The Ford Barn

Grumpy Rick · 02-27-2017, 12:06 PM

For years I have had a '22 touring that was hot rodded in the mid '50's. It has a '39 V8-60 motor, trans and rear in it. Newest parts are the '40 hydraulic brakes. I guess you could call it a survivor. It was last painted and upholstered in 1973.

I keep it in my carport and have not driven it for a couple years because I am over 6' tall and getting older. I cannot safely get my foot up on the clutch or brake because the front seating is so tight.

To the question...I would love to move the whole front seat back about 3 inches, but the top corners of the seat are attached to the bodywork. It looks like they are only attached by a short weld.

1: Is it a weld, or could it just be leaded in at that point?
2: Has anyone moved a seat like this?
3: Do you think I might be able to carefully hacksaw it apart at this point, and save the seat?
4: Any other advice appreciated.

I would love to sell the car, but the wife is attached to it. She never wants to sell it, so I would like to get it back on the road safely.

dumb person · 02-27-2017, 03:56 PM

Normally the seat is nailed to the body wood but seeing yours is modified they may have welded it.

If you can see the picture i tried to add you may have to get creative and remove the seat cushioning without damaging it (too much) and extend the metal part of the seat back so it sits farther to the rear while still attaching at the original point of fastening.
Then refit seat padding (if any, i imagine it does have some.) and probably extend the wood where the tacks go.
Then again, i am describing how this is done to an original body where yours may have been welded for stiffness.

29spcoupe · 02-27-2017, 06:30 PM

If the seat is moved back, won't it interfere with the rear doors opening and closing? If yours is modified, I might look into adding to the cowl, but then the steering column will not fit. No matter what you do the car's dimensions will be altered. A longer wheelbase car may be needed.

Grumpy Rick · 03-02-2017, 02:59 AM

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Well I guess it must be modified, since it is definitely attached to the body. It is too nice to risk damaging it, so I guess I will leave it alone. It's a survivor, and the paint is old, but it is not a rust bucket. I would not like to mess up the button tuft seats either.

As far as the rear doors, I figured I could block the front of the openings a bit and they would still be useable.

Thanks for the replies.

02-27-2017, 12:06 PM	#1
Grumpy Rick Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SoCal Posts: 200	'22 T touring seat mod? For years I have had a '22 touring that was hot rodded in the mid '50's. It has a '39 V8-60 motor, trans and rear in it. Newest parts are the '40 hydraulic brakes. I guess you could call it a survivor. It was last painted and upholstered in 1973. I keep it in my carport and have not driven it for a couple years because I am over 6' tall and getting older. I cannot safely get my foot up on the clutch or brake because the front seating is so tight. To the question...I would love to move the whole front seat back about 3 inches, but the top corners of the seat are attached to the bodywork. It looks like they are only attached by a short weld. 1: Is it a weld, or could it just be leaded in at that point? 2: Has anyone moved a seat like this? 3: Do you think I might be able to carefully hacksaw it apart at this point, and save the seat? 4: Any other advice appreciated. I would love to sell the car, but the wife is attached to it. She never wants to sell it, so I would like to get it back on the road safely.

02-27-2017, 03:56 PM	#2
dumb person Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South pacific island Posts: 1,724	Re: '22 T touring seat mod? Normally the seat is nailed to the body wood but seeing yours is modified they may have welded it. If you can see the picture i tried to add you may have to get creative and remove the seat cushioning without damaging it (too much) and extend the metal part of the seat back so it sits farther to the rear while still attaching at the original point of fastening. Then refit seat padding (if any, i imagine it does have some.) and probably extend the wood where the tacks go. Then again, i am describing how this is done to an original body where yours may have been welded for stiffness. __________________ <Link> This is how we roll<Link> "I'm Convinced that no one really reads posts anymore; they just fabricate what they think the post says then ramble on about red herrings."--Bob Outcasts rules of old cars #1 Fun is imperative, mainstream is overrated #2 If they think it is impossible, prove them wrong #3 If the science says it impossible you are not being creative enough. #4 No shame in recreating something you never had #5 If it were not for the law & physics you would be unstoppable

02-27-2017, 06:30 PM	#3
29spcoupe Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Rhinebeck, NY Posts: 763	Re: '22 T touring seat mod? If the seat is moved back, won't it interfere with the rear doors opening and closing? If yours is modified, I might look into adding to the cowl, but then the steering column will not fit. No matter what you do the car's dimensions will be altered. A longer wheelbase car may be needed.

03-02-2017, 02:59 AM	#4
Grumpy Rick Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SoCal Posts: 200	Re: '22 T touring seat mod? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Well I guess it must be modified, since it is definitely attached to the body. It is too nice to risk damaging it, so I guess I will leave it alone. It's a survivor, and the paint is old, but it is not a rust bucket. I would not like to mess up the button tuft seats either. As far as the rear doors, I figured I could block the front of the openings a bit and they would still be useable. Thanks for the replies.