Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

In this Discussion

Stepdown seating modifications
  • bobdriveshudsonbobdriveshudson
    Posts: 582Platinum Member
    Stepdown seating modifications for tall riders



    Has anyone considered removing the bottom front seat of a stepdown to enable a tall driver to sit more comfortably, or is the situation more complex with lowering the hips and knees causing back strain and other health problems?? I was thinking about building a molded foam cushion or getting one out of a more modern vehicle with excellent padding. Would like more back cushion adjustment(lumbar support). This is beginning to sound more like removing the original seat and installing a newer, modern adjustable seat. Oh well, anyone got a good idea to help taller drivers and riders. Thanks, Bob (My walking buddy is 6'10")
  • RL ChiltonRL Chilton
    Posts: 3,458Platinum Member
    Tall Paul is a stepdown driver (daily). He's 6'-10", as well. On top of that height, he regularly wears a hat that's about 10" tall. If I remember right, he removed the seat track and permanently mounted the seat itself to the floorboard, along with moving it WAYYY back. That won't do diddly for lumbar support, though. If you want a seat with modern technology, easiest fix is a modern replacement.
  • ralpie
    Posts: 1,066Platinum Member
    bobdriveshudson wrote:
    Stepdown seating modifications for tall riders

    Has anyone considered removing the bottom front seat of a stepdown to enable a tall driver to sit more comfortably, or is the situation more complex with lowering the hips and knees causing back strain and other health problems?? I was thinking about building a molded foam cushion or getting one out of a more modern vehicle with excellent padding. Would like more back cushion adjustment(lumbar support). This is beginning to sound more like removing the original seat and installing a newer, modern adjustable seat. Oh well, anyone got a good idea to help taller drivers and riders. Thanks, Bob (My walking buddy is 6'10")

    I have modified the seat tracks for my car with an extended travel option. To move the seat farther back I removed the seat and after taking appropriate measurements created a new seat track mount that allowed me to move the seat back an additional 4 inches. The seat track is mounted to this new mount and the seat adjuster works as stock.

    On your issue of back support... I have had the seats in several Tahoes and Suburbans apart to repair seat foam or replace coverings. The adjusting mechanisms from these seats would be candidates for modifiing Hudson OEM seats to obtain modern adjustments.

    GOOD LUCK what ever you decide. :D

  • HotrodHR
    Posts: 201Gold Member
    Bob:



    The quick fix would be to unbolt the seat and move back several inches and remount for more leg room. Depending on how the mount is designed you may be able to cut down the brackets to add some headroom. You can pick up one of many types of lumbar supports that are available all over the place...



    http://www.drivingcomfort.com/index.cfm/fa/s/keywords/lumbar/sc/33182



    For all the modern bells and whistles you'll have to swap in a donor seat or have your seat redone by a pro (or try it yourself)...



    Good luck



    Craig
  • Hudson308Hudson308
    Posts: 1,405Platinum Member
    Bobby; I assume you've already moved the seat back an inch or two by bolting the tracks into the rear-most holes in the floor. Many folks might not know there are two positions that the front seat can be mounted in a stepdown. I realize this isn't much of a change, but every little bit may help...
    Workin Stiff
  • bobdriveshudsonbobdriveshudson
    Posts: 582Platinum Member
    I was hoping someone may have just replaced the bottom cushion with some plywood and style cut some stiff foam to create a lower and comfortable seat. May not work well if the vertical back isnt low enough. Well, anybody tried something else? Need vertical and horizontal room, I read the posts and understand about moving the seat base back, anything else to consider. Thanks for commenting, I'm reading them. Bob
  • PAULARGETYPEPAULARGETYPE
    Posts: 1,257Platinum Member
    HI I MOVED THE SEAT SLIDES BACK 6"" IN MY 50 PACEMAKER CV TO GET MY ROTUND BODY BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL IT WAS EASY TO DO THERE IS NO LEG ROOM IN THE BACK SEAT BUT I CAN DRIVE THE CAR VERY COMFORTABLY AND IT WAS EASY



    http://hudsonpix.multiply.com/photos/album/1/50_Hudson_P.CV_restoBABY