Hi all
I put stock/factory armrests on our 78 dodge. I thought it was a easy/quick upgrade, in fact if I knew then what I know now, it would have been done a lot sooner!
The donor Dodge was a mid 80's Ramcharger truck, the seat frames are built the same way, tube steel.
I cut the old armrest off thru the tube frame then cut away the back 45 percent so I could snap them over my tube frame. I then welded the new brackets on but you could bolt/screw/pop rivet them on also. I had the rest part re-covered to match my seats. I decided to mount the new armrest at the same elevation as the door armrest but you could pick what was most comfortable for you. You do have to remove the old hog rings holding on the seat cover and re-hog ring them back on when your done. I took off my bottoms also to add some extra foam padding. Here are some pics, feel free to ask any questions.
JerryT
Some more pics
And the finished product.
I also have some extra brown material if someone else wants to try this, it's just a hair light in color but was a good match for my 78.
JerryT
Hi JerryT, Just got through reading your post and thought to myself why can't I do this.
I have a welder "I used to weld prfessionaly" and I have my very own upholstery sewing maching.
I reupholstered my old Plymouth and my 34 Dodge and the coach couch and captain chairs "
So I should be able to do this. Thanks for the share!!!!
John E.
I don't know - that seem like a heck of a lot of work.
The guy I bought my Clipper from simply installed new captains seats from a Custom Ford van.
Easy mounting, high back, with arm rests that swivel up and down, chaird recline - plush, comfy.
He got the seats at a wrecking yard - cheap - and they were practically new - early 90s Ford Van. I love my seats - I HATE the stock Clipper seats - really uncomfortable for a long drive (for me at least.) (Yes - I have driven several other Clippers - brother-in-law's unit, and three friends - but they all sold theirs - I'm the last hold-out - I was the first to buy one too I might add...........
yea, you may be right. Just get the high back seats from a wrecking yard
I can still reupholster them. Thanks