling the wheel travel upon compression. Another option would be to install a different steering wheel, smaller and maybe a "D" shapped one for better access in and out. I know my father struggled in his and ended up using a Honda seat  :jpshakehead: with a bit of recline to it. As for buckets, I too would steer clear as per previous posts, they will hinder you getting in and out.
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 12, 2012, 08:24:59 PM
Thank you all for your help  :icon_biggrin: Will measure up when I get a chance (jeep in storage at the mo). Just as soon as I figure out how, will post some more pics!
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: jeepcj on February 14, 2012, 09:00:09 AM
Notched wheel arch on my CJ5. This has moved the seat back a few inches. This will be a bit different to yours as this is an early 5, but you get the general idea. Wheel arch still clears 32'' swampers
[attachment=1]
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 14, 2012, 10:03:37 AM
Thanks! Thought that would be the way to go, alternative being to shorten my legs!
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 14, 2012, 10:07:02 AM
Have added some pics to my gallery, not sure if anyone can view them?? Tried to add them here but won't let me........am not a computer geek  :jpshakehead:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Nosebolt on February 14, 2012, 10:32:11 AM
this may help

How to upload pictures on SMF (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a7_GPtZniQ#ws)
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 14, 2012, 10:43:06 AM
Tried, thanks...........this is what happened

jeep1.jpeg.
You cannot upload that type of file. The only allowed extensions are doc,gif,jpg,mpg,pdf,png,txt,zip.

I can't figure out how to save my pics in a different format. I did manage to put the on my gallery though.
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Panic mechanic! on February 14, 2012, 12:27:48 PM
Thanks! Thought that would be the way to go, alternative being to shorten my legs!


have you tried taking your stiletto's off?  ( sorry had to be done,lol,essex girl,)
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: IrishCJ6 on February 14, 2012, 12:45:00 PM
Open up a photobucket account (its free) it will allow you to upload your images from your desktop then will give you a link to that picture that can be posted on here.
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 14, 2012, 05:12:09 PM
Damn my white stilettos lol, and I'm gonna chip my nail varnish off roading  :icon_biggrin:
Will take a look at photobucket, thanks!
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 14, 2012, 05:18:28 PM
Link to pics of CJ5 (hopefully)

http://s1053.photobucket.com/albums/s479/Debg8741/ (http://s1053.photobucket.com/albums/s479/Debg8741/)
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Panic mechanic! on February 14, 2012, 07:08:10 PM
looks nice , think Bd will be after your front seat.
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: cj6jeep on February 14, 2012, 08:45:15 PM
hello on a plus note if u do change the seats in the front and they r complete i would buy them looking for a set for my jeep has your cj got the tool box under drivers seat  if sow its like mine  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Bubba on February 14, 2012, 08:49:41 PM
i dont want to piss on the fire but sadly i strongly feel that you will not get enough room as this a cj5 not a 7 so the seats are already very close to the rear wheel box best you can hope is to get a couple of inches back and go up at the same time but if it still has its factory large steering wheel you may get some belly wheel clash normally the best route is to cut and notch the wheel box to allow the seat to go back

i hope you can get sorted and may be interested in the old seats when removed


ahem gents to the back of the line note the last line of my old post  :icon_winkle:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 14, 2012, 09:05:20 PM
Oooo this is great having a queue  :icon_biggrin: Will let you all know (in order cos we're British) if I do manage to change the seats and decide to sell the originals!
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Bubba on February 14, 2012, 09:06:53 PM
and in the meant time we will do our best to help ............................ nice pics of a nice jeep
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 14, 2012, 09:09:37 PM
........ and yes, the tool box is under the drivers seat, and I appreciate by replacing seats is likely to mean I won't be able to get to it. I have got a mint condition WW2 ammo box which will store the jack and wheel brace just fine.
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Bubba on February 14, 2012, 09:11:24 PM
do you have plans for the jeep apart from enjoying it
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Bulldog67 on February 14, 2012, 09:20:15 PM
Oooo this is great having a queue  :icon_biggrin: Will let you all know (in order cos we're British) if I do manage to change the seats and decide to sell the originals!

you will note that Panic got me in as 2nd  :greggmo:

which is technically first coz Bubba will be without fluff anyway comin sellin time :003:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 14, 2012, 09:39:25 PM
Plans...................showing off and a spot of green laning, just as soon as I can get into the damn thing  :icon_biggrin: (Notes taken on seat interest order)
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Bubba on February 14, 2012, 10:27:53 PM
you cheeky bastard malibu ....................... but sadly possibly correct
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Bulldog67 on February 14, 2012, 10:44:56 PM
 :hysterical: i couldnt resist dood, sorry
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Panic mechanic! on February 15, 2012, 12:00:35 AM
In that case  as I am in second  position legally....... I see a ebay auction coming up......for argument sak the initial's Bd  stood for Big Dork a close friend of mine lol
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 15, 2012, 04:09:36 PM
Found these..........

http://www.quadratec.com/products/24223_3XX0_PG.htm (http://www.quadratec.com/products/24223_3XX0_PG.htm)

http://www.quadratec.com/products/24222_00XP_PG.htm (http://www.quadratec.com/products/24222_00XP_PG.htm)

Would they be any good? Don't mind spending a bit cos jeep was cheap  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: wildwood on February 15, 2012, 05:53:42 PM
Corbeaus look like they would fit the 5 better but beware the shipping cost :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Nosebolt on February 15, 2012, 06:18:45 PM
the Baja's are nice but you will have clearance issues with the wide tops, the MOAB's will fit better, dont forget postage on seats will COST, maybe worth a look over here first DT has a good range (http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/seats) but once you find something you probably will find them cheaper at a proper speed shop
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Bulldog67 on February 15, 2012, 07:01:55 PM
or just fleabay and get something from something that someone is breaking
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: wildwood on February 15, 2012, 07:24:17 PM
I do have to agree with the tech guru BD :hysterical:

Shop around for ex sports car seats.......mate up t'north got some Jag buckets ...don't know which model..black leather and still with motors should you want great fit to the bod and 120 the pair. Another bod had Audi TT seats.......
and then there's all the leather recarros from smacked 911s and golf and stuff........ better than the import/shipping costs. :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: chrisjones on February 15, 2012, 07:31:36 PM
MGB seats would look cool in a 5 too and I bet you can get them reasonably easy on the Bay an such.
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Bulldog67 on February 15, 2012, 07:33:19 PM
I do have to agree with the tech guru BD :hysterical:


can we check the reference for me from Wildwood please  :icon_super:


celica seats will be dirt cheap and do the job
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Nosebolt on February 15, 2012, 07:36:25 PM
in tonka we have ebay ford fiesta xr2 recaros that were recovered, yella has some new corbeau clubmans that we got cheap cos they had lost the headrest.

so well worth shopping around the guys say
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: isle of man on February 15, 2012, 07:38:17 PM
smart car seats are a good option...
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 15, 2012, 09:43:07 PM
Thanks guys! Had a response from over the water, and wow!! The shipping costs are HUGE  :jpshakehead: The search will continue, and I will look at all your suggestions.
The sooner I get new seats, the sooner I can  :steeringwheel:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 17, 2012, 01:26:00 PM
Ok, after much deliberation, and research following your suggestions, I've found these..........

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACK-RECLINING-BUCKET-CAR-SEATS-RACING-HARNESSES-/300663997053 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACK-RECLINING-BUCKET-CAR-SEATS-RACING-HARNESSES-/300663997053)

The side bits don't look too huge so perhaps won't impact too much on getting in and out of jeep. Have looked at loads of pics of 1973 CJ5's and found that some have replaced with similar seats.

Anyone got a CJ5 of similar age? What have you done?

Thanks!!
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Dutch on February 17, 2012, 01:34:36 PM
Fook those look nice  :icon_super:

Wanna swap with two re-upholstered original high back CJ7 seats  :icon_winkle:
At least they haven't got those side sticky out bits

Mine are still at upholsterers but below pic gives you an idea

[attachment=1]
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 17, 2012, 01:39:57 PM
Did consider similar high back seats, but was thinking racing type seats would be easier for seat belt issues?
Don't think the original belts in the jeep will go round OH, and not really sure what to replace them with.....figured seats with inbuilt harness would be a solution!
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Bulldog67 on February 17, 2012, 01:43:28 PM
not bad price either DD69, if i wasnt bench obsessed I would be interested in them myself
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Nosebolt on February 17, 2012, 02:28:04 PM
those belts will need fitting to the car, they are not secured to the seats, and i still recon you will have issues with width and depth, really worth trying to source some  original seats if you can get them
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Panic mechanic! on February 17, 2012, 02:37:11 PM
 :iagree: you really need a fairly flat sided seat for any cj, bucket seats  become a real hinderance when you have to keep getting in and out to help bulldog etc cos he has blocked your way.
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: willo on February 17, 2012, 02:47:07 PM
So a pair of tj seats would fit lovely
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Panic mechanic! on February 17, 2012, 02:51:24 PM
they probably would yes
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: chrisjones on February 17, 2012, 02:57:36 PM
Dogface has rather nice leather seats out of a Saab. Can't see the 3B has move room inside than a CJ5?
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Nosebolt on February 17, 2012, 04:25:22 PM
the width is only an issue at the top where it can interfere with the roll bar, the problem at the bottom is the depth of the seat, more importantly the thickness of the back rest, this is due the the wheel wells intruding into the cab
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 17, 2012, 09:00:17 PM
Maybe these will be better?.............no edges!

http://www.bestop.com/bestop-product/?p=jeep-seats-trailmax-ii (http://www.bestop.com/bestop-product/?p=jeep-seats-trailmax-ii)

Plan to notch out the wheel arches to give more room between belly and steering wheel.
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Nosebolt on February 17, 2012, 10:32:26 PM
Maybe these will be better?.............no edges!

http://www.bestop.com/bestop-product/?p=jeep-seats-trailmax-ii (http://www.bestop.com/bestop-product/?p=jeep-seats-trailmax-ii)

Plan to notch out the wheel arches to give more room between belly and steering wheel.

they would work, they are basically copies of the original seats
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Panic mechanic! on February 17, 2012, 10:33:29 PM
I guess expensive copies an all!
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Lornaben on February 18, 2012, 01:17:23 AM
Ok, after much deliberation, and research following your suggestions, I've found these..........

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACK-RECLINING-BUCKET-CAR-SEATS-RACING-HARNESSES-/300663997053 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACK-RECLINING-BUCKET-CAR-SEATS-RACING-HARNESSES-/300663997053)

The side bits don't look too huge so perhaps won't impact too much on getting in and out of jeep. Have looked at loads of pics of 1973 CJ5's and found that some have replaced with similar seats.

Anyone got a CJ5 of similar age? What have you done?

Thanks!!


I have them very same seats in my Mindy. If they fit in mine then they will fit in yours  :003:
[attachment=1]
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Dutch on February 18, 2012, 10:21:58 AM

I have them very same seats in my Mindy. If they fit in mine then they will fit in yours  :003:


Shhhhhhh.......don't tell him  :003:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: DirtyDeb69 on February 18, 2012, 11:09:30 AM
Thanks! Seats look great! Plans are to cut wheel arches to install seats, possibly put a smaller/tilt/removable steering wheel in and eventually a lift kit and big wheels. Original is lovely but not practical :icon_winkle:
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: Nosebolt on February 18, 2012, 01:30:39 PM

I have them very same seats in my Mindy. If they fit in mine then they will fit in yours  :003:
[attachment=1]


the difference is in the cage and its position, still think it will be tight
Title: Re: CJ5 seat replacement
Post by: wildwood on February 19, 2012, 10:20:27 AM
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MGB-Car-Seats-/120859290164?_trksid=p4340.m1374&_trkparms=algo%3DPI.WATCH%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6436154015643649943 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MGB-Car-Seats-/120859290164?_trksid=p4340.m1374&_trkparms=algo%3DPI.WATCH%26its%3DC%252BS%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D5%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6436154015643649943)

Someone mentioned MGB seats................. back aint much use but fronts are OK