The Ford Barn

FatFndr · 01-14-2014, 05:19 AM

I have a '39 Ford Coupe with a bench seat. For traveling, my wife wants a head rest and an arm rest. What is the easiest way to add these items? Can I modify the original seat or would it be best just to exchange it for a more modern one with lumbar support? If changing it to a more modern one, what seat will fit? It is approximately 44" wide and I know I wll have to fabricate a new mount.

TJ · 01-14-2014, 01:03 PM

There's several aftermarket seats out there like Wiseguys, Glide Engineering, Teas Design, etc. They tend to be pricey, so if you want to go a less expensive route you need to go to places like Pick-n-Pull or other auto bone yards. Measure the width of your stock seat and then go to the wrecking yard with your tape measure in hand. Look at the bench seats in late model vans or mid sized four door sedans. Many times you can find a seat with excellent upholstery on it(some even in leather). As an example I wanted a better seat for my 41 Ford pickup. Went to Pick-n-Pull and found a seat from a Windstar van that was perfect size and the upholstery looked almost new. Bought the seat for $55. If you find a seat with the seat belts attached be sure to ask the price of the seat belt. Some of these outfits hit you real hard for the seat belts. If you don't need the belts remove them before paying for the seat.

Kahuna · 01-14-2014, 01:04 PM

Arm rest kits are available thru Mac's and many others. Headrest? I don't know.
I'd leave the wife home.

46fatford · 01-14-2014, 08:50 PM

They used to sell add on head rests that just clipped on the back of the seat. JC Whitney may still list them. If not, try Ebay.
Matt

my4dv8 · 01-15-2014, 01:35 PM

These are what you need but probably hard to find now . Perhaps get clever and make some. Cover in fabric that matches the seat.

klawockvet · 01-15-2014, 09:45 PM

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Since I really like the stock 39 and 40 seats I would say the easiest way to add arm rests is to go the factory route. As for the headrests I would get a pillow for her and tell her to cowgirl up. I'm a hot rodder but I dont think the stock seats can be beat for comfort.

01-14-2014, 05:19 AM	#1
FatFndr Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 44	1939 Ford Bench Seat Headrests I have a '39 Ford Coupe with a bench seat. For traveling, my wife wants a head rest and an arm rest. What is the easiest way to add these items? Can I modify the original seat or would it be best just to exchange it for a more modern one with lumbar support? If changing it to a more modern one, what seat will fit? It is approximately 44" wide and I know I wll have to fabricate a new mount.

01-14-2014, 01:03 PM	#2
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,037	Re: 1939 Ford Bench Seat Headrests There's several aftermarket seats out there like Wiseguys, Glide Engineering, Teas Design, etc. They tend to be pricey, so if you want to go a less expensive route you need to go to places like Pick-n-Pull or other auto bone yards. Measure the width of your stock seat and then go to the wrecking yard with your tape measure in hand. Look at the bench seats in late model vans or mid sized four door sedans. Many times you can find a seat with excellent upholstery on it(some even in leather). As an example I wanted a better seat for my 41 Ford pickup. Went to Pick-n-Pull and found a seat from a Windstar van that was perfect size and the upholstery looked almost new. Bought the seat for $55. If you find a seat with the seat belts attached be sure to ask the price of the seat belt. Some of these outfits hit you real hard for the seat belts. If you don't need the belts remove them before paying for the seat.

01-14-2014, 01:04 PM	#3
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: 1939 Ford Bench Seat Headrests Arm rest kits are available thru Mac's and many others. Headrest? I don't know. I'd leave the wife home.

01-14-2014, 08:50 PM	#4
46fatford Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 338	Re: 1939 Ford Bench Seat Headrests They used to sell add on head rests that just clipped on the back of the seat. JC Whitney may still list them. If not, try Ebay. Matt __________________ "..Nothin' outrun my V8 Ford" (Chuck Berry) S.M.I.B.

01-15-2014, 01:35 PM	#5
my4dv8 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,112	Re: 1939 Ford Bench Seat Headrests These are what you need but probably hard to find now . Perhaps get clever and make some. Cover in fabric that matches the seat. Last edited by my4dv8; 04-19-2016 at 07:07 PM.

01-15-2014, 09:45 PM	#6
klawockvet Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Klawock, AK/Kanab, UT Posts: 301	Re: 1939 Ford Bench Seat Headrests Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Since I really like the stock 39 and 40 seats I would say the easiest way to add arm rests is to go the factory route. As for the headrests I would get a pillow for her and tell her to cowgirl up. I'm a hot rodder but I dont think the stock seats can be beat for comfort.