Jack had some good suggestions Jeff. I'm in the same situation, and I plan to
use trial and error by building up some temporary supports out of 2x4's and
plywood to hold the seats until I get to what seems a comfortable position (head
and leg room etc.). Then you can experiment with what looks and feels good with
the steering column. I pulled a tilt column out of a 70's Camaro, but don't
plan to locate it in reference to the dash until I sort out the seat height.
What will you be using for seats, and do you have them yet? I got a couple of
buckets salvaged from a Toyota at a flea market for real cheap ($25 for the
pair). I still have the original seat riser in the truck and I plan to use some
angle iron to build a platform into that to act as a base for the seats. I will
have to add to it for the height, but then I can wrap the base with sheet metal
and then carpet over it. I might even build some sort of center console as
well, unless I can find something in the junkyard that looks good. Most of this
will be a bit later however as I still have to get the replacement floor panels
welded in.
BTW, if there is anyone local on the list that is interested in an original
bench seat (from my '53 3100), I'd part with the cushion, back, and metal frame
for $50. Pickup in central Mass. only. I don't really want to get involved in
shipping this however.
Wally / Templeton, MA
53 3100
> Maybe someone out there can help me. I pulled the seats (buckets) and
> carpeting out of the AD today and under the carpeting was about three large
> chucks of sheet metal. Obviously not original so I removed all of it and put
> it in the round file. Also the PO must have taken the phrase "Floor Board"
> literal. Seems he screwed a few pieces of 1x4 to the floor.
> The only thing I can figure is that after removing the original bench
> and the bracing that went under it he must have figured that he needed a
> stiffiner.
> Anyway, now that you know the problem here is the type of info. I need
> for a solution; When I install a newer split bench, how far will I need to
> raise the seat to make it set at the proper height for driving, and at the
> same time reinforce the floor board? Ideas? Materials?
> Also I plan on putting in a tilt wheel and installing a column drop.
> How far should I drop the steering column? I'v seen these for sale in
> different lenghts like 2",3" etc. Figure this will coincide with
> raising/bracing the seat so if anyone has a combination that's real comfy
> I'd sure appreciate hearing about it .
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