Opinions needed: second row armrest?

[jorgensensc]

Okay guys, I'm looking for opinions. I installed a wide second row seat, but will still have the third row as well. I'm planning on 3 point seatbelts in the front row, second row, and possibly third row. The second row currently has the built in arm rest on the seat. I would really need to remove that to make the seatbelts work right. Then I'm left with no arm rest on either side. I e been kicking around installing a 68-71 armrest on the door panels. My concern is that the burb is a '72 and the front door armrests will be completely different. Do you think these two different "stock" arm rests will jive in the same vehicle? I hate to put holes in the second row door panels if the 68-71 arm rests are going to look dumb. Eventually I want to customize the original 2nd row to be a split bench and flip forward for access. What do you guys think about the arm res solution? Any other solutions out there? As always any and all feedback and opinions are appreciated.
Shawn

[OldCreek]

As you are using a wide 2nd row seat, the seat will come all the way over to the door. Why do you need to switch the arm rest? Is the older arm rest in a significantly different position than the 72? I would probably keep the 72 arm rests, use the 3 point belts and not worry about the seat's attached arm rails/rests. Newer truck don't have arm rest but on the door.

Reevaluate the situation when you get the third row in....you never know, you might change the second row. How's about 2nd row buckets with a space in between for 3rd row access? You could do the 3 point belts now and not have to change them later.

[72swb_327stroker_?]

I am in the middle of doing the same thing right now....
I have seats from a 73-91 suburban getting redone now to look like 67-72 seats.... but with the split second row, and removable 3rd row.
I am keeping the stock front 72 bench...

I just got the arm rests and door nuts to install these in the rear inner door panels.

I think you will be fine look wise.... they are not all that different, just a bit.

[jorgensensc]

Originally Posted by OldCreek

As you are using a wide 2nd row seat, the seat will come all the way over to the door. Why do you need to switch the arm rest? Is the older arm rest in a significantly different position than the 72? I would probably keep the 72 arm rests, use the 3 point belts and not worry about the seat's attached arm rails/rests. Newer truck don't have arm rest but on the door.

Reevaluate the situation when you get the third row in....you never know, you might change the second row. How's about 2nd row buckets with a space in between for 3rd row access? You could do the 3 point belts now and not have to change them later.

The door panels on the second row don't have arm rests. That's the issue. That is why there are armrests on the seats. We need the second row wide bench seat. Makes easier to take care of an infant in the back seat. Thanks for the input and ideas though.
Shawn

[capev86]

72swb_327stroker_?

when you finish your project, i want the full details/pics on both your stroker engine AND the upgraded/retro seats..... i'm puttin a 406sbc in my 72 burb and want to use the vintage upholstery on the next gen flip/fold seats too.

[jorgensensc]

Originally Posted by 72swb_327stroker_?

I am in the middle of doing the same thing right now....
I have seats from a 73-91 suburban getting redone now to look like 67-72 seats.... but with the split second row, and removable 3rd row.
I am keeping the stock front 72 bench...

I just got the arm rests and door nuts to install these in the rear inner door panels.

I think you will be fine look wise.... they are not all that different, just a bit.

Okay so I was looking at the 3rd door panel and noticed there isn't much room to put the armrest due to the door handle. Are you just locating the arm rest really close to the door handle and keeping it about the same height as the arm rests that are on the seat now? What are you planning to do for the third row seat three point seat belts since the arm rests there will make it impossible to use unless you thread it through the bracket.
Shawn

Shawn

[OldCreek]

HaHa, I never noticed the rear doors didn't have armrests in them....

[haulnrat]

I removed both arm rests from the second row bench seat. Needed to do this to install 3 point seat belts, same as you for the kids seats. I was trying to come up with an idea to install arm rests as well, but I haven't heard any complaints about having no arm rests, especially from the kids, or my buddies that ride with me on occasion.

So maybe just skip them entirely.

If you still want them try looking at ones from early chevy truck 50's-60's. Some of them are smaller and thinner and may not interfere with your seat options. They still have the GM look and may blend in better than latter model ones.