35/36 Pickup Seat Base

[OldGold360]

Is there a factory Ford blueprint for the plywood seat base for 1935 or 1936 pickups? Don Rogers might be the guy that would have one. I’m planning to make a handful of these plywood seat bases using a CNC router but I only have pictures to go off of for dimensions. I do have original seat springs but if I make some, I want to make them correct. I did find a CAD drawing someone drew on a later year base but some things seem a bit of or dimensions missing and I would like to find a copy of the Ford blueprint if it exists. I have the floorboard blueprint, and plan to make a handful of these as well, but just a little stuck not being able to find more info or an actual plywood seat base that I can use for specs.

I have six sheets of nice 5/8” plywood and plan to do a run of the floorboards and the seat bases, complete with the metal adjustment plates and turn buttons, if anyone is interested. I’ve attached pictures of what I have so far. The floorboard is finalized, but still uncertain on the seat base.

Thanks!

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by OldGold360

Is there a factory Ford blueprint for the plywood seat base for 1935 or 1936 pickups? Don Rogers might be the guy that would have one. I’m planning to make a handful of these plywood seat bases using a CNC router but I only have pictures to go off of for dimensions. I do have original seat springs but if I make some, I want to make them correct. I did find a CAD drawing someone drew on a later year base but some things seem a bit of or dimensions missing and I would like to find a copy of the Ford blueprint if it exists. I have the floorboard blueprint, and plan to make a handful of these as well, but just a little stuck not being able to find more info or an actual plywood seat base that I can use for specs.

I have six sheets of nice 5/8” plywood and plan to do a run of the floorboards and the seat bases, complete with the metal adjustment plates and turn buttons, if anyone is interested. I’ve attached pictures of what I have so far. The floorboard is finalized, but still uncertain on the seat base.

Thanks!

[Heard]

PM sent.

Heard

[OldGold360]

I am still looking for a factory blueprint for the seat base. Has anybody seen a copy of this?

[KiWinUS]

Probably doesn’t help but I have an original seat that I believe base is in good shape. Original to my 36 pickup.

[OldGold360]

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Originally Posted by KiWinUS

Probably doesn’t help but I have an original seat that I believe base is in good shape. Original to my 36 pickup.

It might, but I’d still like to find a copy of the original Ford blueprints if they exist. Is your seat base on an upholstered seat or separate?

[Model51]

Floorboard No. 2 is Ford Part No. 50-810330. Here's the Ford Engineering drawing from late 1934 and a revised drawing from June 1935. I haven't studied them closely enough to understand the changes but these should give you a good starting point.

The seat base is Part No. 50-815360. I only have the Model 51 drawing which is different because of required clearance for the gas cap on the passenger side which is located inside the cab. Best thing to do is contact Michael at Third Gen. He has restored a 1935 and 1936 pickup and can probably sell you a seat bottom already done. He may also have the floorboard.

Dave

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Model51

Floorboard No. 2 is Ford Part No. 50-810330. Here's the Ford Engineering drawing from late 1934 and a revised drawing from June 1935. I haven't studied them closely enough to understand the changes but these should give you a good starting point.

The seat base is Part No. 50-815360. I only have the Model 51 drawing which is different because of required clearance for the gas cap on the passenger side which is located inside the cab. Best thing to do is contact Michael at Third Gen. He has restored a 1935 and 1936 pickup and can probably sell you a seat bottom already done. He may also have the floorboard.

Dave

[OldGold360]

Originally Posted by Model51

Floorboard No. 2 is Ford Part No. 50-810330. Here's the Ford Engineering drawing from late 1934 and a revised drawing from June 1935. I haven't studied them closely enough to understand the changes but these should give you a good starting point.

The seat base is Part No. 50-815360. I only have the Model 51 drawing which is different because of required clearance for the gas cap on the passenger side which is located inside the cab. Best thing to do is contact Michael at Third Gen. He has restored a 1935 and 1936 pickup and can probably sell you a seat bottom already done. He may also have the floorboard.

Dave

I have these floorboard blueprints, but I’d like to find the seat base blueprints. Even one for a truck would help. I’m assuming you didn’t see my initial post, I own a CNC router and plan to make around 6 seat bases and about the same for the floorboards, more if there is a demand. Two are already spoken for. I have several sheets of nice 5/8” plywood to use. I just want to make certain they are dimensionally accurate. I think I’m pretty close with what I have drawn up for the seat base but I want to confirm the dimensions. There seems to be no options for guys with old Fords to buy wooden parts such as these, nice ones anyways. Sure, anyone can grab a piece of plywood and a jigsaw and cut out something that’ll work, but for those that don’t want to make a mess and would prefer to have all the original details seen on original pieces, this could be an option. I have the machinery, why not put them to use. I’m already making and selling a dozen or more sheetmetal parts for the 35-37 pickups, why not offer a few wood pieces? Would you be willing to share the truck seat base blueprint?

[Model51]

Certainly willing to share info. I got confused with the images of both the floorboard and the seat base. The attached is the only drawing I have. It's a bit out of focus so the dimensions aren't necessarily clear or easy to read.

Note that this is drawing 51-815400-A2 which means there were other versions. This version appears to be one made from several pieces of wood instead of a sheet of plywood. My original seat bottom was in very rough shape, but was originally plywood, so I think an interpretation based on this drawing using plywood would be appropriate. Also, I'm guessing the left side of this seat base drawing can be mirrored to make the right side symmetrical unlike the drawing and what's needed for the Model 51 trucks.

The thickness appears to be 0.81" or a heavy 3/4", more like 13/16". I use 3/4" for mine. Also note the hardware inserts for the seat back hinge attachment and protective metal strip for the three adjustment holes.

[OldGold360]

Thanks Dave. This is helpful and I think you’re right about mirroring the left side.

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by OldGold360

It might, but I’d still like to find a copy of the original Ford blueprints if they exist. Is your seat base on an upholstered seat or separate?

Yes has old original upholstery unfortunately rats have destroyed it so it will need stripped.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Model51

Certainly willing to share info. I got confused with the images of both the floorboard and the seat base. The attached is the only drawing I have. It's a bit out of focus so the dimensions aren't necessarily clear or easy to read.

Note that this is drawing 51-815400-A2 which means there were other versions. This version appears to be one made from several pieces of wood instead of a sheet of plywood. My original seat bottom was in very rough shape, but was originally plywood, so I think an interpretation based on this drawing using plywood would be appropriate. Also, I'm guessing the left side of this seat base drawing can be mirrored to make the right side symmetrical unlike the drawing and what's needed for the Model 51 trucks.

The thickness appears to be 0.81" or a heavy 3/4", more like 13/16". I use 3/4" for mine. Also note the hardware inserts for the seat back hinge attachment and protective metal strip for the three adjustment holes.

[1936 ford pickup]

Hello,

Here is my '36 Ford pickup hardwood seat base I purchased years ago from Lebaron-Bonney.

I know dimensionally it does not help you, but nice to look at though.

Bruce in California

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 1936 ford pickup

Hello,

Here is my '36 Ford pickup hardwood seat base I purchased years ago from Lebaron-Bonney.

I know dimensionally it does not help you, but nice to look at though.

Bruce in California

[nelsb01]

You should note that while you did purchase it from LeBaron & Bonney, there needs to be inserts cut in the wood where the hinges and adjustment plate goes. This is so that the metal of the hinge and the adjustment plate (for the 3 holes) are flush with the surface of the plywood.

[OldGold360]

Originally Posted by nelsb01

You should note that while you did purchase it from LeBaron & Bonney, there needs to be inserts cut in the wood where the hinges and adjustment plate goes. This is so that the metal of the hinge and the adjustment plate (for the 3 holes) are flush with the surface of the plywood.

Correct, and that does appear to be the bottom side that’s pictured.

[OldGold360]

Are the 1935 thru 1939 Pickup seat bases the same? I'm pretty sure in 1940 the backrests vertical hinge straps were moved to a narrower position. Can somebody confirm this for me?

Also, I know the trucks seat base is different from the pickups but are all the 1935 thru 1939 Truck seat bases the same?

Thanks!

[Model51]

Unfortunately I can't answer your two questions. My copies of Ford engineering drawings and part releases for the seat base and floorboard number 2 only cover 1935 through 1936.
With the Ford archives closed, the only way to figure this out, unless someone else can tell you, is to get a 1939 Ford Body Parts Catalog and see if the prefix on the part number changed anytime in 1937-39. Wish I could be of more help.

[OldGold360]

Thanks Dave.

[38bill]

Here is a sketch for the plywood seat bottom that was original to my 1938 pickup. Maybe someone could compare it to their earlier model to see if they are the same.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 38bill

Here is a sketch for the plywood seat bottom that was original to my 1938 pickup. Maybe someone could compare it to their earlier model to see if they are the same.

[Model51]

38bill - thanks for your sketches. Your drawings definitely indicate that by 1938 the design had changed. I appreciate you sharing these.

[OldGold360]

Originally Posted by Model51

38bill - thanks for your sketches. Your drawings definitely indicate that by 1938 the design had changed. I appreciate you sharing these.

If you pay attention to the dimensions of his drawing rather than the proportions of it, it appears to be the same seat base as 35-37 and I believe 39 should be the same as well. I think 1940 is the same with the exception of the hinge locations being relocated to a narrower position. If I missed something, let me know.

[OldGold360]

Originally Posted by 38bill

Here is a sketch for the plywood seat bottom that was original to my 1938 pickup. Maybe someone could compare it to their earlier model to see if they are the same.

Thank you for taking the time to do this. It appears to be the same as the earlier versions. Thanks!

[Model51]

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The seat bottom sketch shows 4 opening holes so I'm not sure why. Also, the truck seat bottom is 3/4" thick 5-ply fir plywood, not that it really makes much difference but it's the way Ford did it in the day. I found a source for this exact plywood but it's $240 per 4x8 sheet!!

[OldGold360]

Originally Posted by Model51

The seat bottom sketch shows 4 opening holes so I'm not sure why. Also, the truck seat bottom is 3/4" thick 5-ply fir plywood, not that it really makes much difference but it's the way Ford did it in the day. I found a source for this exact plywood but it's $240 per 4x8 sheet!!

The versions with the large rectangular cutouts in the center of the seat base are the pickup versions. The truck versions, as you know, have the two large square shaped cutouts. I have had several guys measure the thickness of their original pickup seat base and they all measure 5/8" thick, or close to it. I only have one measurement for the truck seat base thickness, from you, which measures 3/4" thick.

Good plywood is not cheap! I have A-A marine grade plywood, which I feel is better suited for vehicles than most other plywood types, including Baltic Birch, since it is a nearly void-free plywood, moisture resistant and less prone to warping than other plywood types. Plus, 5/8" marine plywood measures 5/8", 3/4" measures 3/4", unlike most other plywood. It does cost more though.

[OldGold360]

Here is my new pickup seat base. This should fit 35 thru 39 pickups but I’m still confirming this.

[tubman]

You sure do nice work! And a lot of it, it looks like to me.

[38bill]

My drawing was done fast to help another pickup owner. I probably should do a better scaled one to have on hand. I have seen several different seat bases out there with minor differences and I wonder if Ford didn't contract them out. As you can see mine has the name "YOUNG" embossed in the wood on the top side (hidden side).

PS: Here is a link to a previous seat base discussions.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...wood+seat+base

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by OldGold360

Here is my new pickup seat base. This should fit 35 thru 39 pickups but I’m still confirming this.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 38bill

My drawing was done fast to help another pickup owner. I probably should do a better scaled one to have on hand. I have seen several different seat bases out there with minor differences and I wonder if Ford didn't contract them out. As you can see mine has the name "YOUNG" embossed in the wood on the top side (hidden side).

PS: Here is a link to a previous seat base discussions.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...wood+seat+base

[Model51]

The pictures reminded me of yet another difference between the truck and pickup seat bases. The truck does not have the two metal three hole plates. I speculate that the plates were needed on the pickup because the plywood is sitting on the edge of the metal seat base. The truck seat base sits flat on top of the gas tank and is supported for essentially it's entire shape by the gas tank so there is no point loading at the seat stop holes.

Just another piece of trivial information.

[nelsb01]

Does that mean then that the truck seat was not adjustable? Because I believe that the pickup seat base was adjustable forward and back. (for what it is worth)

[Model51]

The adjustment stops are the same for the pickup and truck. Three holes 3/4" diameter on each side (for the bench seat) 1 1/2" apart. The truck seat base just doesn't need the re-enforcement plate.

Panel delivery and panel trucks have single drivers seats and optional passenger seats which are a whole different ball of wax.

[nelsb01]

I thought the metal plate was to keep the holes in the wood from elongating over time. The seat is for a commercial vehicle and would get some abuse.

[Model51]

Yep. I had the same thought and it does make sense. Doing all the research and having the Ford Engineering Drawings for the seat base parts I can only come to one conclusion that those metal plates weren't part of the seat base for trucks, only pickups. Since the difference is the seat base support, Ford engineers must have thought the seat riser put too much stress on the plywood in that area, but that's just speculation on what they were thinking in the day.

[OldGold360]

I’ve heard some pickups didn’t even have the metal plates or any evidence of them ever being installed. I’m wondering if these examples with no plates were earlier versions and the metal plates were an improvement at some point. But why do these examples without the plates still have the recessed cutouts like they were intended to have this plate installed? Dave, does your Truck versions have the recessed area around the 3 holes?

[OldGold360]

Originally Posted by tubman

You sure do nice work! And a lot of it, it looks like to me.

Thanks, I try!

[Model51]

None of the 1935-36 truck seat base plywood I've seen have the three hole re-enforcement plate on the seat base or the recessed area. Same for all of the Ford engineering parts drawings for this truck part.
I'm not sure why there are pickup seat bases with the grove cut but no plate installed.

[OldGold360]

Originally Posted by Model51

None of the 1935-36 truck seat base plywood I've seen have the three hole re-enforcement plate on the seat base or the recessed area. Same for all of the Ford engineering parts drawings for this truck part.
I'm not sure why there are pickup seat bases with the grove cut but no plate installed.

The truck seat base blueprint you sent me illustrates the recessed pockets surrounding the adjustments holes. Did they not actually build them this way?

[Model51]

I honestly don't know if the 51-815360-A2 drawing represents a part Ford put into production or not. Unfortunately the dates in the upper top right hand corner are not clear enough to read and I also don't have any of the Engineering Parts Release cards to know what this part was used for or when. The drawing shows a hardwood multi-piece design which is different than the "normal" one which is made from plywood. It's possible this design is intended for the rare instance of a Panel Truck with an 18 gallon tank. There's no cab wall behind it so it needed a different design seat. This is all just speculation on my part but this drawing just doesn't fit into my knowledge base very well.

[Model51]

One final comment. Notice the part number ends in -A2. To me this indicates that there at least two versions of -A. I've only seen this nomenclature when there are two versions of the same part from two different vendors. It's likely that the -A1 version is plywood and the -A2 is assembled from hardwood pieces. Again this is more of my speculation since I don't have a copy of the -A1 drawing or any of the release cards which would likely definitively provide the answers.

At this point I'm not sure that anyone would which version was used especially since this part ends up not visible unless you take the seat out of the truck and flip it over.

[OldGold360]

Thanks Dave.