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More Legroom in a CJ-3B


 

Lengthen the Seat Arms

by Ed Wilson

1954 CJ-3BDue to a disabling back problem and my size, I decided to move the driver's seat back about four inches in order to enjoy my 1954 3B again. (See No Spring Chicken on CJ3B.info.)
 

Fender wellThe first issue was the rear wheel well which was recessed as shown. We used the existing front of the wheel well to complete this.
 

Drivers seat leftThe front seat frame arms have to be lengthened.
 

Drivers seat rightOr the inboard arm can be bent as we did.

To complete the accommodations for my needs, I added aftermarket side steps and I now remove the steering wheel to enter or exit, as suggested by Copperswilly when he picked up his part I sold him.

I can enjoy the Jeep again!
 

Both Sides at Once

by Gary Stanley Gustafson

Mark and cut This is how I cut the wheelhouses on my '53 CJ-3B to move the seats back. I merely measured and cut the front surface of each, then flipped them upside down and installed on opposite side. This is my own original design and was done in 2014. I used masking tape to show the panel shape and cut lines.
 

Measure carefully This is the driver's side. The measurement is 6-3/8" at the cut.
 

Remove This shows the passenger side with the cut out piece; it will fit on the driver's side when flipped over. BTW, this Jeep had stock suspension and I installed LT235/75R-15 mud tires and used 1" pads between tub and frame.
 

Flip the piece I didn't eliminate or add any metal. The two pieces have the same size and profile, just flipped upside down and swapped sides, so cutting must be precise!
 

Insert behind driver I gained about 6" on the floor where the seats mount. I installed newer style CJ seats and I'm 6'2" -- it fits me good. This plan should work on any flatfender or early CJ-5 but the dimensions may be different.
 

Thanks to Ed and Gary for the photos of their projects. -- Derek Redmond

See also more details on CJ-3B Seats.


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Last updated 17 February 2022 by Derek Redmond redmond@cj3b.info
https://cj3b.info/Tech/Legroom.html
All content not credited and previously copyright, is copyright Derek Redmond