The Ford Barn

Grumpy Rick · 03-08-2019, 03:15 AM

I probably won't do it, but does anyone know what low rise bucket seats would fit nicely in a '55 Bird?

Not interested in mini van takeouts with folding arm rests.

This is probably idle curiosity, but I am getting a bit tired of sliding around on the bench seat.

Thanks,
Rick

Ford blue blood · 03-08-2019, 08:56 AM

60s Mustang, 68 and down. They mount on a flat floor. Look at the 90s Mustang as well, almost a flat floor, only one rear leg needs to be modified and the head rest is easy to remove.

V8 Bob · 03-08-2019, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy Rick

This is probably idle curiosity, but I am getting a bit tired of sliding around on the bench seat.
Thanks,
Rick

Seat belts would prevent this.

KULTULZ · 03-09-2019, 07:22 AM

You can buy retro-fit belts kits for the BIRD. They were available in 1956 and FORD sold kits for earlier cars- https://www.larrystbird.com/product/...elt-55-57-red/

Grumpy Rick · 03-09-2019, 12:08 PM

Got seat belts. Use seat belts. Every time I go around a left turn corner I find myself unconciously putting my right hand down on the seat to hang on.

No, not playing Ricky Racer, and the car does not lean that much either, it is more of an uncomfortable feeling which I also get in my '56 Vickie. I have balance issues, and get no such feeling with my pickup which has a center console, or with my little C-Max which has buckets and a console.

Somewhere along the line I developed a balance problem, and have doctors orders to stay off ladders, etc. Ironic, after 35 years as a fireman.

fordrodsteven · 03-09-2019, 04:15 PM

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I picked up a set of buckets from a 1964 Thunderbird. I plan to install them when I put my car back together. They look to me like they will fit just fine. Good thing is that I can buy new covers for them to change them from blue to black. I also like the idea that the seats will have a thunderbird logo on them when I put them together.

dmsfrr · 03-09-2019, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy Rick

... does anyone know what low rise bucket seats would fit nicely in a '55 Bird? ...
Thanks,
Rick

Sorry I don't have a good bucket seat suggestion for you, except to keep an eye on the height of the seat above the floor so there's room for your legs under the steering wheel.

Y-8 · 03-26-2019, 10:35 PM

I am thinking: https://procarbyscat.com/ "Classic Lowback"

y'sguy · 03-28-2019, 11:00 AM

I have also considered the Procar seats.

Another option I have seen is a Pontiac Fiero seat. Although the headrest must be cut down and you would need a trusted upholstery guy to do them like you want.

Also I have seen 58, 59, & 60 Bird buckets in the little birds. However these are scarce to acquire at a reasonable rate.

Procar seems to be an altogether good option after all is said and done.

I like the look and feel of the side bolsters on some seats but not sure exit and entry would be good in my 55. But hey!, could just be my age!

miker98038 · 03-28-2019, 07:17 PM

I looked all over for seats and gave up. I’m not saying it can’t be done, but readily available modern seats didn’t seem to measure out.

I’m 69, 5’10 and 160lbs. I’ve got a daily driver with Recarros, and I’d never get into the bird climbing over the bolster. Probably need a lift to get me out.

If you’ve got a soft top, remember they need to move/lean forward to stow the top.

Grumpy Rick · 03-29-2019, 01:27 AM

Thanks guys.

I have checked out several aftermarket seats, and some look good, but at my age, the ones with large bolsters are non starters. Some good suggestions and ideas here. I will consider all.

Only have hardtop, and seldom will run it. Can hardly see out with it on. Luckily, my bride is a convertible girl. We have had about twenty, including three right now... T touring, and Mustang.

Grumpy

rotorwrench · 03-29-2019, 01:37 PM

Back in the day, folks were always looking for Corvair buckets or Valiant buckets. There have been a lot more made since that time frame. Early 60s T-bird are mostly electric but they're out there too.

Bob-93021 · 03-30-2019, 01:27 AM

Grumpy, Since I drive an old (1967) MGB I find the original seats very comfortable. They mount to a flat floor and could be a possibility for you. They would have a vintage look to them and are available new as a completer seat. They are very low to the floor which is helpful on clearing the steering wheel. There might be later model seats available with headrests. Moss Motors in Santa Barbara sells them.
https://mossmotors.com/compete-front...piping-1962-68
I know this is a Ford site and apologize for straying - Bob

03-08-2019, 03:15 AM	#1
Grumpy Rick Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SoCal Posts: 200	'55 T-bird bucket seats? I probably won't do it, but does anyone know what low rise bucket seats would fit nicely in a '55 Bird? Not interested in mini van takeouts with folding arm rests. This is probably idle curiosity, but I am getting a bit tired of sliding around on the bench seat. Thanks, Rick

03-08-2019, 08:56 AM	#2
Ford blue blood Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 814	Re: '55 T-bird bucket seats? 60s Mustang, 68 and down. They mount on a flat floor. Look at the 90s Mustang as well, almost a flat floor, only one rear leg needs to be modified and the head rest is easy to remove. __________________ Bill, certified Ford nut. 2016 F-150 2016 Focus 08 Shelby GT500 57 Ford Ranchero 36 Chevy, 351C/FMX, 8", Mustang II

03-09-2019, 07:22 AM	#4
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,475	Re: '55 T-bird bucket seats? You can buy retro-fit belts kits for the BIRD. They were available in 1956 and FORD sold kits for earlier cars- https://www.larrystbird.com/product/...elt-55-57-red/ __________________ *** - WHY IS IT ... - ... that everything you buy in the grocery store is either wrapped in or contained in plastic but the government doesn't want you to carry it out in a plastic bag? WONDERING IN W(BY GOD)V ... DIAGNOSED CDO** - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)

03-09-2019, 12:08 PM	#5
Grumpy Rick Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SoCal Posts: 200	Re: '55 T-bird bucket seats? Got seat belts. Use seat belts. Every time I go around a left turn corner I find myself unconciously putting my right hand down on the seat to hang on. No, not playing Ricky Racer, and the car does not lean that much either, it is more of an uncomfortable feeling which I also get in my '56 Vickie. I have balance issues, and get no such feeling with my pickup which has a center console, or with my little C-Max which has buckets and a console. Somewhere along the line I developed a balance problem, and have doctors orders to stay off ladders, etc. Ironic, after 35 years as a fireman.

03-09-2019, 04:15 PM	#6
fordrodsteven Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 66	Re: '55 T-bird bucket seats? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I picked up a set of buckets from a 1964 Thunderbird. I plan to install them when I put my car back together. They look to me like they will fit just fine. Good thing is that I can buy new covers for them to change them from blue to black. I also like the idea that the seats will have a thunderbird logo on them when I put them together.

03-26-2019, 10:35 PM	#8
Y-8 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Posts: 5	Re: '55 T-bird bucket seats? I am thinking: https://procarbyscat.com/ "Classic Lowback"

03-28-2019, 11:00 AM	#9
y'sguy Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 151	Re: '55 T-bird bucket seats? I have also considered the Procar seats. Another option I have seen is a Pontiac Fiero seat. Although the headrest must be cut down and you would need a trusted upholstery guy to do them like you want. Also I have seen 58, 59, & 60 Bird buckets in the little birds. However these are scarce to acquire at a reasonable rate. Procar seems to be an altogether good option after all is said and done. I like the look and feel of the side bolsters on some seats but not sure exit and entry would be good in my 55. But hey!, could just be my age!

03-28-2019, 07:17 PM	#10
miker98038 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,397	Re: '55 T-bird bucket seats? I looked all over for seats and gave up. I’m not saying it can’t be done, but readily available modern seats didn’t seem to measure out. I’m 69, 5’10 and 160lbs. I’ve got a daily driver with Recarros, and I’d never get into the bird climbing over the bolster. Probably need a lift to get me out. If you’ve got a soft top, remember they need to move/lean forward to stow the top.

03-29-2019, 01:27 AM	#11
Grumpy Rick Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SoCal Posts: 200	Re: '55 T-bird bucket seats? Thanks guys. I have checked out several aftermarket seats, and some look good, but at my age, the ones with large bolsters are non starters. Some good suggestions and ideas here. I will consider all. Only have hardtop, and seldom will run it. Can hardly see out with it on. Luckily, my bride is a convertible girl. We have had about twenty, including three right now... T touring, and Mustang. Grumpy

03-29-2019, 01:37 PM	#12
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,431	Re: '55 T-bird bucket seats? Back in the day, folks were always looking for Corvair buckets or Valiant buckets. There have been a lot more made since that time frame. Early 60s T-bird are mostly electric but they're out there too. Last edited by rotorwrench; 03-29-2019 at 02:17 PM.

03-30-2019, 01:27 AM	#13
Bob-93021 Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Moorpark, CA Posts: 72	Re: '55 T-bird bucket seats? Grumpy, Since I drive an old (1967) MGB I find the original seats very comfortable. They mount to a flat floor and could be a possibility for you. They would have a vintage look to them and are available new as a completer seat. They are very low to the floor which is helpful on clearing the steering wheel. There might be later model seats available with headrests. Moss Motors in Santa Barbara sells them. https://mossmotors.com/compete-front...piping-1962-68 I know this is a Ford site and apologize for straying - Bob