allright i know this is probably a old topic but its something i wanna try

i got a nice bench but would like to try to put in some buckets i have no idea where to start on this little project.

i would like to know what buckets out of later model cars would work and look the most correct(if possible)

and would like to know what parts i would need to get out of the doner

and when i get this little project done ill be getting rid of the bench for a very reasonable price it is in pretty good condition and ill let it go for 10 or 20 bucks

anyway thanks in advanced for all your help and sorry for all the trouble


johnny

Trouble, what trouble? Anyway John, putting in buckets is not a major project, what could be a major project is finding original buckets for your Elky! I think there's a pair on Ebay up for auction now under the "INTERIOR" section. A re-upolstery kit can be purchased for your Elky from a few suppliers to make even the worst set of buckets look like new originals...all you need is the springs and frames. Year One, OPGI and several others should have the kit. If your not familiar with any of these companies, check ECCs links page, or pick-up any copy of SUPER CHEVY magazine, it lists several suppliers also. You can also use non original type buckets from companies like Reccaro. Do a little searching around to find the best set at the best price that you like the appearence of. You can also install seats out of other vehicles...you may find a set cheap at a local boneyard. Keep in mind John, you have a classic car, especially if's an SS, you may want to think about restoring it to as original as possible. If you have a bench seat now, and you do decide to install the buckets, you'll need to fabricate inner and possibly outer brackets to bolt the buckets to. If you find and use original bucket seats you should only have to fabricate inner brackets. Brackets from the donor car may also work, but you'll have to drill out the spot welds to remove them from the donor car. Good excuse to the wife to buy that 16V battery operated drill you've always needed. The brackets will need to be spot welded to the floor...this will require removal of the carpeting, might be a good time to replace that also. And John whatever buckets you decide to use, make sure you get the sliding seat tracks to go along with them...I just did a search on Ebay and there is currently one set (no pic) for a 69 Chevelle, and two sets (with pics) for GTOs, they should work also. They all need recovering.

2 things I'm gonna add. If your going to go with factory style buckets,the ones to look for are from 68-72 used in all the A-bodies(i.e.,Chevelle,Elky,LeMans,GTO,Skylark,and Cutlass). To save yourself the trouble of cutting out the donor brackets or fabricating them,several sources make brackets to convert it like this one from Year One. (http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/part.asp?pid=DL108&c=0&e=0&cat=0&hid=011AD47769)