I'm new to this site and was wondering if I could get some help. I have a 90 Ramcharger that I use primarily as a parts hauler for another project that I'm working on. I basically use it as a truck. I have the base model so there is no carpet in the back to worry about and I took the rear seat out the day that I bought it since it was to be used as my service vehicle. (I am a locksmith and had a workspace built into the back of it) Now I no longer use it for work, but I can't bring myself to sell it cause I've become really attached to it. It's paid for and is a great vehicle that has never left me down. I've driven it all over the country and it never missed a beat.
Anyway, I was thinking of swapping the buckets out for a bench seat. My question is, did they ever use a bench seat in them from the factory? And if not, will a bech seat use some of the same holes or am I looking at drilling some? How practical/easy is this? I would like it to be as painless as possible so that I can put the buckets back in one day if I choose to. Thanks again. This is a great site.
Lance.
ghostrider
10-29-2004, 09:51 AM
I just did a seat swap in my '87 Ram. What I did was take my bench seat out and put in bucket seats. The seat brackets were from an '84 Ramcharger and fit right in. In my case, I only had two holes on each side of the cab because the bench seat only has two brackets. So when I put the Ramcharger seat brackets in, the two outer holes nearest the doors matched up perfectly ... but I had to drill for the two inner holes.
In your case, I would expect that the bucket seat would fit perfectly in the pre-existing holes. ALL of that stuff on the Rams, Ramchargers, Vans in interchangeable. I've been pouring over junkyards lately and comparing stuff. Just about anything will fit just about anything in that era. Even some '94 and up stuff just bolts right in. I've noticed that some Rams and some Ramchargers had extra holes drilled in floors to accept other stuff (what I don't know) and all they have is factory tape over the holes!!
I'm considering letting my bench seat go. It's absolutely perfect except for one small tear in the vinyl where the driver steps into the truck. It's along a seam and would be super easy to repair ... I just haven't done it. It's red and I'm in Ohio. Let me know.
pyreguy
11-07-2004, 10:28 PM
I'm looking for grey or blue. Or a seat cover would work on red. I'm in Louisiana. I'm pretty sure I can find one in a junk yard around here, but if not, I'll let you know.
So they have holes pre-drilled on all the trucks... so what do you think the chances are that the holes needed for the centher console are already there? I have the base model truck so mine doesn't have one. That would be other option instead of a bench seat. Never much considered it with all the drilling, but if the holes are already there....hmmm. Thanks
ghostrider
11-08-2004, 09:54 AM
I wouldn't say all the trucks had pre-drilled holes. Mine did for the main seats (where buckets would go if you didn't have a bench) but the center console holes were not there. I decided to dump the center console idea in my truck and instead put a buddy seat in. Holes needed to be drilled. That part of the truck slants because of the transmission hump. I'm a little concerned about the bolts underneath since they don't sit flush. I may end up putting a horizontal piece of angle iron to span the distance and give me something flat to bolt too. I don't expect anyone to sit on the buddy seat but I want it to be safe ... and more importantly not make the bottom of the cab flex when you move around in your seat. It wants to do that as-is with the way I have it all mounted.
Anyway, I've checked out some trucks in junkyards and most weren't pre-drilled.
