convert bench to buckets

[kpig]

I used to have Corbeau bucket seats in my Tundra to replace the split bench. I am now replacing the Corbeaus with the bench converted to buckets.

Here's how:
1. Remove only the passenger side of the bench.
2. Unbolt the passenger side bottom cushion of the bench.
3. Cut the brackets that hold the center passenger portion of the bench from the passenger side frame, but do not cut the rivets.
4. Order a new bottom bucket cushion, driver or passenger side. Both look the same and have the same bolt patterns, but the driver side should be cheaper b/c it doesn't have the passenger sensors under the seat.
5. Bolt the new cushion onto the modified frame, and you're done.
pm me for questions,
kpig

[HockeyFreak]

Also, someone is selling their bucket seats and center console on ebaymotors.com

[dyogim]

What about the inside arm-rest? What did you do with the Corbeau seats? Are you selling those?

I'm looking for some buckets seats and this idea sounds great. However, the arm rest is my only concern. I've placed a bid on the ebay auction. Although my interior is oak, Wet Okole seat covers should hide the grey cloth. I'm hoping no one bids on them. These should ease some discomfort from the bench seats.

Thanks for the mod idea. If the bid gets outbid, I may consider your bench to bucket mod.

Mike

Originally posted by kpig
I used to have Corbeau bucket seats in my Tundra to replace the split bench. I am now replacing the Corbeaus with the bench converted to buckets.

Here's how:
1. Remove only the passenger side of the bench.
2. Unbolt the passenger side bottom cushion of the bench.
3. Cut the brackets that hold the center passenger portion of the bench from the passenger side frame, but do not cut the rivets.
4. Order a new bottom bucket cushion, driver or passenger side. Both look the same and have the same bolt patterns, but the driver side should be cheaper b/c it doesn't have the passenger sensors under the seat.
5. Bolt the new cushion onto the modified frame, and you're done.
pm me for questions,
kpig

[kpig]

On the Corbeaus and on the newly converted seats, there is no attached armrest. A local shop built a riser for the center console in order to use the console as an armrest. The JL Stealthbox works to do the same. As soon as the cushion arrives, I will be selling both Corbeau GTS's.

[dyogim]

How much will you be selling the Corbeaus for?

[tweeky]

I've actualy done the conversion you're talking about.
The new cushion and upholstery is still over $500.00 from Toyota.
I was crushed!

I asked a local trim shop how much it would cost to recover some buckets if I found some in a junk yard that were a different color.
He looked curious and asked what I was thinking about and I told him my desires to have a bucket seat set-up instead of the bench. He said, "Ah hell, I can cut down the bench for you and make it into a bucket, no problem. I do it all the time with fords and Chevy's"

Bottom line is he cut the bracket, cut and reshaped the foam cushion, and re-used the leftover upholstery to finish the job.
$150.00

I don't have the armrests but the JL stealthbox raises the center console to perfect armrest height!

NOTE: After buying the Stealthbox I had a great idea about re-using the bench seat flip-down console. See my post about 3 weeks ago in the Audio/Video section. A skilled box-builder could re-use the top section of the flip-down and build a stealthbox underneath it easily. Based on the measurements I made it appears a pair of 10's or a 12 is possible while keeping a somewhat "Factory Look"
It would cost a mere fraction of the stealthbox too!

I'm dying for someone to try this!!!
Don't force me to be the 1st!!!

[kpig]

I just got the cushion. Tweeky is right on when quoting price. Not cheap. Oh well. Looks good though.

I will be posting a sale for the Corbeau buckets soon. I'm not sure how much I'll be asking, but probably close to $600 for the pair with the mounting brackets. Keep an eye out.

kpig

[Henk]

Tweeky- how'd you black out the grille? I've got a white LTD like yours- too much chrome. I like...

[tweeky]

I was too scared to paint it, too permanent.
I bought a strip of "black-out tape" from Autozone.
It comes in a 2" wide strips and is very similar to auto decal tape.
I very carefully applied 2 strips to each bar and trimed the edges with a razor knife. I wanted to try it for a few months to see if I liked it better this way. I plan on painting it now that I'm absolutely certain I prefer it this way. Its just I really don't need to. The tape job still looks great. It hasn't faded or scratched yet.

TIP: Do it on a hot day. The tape is flexible enough to apply without wrinkles and air bubbles if you take your time. I used a credit card to smooth out the air bubbles as I laid it down.

Another member bought the cheaper all black grill from toyota. He put it on a black Tundra and I was surprised how good it looked.

[Henk]

gracias Tweeky- I may just have to do that. Thanks!