Technical Model A seats

ok, I know there have been other threads on this but since my HAMB app crapped out on me, I can’t find the thread. I found a 2014 Caravan middle seat. Seller measured for me, 40” wide on the bottom cushion widest part. Is this the one that will fit. I seem to remember that was the magic number. It folds down too. Can anyone confirm this for me ?
Thanks guys

 

I believe you're looking for 3rd gen Dodge Caravan middle seat. Folds forward.

 

Dino, that's what I have. If you mount it low you will have to remove the plastic end covers and flatten the seat back adjusting handle because of the body taper.

 

Thanks, going to look at it tomorrow, only a 3” chop on mine so I don’t think I’ll have to mount it too low.

 

@catdad49, is it 40” across ??

 

I have the 3rd seat from a caravan and had to take 6 inches out of the middle of it to get it to fit my A roadster. That is with all the stock trim and handles in place I think the one to use is the middle one. . Just put it in this afternoon! Here is a pic.

 

Looks great !! How wide is it ?

 

Dino, the seat is 40", but the covers on the sides increase it to approx. 42". The position front and back and up and down will have an effect on whether or not you can use the seat without alteration. There are a lot of variables that will determine the optimal seat postion and If it is non adjustable the problem is compounded.

 

Thanks, that’s my concern. I bought one about a year ago and it seemed too big so I’m in the fence about it, Thanks

 

If you're really doubtful about it, narrow it 2". At that width there should be no problem where it's mounted. I would like to lower mine about an 1 1/2", but it may not work because of the body taper. It is really comfortable so I may think on it for quite a while!

 

Thanks, did you chop your coupe, one of the variables. I figure with a 4” chop, it would be in the floor, mine is chopped 3” so I should measure the body height at one inch up.I have no idea how to narrow the seat,

 

Dino, no chop. I have plenty of head room, but I would like to sit a little lower (we'll see). Do you have a welder?

 

Yup, just spent some time measuring. With the 3” chop I’m sitting about 6 1/2”above the floor. Can you take the “legs” off ? I bet the cushion itself is about 6” high in front. Seems like it will be really close. I put the doors on and measured across at the approx height of the cushion and got about 42” maybe a little less.
Still on the fence,

 

Yes I have a welder

 

I don't recall the length of it but do know I got it from the 3rd row in the caravan. I can measure it if that is important? I cut the middle of it. Three inches either side of the center of the seat. Then I used the stock cover as a pattern for the tuck and roll I did. I also used the stock seat brackets and cut and welded them to a 1 x 1 inch tube frame I made which bolts to the floor of the car. It's finally all coming together. The only thing left is to carpet the firewall area.

 

Thanks it came out really nice

 

Hey, Gordon! The rear seat is 46", ask me how I know. Dino, follow Gordon's advice, but remove 2" inches instead of his 6". Remove the seat covers (go slow so you don't tear up the foam) and remove the 2" as you did with the seat frame. Then on to upholstery! The seat for my Coupe was my wife's first, I think it turned out Great and it sure is comfy.

 

So I’ll have to reupholster it ? I assume the foam will be cut as well to make up for the 2” ?
Thanks, plan on looking at it later today

 

Yes on the upholstery. I think you use the same procedure with the original covers, but I'm not a seamstress.

 

Thanks, appreciate it

 

Yes just take the same amount out of the foam as you do from the seat and then glue it back together. Same thing with the cover. Catdad49 your seat came out great for a first time effort!

 

Thanks, Gordon. My wife does Great work, probably even better without My help!

 

Thanks guy appreciate the help

 

I did the shifter for my Ford T-5 in my '58 F-100 just about the same. Under the seat and all.

 

Tim, if my legs were just a little bit longer, I could move the seat and use a regular shift handle! As it is it works fine, how about some more pics of your truck?

 

I have. T-5 but with a tail shaft that pushes the shifter forward, almost to a stock position

 

That exhaust system isn't going to rattle or move around at all!

 

Catdad49 you could always put some wooden blocks on the pedals!

 

I guess I over did it
I went overboard on the brake and fuel lines too

 

Depends on how much effort you want to put into it. I stripped my Caravan 2nd seat down to bare frame, cut off all the mounting brackets, made my own with 1/4" strap and a universal seat mount from Jegs. A lot of time was spent getting it as low as possible and at the right seating angle so it's comfortable (more than a lot of modern cars!). The dreaded non-traditional slide out cup holder is still functional and comes in real handy. My seat back doesn't fold forward unfortunately.