Replacing later front seats

[Heinz]

Hello, my name is Heinz and I'm currently restoring a former Willy's CJ3b (build in 1962/1963) from the Swiss army. This vehicle has the "later front seats" installed, and I'd like to replace them with the "early front seats." Therefore, my question is: is this possible without any problems, and what do I need to be aware of?

Thank you for your answers.

Regards, Heinz

[Rus Curtis]

Heinz,
When you say later seats, are you referring to the 1/3, 2/3 configuration or the front seat that bolts to the edge of the tub? 

When saying early seats, are you referring to the seats that attach to the floor of the tub (drivers) and top corner of the tool box (passenger)?

Can you post a picture of your seats?

[Heinz]

Thanks for the quick reply.
By "later seats" I mean the early CJ5 seats, where the driver's seat is mounted to the side of the body. The passenger seat hinges are located further back on the toolbox, but the entire seat can also be folded forward.

By "early seats" I mean the seats from the CJ3b from the 1950s. Unfortunately, I couldn't attach any pictures, as it didn't seem to work.

[derekredmond]

There are some photos at https://cj3b.info/Seat.html which give an idea of the early and late seats that Heinz is talking about.  Those photos suggest that there wouldn't be a big problem installing early seats, although I guess my question would be -- why?  I assume because the existing seats are in poor condition, and you have a pair of early seats you can use.  But still, would it not be less trouble to get the existing seats repaired?  Just curious.

Derek

[Rus Curtis]

Study the images from the link.  The early seats fasten a bit different but if you have the correct seat frames and if the space to mount is correct, then all you'll need is the correct brackets and fasteners.

Are you state-side or in Europe?  Finding the passenger brackets may be a challenge.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/177841273958

This listing for a pair has the part numbers.

[Heinz]

Yes, my question refers to the website Derek mentioned. Here in Europe, it's no problem to get the frames, seat brackets, and cushions for the early front seats that Rus showed.

However, sourcing the later front seats is much more difficult. It's impossible to find anything for them here. Even the auto upholsterers I contacted advised against reupholstering, as finding a suitable fabric would be very difficult and expensive.

[derekredmond]

I understand. 

If I were reupholstering seats I would order the vinyl with the tiny Jeeps on it from SMS, seen on my page at https://cj3b.info/Upholstery.html !

Derek

[Rus Curtis]

Well Heinz, I got lost now. 

Are you wanting early seats to convert or are you really wanting to restore the later seats that you have and just frustrated with lack of parts?

[Heinz]

To be honest, I prefer the earlier seats.
But really, one should restore the later seats, because they're simply part of the car's character. However, I now genuinly believe that it's much easier to convert to the earlier seats than to find the necessary spare parts for the lataeer  ones. Provided there are no Major difficulties with the installation of the earlier seats.

[derekredmond]

Sounds good.  Authentic restoration is nice, but unless you're going to be competing in shows it usually makes more sense to go with what you prefer and what can be done for a reasonable cost. Good luck Heinz, and I hope you can send me some photos for the website when you're finished.

Derek

[Heinz]

Hi Derek, yes, I promise. Your site has helped me a lot.
Heinz