AMMO CAN BASE, Replaced Front springer seats, Installed HEMTT buckets.

[islandguydon]

Replaced Front springer seats, Installed HEMTT buckets on a custom base.

I found myself up with the birds today and decided to install the Cab reinforcement plate and the long put off bucket seat project.

I don't know if this has ever been done before but I came up with an excellent base to mount these HEMTT bucket seats. I picked up 2 sets from Ritch a SS member right here in Michigan. The first set I am installing in a 1028 I have not completed yet.

The second set I am installing right now with 50 Cal ammo cans as a base. Last year I picked up a chit load of 50 Cal cans from doghead in Ga. I was on my way to the shop to sheer up and weld a box base then I had a thought about using the ammo cans. They are plenty strong. I used 2 cans per base. The height is perfect and they fit the seat base with no hang over. I welded and bolted the seat base to the lid. I also drilled 5 1/2" holes per can. 4 corners and the center. I used #8 nuts and bolts with over sized washers. I then welded 12-1" beads for the can base to the floor of the cab.

I waited for the welds to cool then cleaned up the slag and debris. Took a tube of Owens Corning 100% black silicone and formed a base gasket and covered the fresh welds. After I was complete with the passenger side I was impressed, I even have a secure/water tight storage place hidden under the seat. I am liking this mod.

 

[islandguydon]

More pics

.

 

[scoutmanadam]

Neat idea, did you do anything to reinforce the box latch or hinge?

 

[islandguydon]

I don't think its necessary. There are 2 tight hinges and 2 tight locking flap ends. Its square/level and IMHO strong. Not as overbuilt as the originals but I'm happy. I have our local Memorial Day Parade at noon. I will be up with the birds again finishing up the drivers seat. I looked at my civi trucks and their seats are mounted not 1/2 as strong as these are.

 

[islandguydon]

Tomorrow after the parade I am installing FatMat/DynaMat on the floor/firewall/rear wall and insulating the cab roof. I found a roll of rubber perfect for the floor. 3/8" thick. I will go through some razer blades on that install.

 

[Andrmorr]

Neat idea, did you do anything to reinforce the box latch or hinge?

I was thinking the same thing about the hinges...look at it from a front end collision viewpoint...If you put a 200lb rider in the seat and buckle him in...then the only thing keeping him and the seat from faceplanting into the dash and/or right on thru the windshield is that thin wire latch and hinge...easy fix though...bolt a section of chain to the floor behind the seat and attach it to the back of the seat with a screw closed carabiner...easy detach but strong safety support in a crash...cool idea on the ammo cans!

 

[swirvin21]

Ever make any modifications to these? Would think adding a few internal ribs to each can and adding some cross-bracing between the cans would be nice....or is there any space between the cans? I agree with Andrmorr that adding another safety catch, bolt or something would be beneficial for crash safety

 

[VPed]

The seatbelts could (and should be) attached to the rear cab wall. That would solve the face-plant issue.

 

[M813rc]

Am I missing something? Photos 3, 4, and 6 in the first post show the seatbelts attached to their original locations in the back of the cab.

Cheers

 

[JohnnyBM931A2]

lol.. According to the dates this is the second time this thread has been brought back from the dead Very creative idea though

 

[rustystud]

lol.. According to the dates this is the second time this thread has been brought back from the dead Very creative idea though

I'm wondering how it all turned out ? Does it still work OK, or has it collapsed from over use and weight ? When I first say this post I thought it would collapse since ammo cans are not made to hold weight like that. It would be nice to know how it has turned out.

 

[Smokinyoda]

I think the OP is on extended leave, so probably no updates any time soon.