How to restore a vintage tractor seat

Tractor seat restoration can mean any number of things when it comes to vintage tractors — from sandblasting and repainting a pan-style seat to replacing shock absorbers and scissor-type support arms on later-model tractors.

If the seat is on an early-model tractor, it’s almost certain to be a metal pan-type unit that supposedly was molded to fit the average posterior. Most often, it is mounted to a leaf-type spring or a bar that is supported by a spring and often a shock absorber.

Pan seats

The restoration process for pan seats generally consists of sandblasting the seat and support hardware and applying fresh paint.

If the support mechanism includes a shock absorber, you’ll probably want to replace that, as well. You’ll find the biggest issue usually is worn bushings in need of replacement.

If the pan seat itself needs to replaced due to rust or damage, a replacement is readily available for about $50 through sources such as Steiner Tractor Parts and AllStates Ag Parts. Both sources stock the necessary bushings, mounting bolts, and shock absorbers.

Some components, such as the shocks and springs, are interchangeable with other brands. Hence, you may need to paint those the correct color when you’re paint-ing other replacement parts.

Padded seats

The next progression in tractor seat design was to add padding to the pan seat. This was done either by aftermarket companies or by the manufacturers.

The aftermarket model generally consisted of a padded seat cover that slipped over the pan seat and tied in the back to keep it in place. These are available for most brands in the appropriate color and can be added to a model, even if the tractor you’re restoring never had one.

As for the upholstered seat pan used on models such as the Farmall C,H, and M, you’ll find that everything is molded together and requires a full replacement, unless the tear or hole is small enough that you can repair it (see at right), or you can find someone to reupholster it.

The seats on most early-model tractors didn’t allow height adjustments, so several manufacturers started mounting the seat on an inclined base. This al-lowed the seat to be lowered as it moved closer to the steering wheel.

Torsion spring suspension

Around the same time, tractor customers were demanding more comfort. This was addressed in a number of ways, including incorporating a pair of rubber torsion springs. Seat support was adjusted by turning a screw that adjusted the pressure on the springs.

An example of this was the Float Ride seat used on many later-model John Deere two-cylinder tractors. Oliver, Case, and other manufacturers used rubber torsion springs on several models, as well.

As one might expect, rubber springs don’t hold up well to years of weathering and dry rot, which means they will likely need to be replaced as part of any restoration. Again, there will probably be bushings and linkages that need replacement.

You’ll find a good video on the Float Ride seat repair on steinertractor.tv.

Seat repair gets even more complicated with the John Deere New Generation seat. However, Steiner once again has you covered with a repair video.

Problems with seat coverings

In addition to issues with the bushings, shock absorbers, springs, and linkages, another common problem with tractor seats is cracks and/or tears in the seat covering. If the tears or cracks are not large, most damaged areas can easily be repaired with a vinyl repair kit.

Plenty of options are available on Amazon that include all the necessary materials and instructions. Most automotive stores carry them, as well.

You can also find several videos on YouTube about how to repair vinyl seats. Some on YouTube even claim they can repair a vinyl-covered seat with Flex Seal or PlastiDip. Neither product gives you much choice of color, though.

Georgia-based VinylPro markets a wide variety of vinyl repair products. The website also includes several how-to videos showing the repair process.

If Vinyl Pro doesn’t have a standard color to match your tractor seat or the necessary colors to create a blend (the company can often provide a formula for a certain color), it can custom-create a color for you. You simply need to send a sample and it will supply a matching color in a bottle of the desired size or an aerosol can. There is a $35 lab fee, plus the cost of the bottle or can.

The company also offers molds to re-create the pattern in vinyl to mimic grained leather.

Tending to foam padding

The seat’s foam padding may also be damaged. In general, you have two choices if that is the case. One is to find someone who can reupholster the seat or component, such as an armrest or backrest. Or you can purchase a new one, complete with new upholstery.

A search of YouTube reveals claims you can fill small voids and holes in seat padding with the expandable spray foam used to winterize homes. After it cures, the foam can be shaped with a knife and file to match the seat or armrest con-tour. However, the repair will never be as soft as the original foam rubber.

Sources for seats and components

Due to the different types of suspension and tractor seats installed by tractor manufacturers over the years, it’s difficult to cover seat repair in anything other than general terms.

To help you with your specific repairs, here are a few sources for seats and repair components.