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Technical Low seats for Chopped A coupe

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by bartmcneill, Mar 6, 2017.

  1. bartmcneill
    Joined: Dec 23, 2009
    Posts: 395

    bartmcneill
    Member
    from Ada, OK

    My search for this didn't work out well. I am building a 30 Ford Model A coupe with a 6 inch chop. I am 6 feet tall and can only have a two to three inch thick seat bottom or my head will hit. What have you guys used from other cars that might work? I don't want bomber seats. Want to upholster it someday.
     

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  2. My buddy has a 30 coupe with a 5 inch chop. He used the old reliable Chrystler mini van middle seat. He and his wife claim it it very comfortable.
     
  3. This may not sound like a good idea. But it works for me. I have two model A s with 6'' chops. and a 34 delivery with a 3'' chop. I'm also 6' tall. So I just use a pillow for comfort. You can upholster your floor, or use a thin flat seat, or what ever looks cool to you. 201.jpg And than just use a comfortable pillow. It's also washable. These are 3''s from the top of the seat to the floor,with good head room. Just say en Ron...
     
    mad mikey and Piedmont like this.
  4. evintho
    Joined: May 28, 2007
    Posts: 2,363

    evintho
    Member

    Never discount Craigslist! Keep your options open and think outside the box. They don't necessarily have to be automotive seats. Here's a couple of prospects in your area..........
    https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/fuo/6024683779.html
    https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/spo/6021859904.html
    https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/for/6009742796.html
    https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/pts/5987096663.html

    I found this in the 'Free' section of CL. It's out of a short bus, is practically brand new, has a 4" thick seat cushion and at 40" wide fits perfectly in my 'T' roadster. Soon to be wrapped in a Mexican blanket. Can't beat the price!

    [​IMG]
     

  5. Never2low
    Joined: Jan 14, 2008
    Posts: 1,160

    Never2low
    Member

    I was going to suggest modifying the stock seat back, to mount lower to the floor, then cutting a 1/2" plywood template for the seat bottom.
    Glue a 1" layer of the firmer upholstery foam, to the ply, then top that with a layer of the thicker softer foam. Sculpt the edges to suit, (electric turkey carvers work great) then wrap in your choice of vinyl/leather.
    Your choice whether or not you want to anchor it to the floor, or use your butt to hold it in place.
     
  6. gnichols
    Joined: Mar 6, 2008
    Posts: 11,345

    gnichols
    Member
    from Tampa, FL

    Research wise, you might want to look at the data from the folks who make racing seats, or from street cars like the Porsche 914 and Fiero to get some info on how much their seat pans and backs were angled - raised in the front of the seat pan to maintain thigh support and tilted further to the rear at the back to maintain lumbar support in the small of the back. This isn't so much of a worry if the seat back is also adjustable, but if the seat is like an old airplane bucket then things could get uncomfortable fast. Try sitting flat on the floor with your back against the wall to see how uncomfortable that would be on your legs and torso while driving. As you scoot your butt forward and lean back at the same time, your knees rise making life in general a lot better and pedal control better. Gary
     
  7. mr.chevrolet
    Joined: Jul 19, 2006
    Posts: 8,860

    mr.chevrolet
    Member

    Suzuki Sidekick rear. sorry I don't have better pics. it sits down pretty low. Thank Chuck Emory for that idea.
     

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  8. sloppy jalopies
    Joined: Jun 29, 2015
    Posts: 5,256

    sloppy jalopies
    Member

    jump seat 1 001.JPG jump seat 1 002.JPG jump seat 1 003.JPG Ford had some "jump seats ? " that sort of folded and rotated from the side panel to become the rear seats...
    about 12" square... chech out other trucks for jump seats...
    ... messed with bronco and mustang seats... 21" wide, '64 to '67 have thinner backs, '68 and newer have an inch more foam on the back and bottom than the early birds...
    the early bird bottom is about 6" tall plus the mounting studs...
    early birds don't lock in the up position, no release knob / lever...
    the sliders are not a direct interchange, all broncos seats were driver's / left side seats...
    no passenger side sliders as they had a hinge and rotated forward...
    drilled and tapped a 1/4"-20 hole and then step drilled an existing hole to weld in a 5/16" -18 nut and used the funky stock phillips screw, and a 1/4"-20 screw... puts the drivers slider's on the passenger side's bronco seat...
     
    Last edited: Mar 7, 2017
  9. hrm2k
    Joined: Oct 2, 2007
    Posts: 4,839

    hrm2k
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    My coupe has an 8 inch chop. I am a little over 6 foot and I fit the car just right. My seats are built on a wooden base with padding and upholstery..............works pretty well

    [​IMG]
     
  10. 51box
    Joined: Aug 31, 2005
    Posts: 1,099

    51box
    Member
    from MA

    This is a rear seat from a mid 90's suburban. I narrowed it around 5"s. It's very comfortable to sit in and the base of the seat in the rear sits on the floor. Cars chopped 5"s and I'm 5'10". I have around 4" between my head and the roof with the cushions on it. Also it will tilt forward if that matters to you. IMG_0448.JPG
     
    popawolf likes this.
  11. Mr T body
    Joined: Nov 2, 2005
    Posts: 2,228

    Mr T body
    Alliance Vendor
    from BHC AZ

  12. scrap metal 48
    Joined: Sep 6, 2009
    Posts: 6,079

    scrap metal 48
    Member

    Here's a 6 1/2' chop with an old bus(??) seat on the floor.. Raised the header and windshield an inch to give better visibility...**clic pic** 100_3566.JPG 100_3577.JPG 100_3573.JPG
     
  13. Hombre
    Joined: Aug 22, 2008
    Posts: 1,075

    Hombre
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    My Model A is chopped a bunch as well. I am 6'3" and did a look of looking for a seat, maybe I should have done the seat looking part first. I tried just about every seat I could find and finally found that C-3 Corvette seats worked perfect.

    IMG_2842 (Small).JPG
     

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    dan c likes this.
  14. dan31
    Joined: Jul 3, 2011
    Posts: 1,097

    dan31
    Member

    I bought a wise guys seat when i started the build on my 31 ,there is basically nothing left of it as i had the cut away trying to get it so i could fit. I would just build a seat . Everything about a model A just comes down to making yourself fit.
     
  15. A Boner
    Joined: Dec 25, 2004
    Posts: 7,419

    A Boner
    Member

    It works best if you get and mount a low seat in the car first, then determine how much to chop the top and still be able to see out the windshield and have adequate head room! Sort of a plan ahead situation.
     
    dan31 and Just Gary like this.
  16. My Model A (avatar) has a 5" chop, had these seats made last year, kicked up 8" at the front of the seat cushion, 2" at the rear, worked out well for me!
    Window.jpg
     
    Jet96 and mad mikey like this.
  17. PRB
    Joined: Sep 15, 2011
    Posts: 147

    PRB
    Member
    from Az

    If you are going to lay the seat on the floor then kick up the front like 1927Graham did for support because you will be in a squat position with your knees high and no contact except your butt cheeks....that gets old if you really drive the thing.
     
    deadbeat likes this.
  18. hotrodbuilder32
    Joined: Apr 14, 2010
    Posts: 45

    hotrodbuilder32
    Member

  19. wheeldog57
    Joined: Dec 6, 2013
    Posts: 3,182

    wheeldog57
    Member

    Yup, Dodge caravan second seat. Third row seat is too wide. Plus some fold flat. I am 6'5" 1488998324077.jpg 1488998364556.jpg
     
    popawolf likes this.
  20. I'm 6'2"... Our 4 " chopped, '31 coupe has mid 60's mustang front seats.....

    The car is blown apart... Sorry, no pictures.
     
  21. rlsteel
    Joined: Apr 10, 2005
    Posts: 513

    rlsteel
    Member

    my 30 pickup is chopped and channeled this is what I had a fellow Hamb member rottenleonard build for it
     

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    Last edited: Mar 8, 2017
  22. Piedmont
    Joined: Aug 28, 2016
    Posts: 47

    Piedmont
    Member

    Dodge caravan 2nd row seat. 42" wide have about a 4" seat bottom. It works in my 27 coupe with 8" out of the roof and i'm 6 foot tall. Dirt cheap from the scrap yard and topped off with a $28 blanket from Amazon 20170307_211211.jpg
     
    Ron Funkhouser and popawolf like this.
  23. wheeler.t
    Joined: Oct 8, 2010
    Posts: 282

    wheeler.t
    Member

    [​IMG]
    Not my car I just upholstered it. this car is chopped 4" and channeled 4" and the seat bottoms are out of 50s MG, and I built the seat back to fit the car. The seats mount on a hinge and fold ahead, as does the backrest.
     
  24. Binger
    Joined: Apr 28, 2008
    Posts: 1,734

    Binger
    Member
    from wyoming

    I have a stock seat riser and seat cushions in my coupe right now. I look right at the top of the windshield right now. I am Planning on rebuilding the seat cushion shorter. I have several old sets of springs and was going to take them apart and replace with shorter ones. This is the best options for me because I am still running the stock riser. I did however move it back 6" and cut down the package tray to fit.


    seat riser.jpg Seat cushion.jpg
     
  25. bartmcneill
    Joined: Dec 23, 2009
    Posts: 395

    bartmcneill
    Member
    from Ada, OK

    Going to have to make a trip to the salvage I guess.
    Just finished up the passenger door. Looks wild next to a stock sedan door.
    Whatever I have to use for a seat I think it will be worth it. I fell in love with the look.
     

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  26. AKGrouch
    Joined: Oct 19, 2014
    Posts: 207

    AKGrouch
    Member

    S10 bench or buckets. I have the buckets in mine. You'll want the short back seats. 20150411_113241.jpg
     
  27. Binger
    Joined: Apr 28, 2008
    Posts: 1,734

    Binger
    Member
    from wyoming

    You can't argue with a nice chopped look. I don't like tall backed modern looking buckets. Kind of spoils the traditional look. IMO


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  28. HOLLYWOOD GRAHAM
    Joined: Apr 11, 2007
    Posts: 1,437

    HOLLYWOOD GRAHAM
    Member
    from Ojai,Ca

    My 28 Tudor was chopped 5", it had Camaro buckets in it. I am 5-10 and it worked good for me until I got older and it was hard getting in and out.
     
  29. The Dodge Caravan middle seat fits width wise just about perfect. Just cut off the legs and make your own mounts. The back height is good too.
    I paid $15 for mine and it was in great shape.
     

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