MikesRJ 558 #1 Posted September 23, 2009 OK, here's the scenario. You get a decent condition 10-8 and plan to use it as your work machine (i.e. this ain't gettin' a full-blown restore - yet). After sitting for four years, the First Order of Business is a good cleaning, fuel tank and carb flush-out, perhaps a carb re-build and a tune-up with oil change, yada yada yada. Second Order of Business is to get a new, more comfortable, seat to replace the 35 y/o ratty-ass looking one that is currently on the machine. Because of an aged back I would prefer a high-back spring seat in line with the model C's. From what I have read that requires the addition of fender seat springs and a steering shaft extension along with a new seat, which I am OK with. The question is "What would you do for the seat?". Suggestions wanted. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bitten 134 #2 Posted September 23, 2009 Mike: Try (TSC)Tractor Supply Company, Lowes, NorthernTool or your local dealer. Picking up the springs isnt to hard, try E-bay. For the steering wheel adapter you will have to wait for someone that knows about these. Good Luck, P.J. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rollerman 290 #3 Posted September 23, 2009 I like the multi fit seats they carry at Rural King farm stores. They have both high back & low back versions. I use these on all my workers & even replace the Wheel Horse seats with them. They are a direct bolt on & I find them more comfortable than any Horse seat. :scratchead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 18,072 #4 Posted September 23, 2009 You should forget about that tractor and put it on the back burner until my steering wheel is finished I would put a nice "off the shelf" seat on it like others have suggested. When it gets it's restore then you can worry about the correct seat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikesRJ 558 #5 Posted September 24, 2009 You should forget about that tractor and put it on the back burner until my steering wheel is finished Steering wheels, what steering wheels? Oh, now I remember, the two I sold on eBay last night! You wanted them back? They are drying, one's already done. The ugly one is next. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikesRJ 558 #6 Posted September 24, 2009 I saw this one on the Northern Tool Website. Has anyone tried one of these? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,880 #7 Posted September 24, 2009 I got this one from TSC and it's not bad at all, nicer than my 414's seat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,694 #8 Posted September 24, 2009 Mike I think the seat mount on my c-101 is hinged in the front and it has front to back seat adjustment I don't think you will need to extend the steering shaft I would watch e-bay for one or try one of the tractor dismantlers. You can get a good seat at tsc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sarge 3,465 #9 Posted September 24, 2009 I've already added the seat springs to some of my older units as well as aftermarket seats . Nice mod , but the use of a high-backed seat and those stock c-shaped springs doesn't work as well as I thought they should. The seat is fine by itself, but with those springs it sort of gives that occasional "whack in the back" . Not good with the number of miles on my bones, found out the short-backed seats really work better and allow for better "over the shoulder" maneuvers .... Sarge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikesRJ 558 #10 Posted September 24, 2009 Karl, With the seat and springs you have, dod you need to install the steering-raise mod? Brian, Do you have a picture of the sliding seat frame you're talking about? Sarge, Define "Whack in the back" caused by the stock springs for me. 2nd Q, what modifications need to be done to the springs in order to mount them in the existing pan? Any at all or do they line up out of the box, so to speak. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
d180man 5 #11 Posted September 24, 2009 Hi nice tractor! here is some photos of a seat my brouther sales he has high and low backs but good luck with it ! :hide: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doubletrouble 10 #12 Posted September 24, 2009 What's this steering wheel mod?? I put seat springs on my '71 and I didn't install anything to raise the steering wheel. I'm 6'3" tall though so maybe that's why I didn't need to. It accually made the tractor much more comfortable for me. Just my .02 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikesRJ 558 #13 Posted September 24, 2009 What's this steering wheel mod?? I put seat springs on my '71 and I didn't install anything to raise the steering wheel. I'm 6'3" tall though so maybe that's why I didn't need to. It accually made the tractor much more comfortable for me. Just my .02 Take a look at this manual: Seat Tractor Torsional 1973 8-6721. When you install the torsional seat, the height of the seat is raised and reduces knee-clearance. The modification is a stub of steering shaft and a tube which slips over the original shaft, to raise the wheel a bit. I assumed adding the springs, and then putting on an after market seat with a bit of "lift" on the bottom would reduce the leg-room at the wheel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sarge 3,465 #14 Posted September 25, 2009 The springs I've used all came from WH C-series and all bolted right up . I'm long-legged so the extra distance made with this moves the seat back about 2" , perfect for me. So far, no issues with height, although now that I think about it the steering wheel is a bit low but never really noticed it . The "whack" is just that, with the high-back seats and mowing/travelling on rough ground the seat back lets you know it's there on occasion-gets old after awhile . Sarge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
acedog 1 #15 Posted September 25, 2009 Nice machine, admin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whfan74 2,071 #16 Posted September 25, 2009 Go for comfort from TSC or another farm store. If it does get the full restore down the road make sure to find a seat to your liking. Just no arm chair recliners on the back of it if you don't mind! :scratchead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikesRJ 558 #17 Posted September 25, 2009 The springs I've used all came from WH C-series and all bolted right up . I'm long-legged so the extra distance made with this moves the seat back about 2" , perfect for me. So far, no issues with height, although now that I think about it the steering wheel is a bit low but never really noticed it . The "whack" is just that, with the high-back seats and mowing/travelling on rough ground the seat back lets you know it's there on occasion-gets old after awhile. Sarge Ah, I see. Well as whfan74 stated, I'm probably going to go with a seat like Karl's, or if I can find one that wraps around your back a little, but as for the springs I am not sure yet. I'm still considering what I will do there. I saw several different Wheelhorse seat configurations and I think I like the sliding base version the best. Not sure if this was standard on a late model or what, but it looked real nice. As for the wheel extension, I'll fabricate that in the shop if I think it needs it, after the new seat is installed. The new seats only going on because the old one is so ratty, and I like a soft chair while riding with good back support. As for a restore. This machine isn't getting one for a long while. As it is currently 100% original, the closest it will get to a restore in the short term (next 12 months) is a fresh coat of paint this winter (maybe). It'll get hosed down and cleaned, tuned and serviced, and set out to do some work. No trailer queen in this one, pure worker. KARL, Is this the seat you got? Northern Tool Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites