Mechanic's Seat Modification Thread

[jsharpphoto]

I picked this seat up at northern took today for $10 after coupon.

It seems like every store chain and website sells a similar (or identical product) with a different but equally hideous logo. Anyone else have this seat that has done anything special with it?

Some versions have a pair of vertical supports to eliminate frame-flex. Are they necessary? Does anyone have this style (without) who has bent the frame?

 

[Crfdell]

Have a similar unit never had an issue the seat pad is worn and cracked after about three years worth of use.. Never had any flex in the frame BTW 200 lb 5'10"

Weight is important consideration.

I like the height the castors and enjoy using this for detailing my bikes or working on brakes changing tires and the tray its convenient to drop fasteners to avoid the dreaded roll under the tool box black hole never to be found lost bolt storage. lol.

 

[jsharpphoto]

I guess it's slightly troubling that this photo is taken from northern tool's own website...


I dug up some 3/8 threaded rod out of the garage, and some 1/2 steel tube to sheath it. I'll fab up a couple of vertical braces and give the frame a quick coat of rustoleum Anodized Brown, the color I paint just about everything.

 

[Dancing Bear]

I guess it's slightly troubling that this photo is taken from northern tool's own website...

I'm 6'1, 265 .... I highly doubt that flimsy thing would hold my a$$

 

[jsharpphoto]

I'm sure it wouldn't. It says the max weight is 250

 

[aubrey601]

Edit

 

[bazzateer]

I've got one just like it, dirt cheap off eBay. I'm about 210lb - no issues except when I sit on it the air escapes from the cushion with a farting sound! Always makes me smile, but as I'm a 12 yr old trapped in a 48 yr old body that's only to be expected!

 

[Miss_Sissy]

You got it for $10 and your ****'s only about a foot up in the air, so don't over-think it.

If you use it for a while and notice that the seat is sagging, then tell them to send you a replacement. You can think about bracing that one.

 

[jsharpphoto]

But I can't leave well enough alone.

 

[Scimmia]

Some versions have a pair of vertical supports to eliminate frame-flex. Are they necessary? Does anyone have this style (without) who has bent the frame?

Yes, but that tends to happen when you hit it with a tractor. Under normal usage, they seem to be fine.

 

[jsharpphoto]

Fresh coat of paint after the frame modification. This thing is rock solid now. It might not be the best seat in the world, but I trust it now.

 

[welder4956]

I have this one from Northern Tool and it does not flex. It's rated for 400 lbs.

 

[mrvm]

Fresh coat of paint after the frame modification. This thing is rock solid now. It might not be the best seat in the world, but I trust it now

Nice job! Should handle some serious **** force

 

[jsharpphoto]

I have this one from Northern Tool and it does not flex. It's rated for 400 lbs.

Looks like the big brother to mine. How is it holding up? Does the cup holder get much use?

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have one similar to the OP. My old spalled concrete floor all but destroyed the wheels onit. I cam eacross some casters to put on it. I welded some small plates on the bottom and then the casters. I did screw up and put them too close together though. It'll work till I come across a better one.

 

[K2Orion]

CUP HOLDER on the creeper seat. THAT'S GENIUS!!!
Why didn't I think of that?
I have a similar seat I got from Summit Racing 15 years ago. New casters and the plastic tray has been replaced by some sort of baking sheet I found in the kitchen.
But no flex out of the frame for me.

 

[BigSteve63]

Fresh coat of paint after the frame modification. This thing is rock solid now. It might not be the best seat in the world, but I trust it now.

What did you use for the supports? Was going to tack some 1" tube in mine as it flexes a bit. 6' 4", 295 lbs.

Been OK for 5-6 years. I did break the plastic tray on mine - cut a piece of thin sheet metal (joist panning for air return) in the shape of the bottom, bent up an edge in the back, and screwed it on.

 

[jsharpphoto]

Mine is 3/8 threaded rod that extends into the square tubing, with 1/2 steel tube around it. The tube does NOT extend into the square frame. If that makes sense.

I can't weld. And I had the supplies sitting around. Not the pro-way, but it works and looks good.

 

[BigSteve63]

Quick and easy? I think I have some 7/16" threaded rod left over... This may get done pretty quickly!

Great idea!

 

[1steve]

No picture but the best mod i have done is replacing the junk wheels with roller blade wheels. My creeper seat is going on 7 years with roller blade wheels. Highly recommend trying it.

 

[jsharpphoto]

No picture but the best mod i have done is replacing the junk wheels with roller blade wheels. My creeper seat is going on 7 years with roller blade wheels. Highly recommend trying it.

I hear that. I'm going to see how the stock wheels hold up. In the next six months I'm going to be installing race deck coin pattern tiles. I've heard that tile doesn't handle small wheels very well. But I don't have personal experience.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Mine is 3/8 threaded rod that extends into the square tubing, with 1/2 steel tube around it. The tube does NOT extend into the square frame. If that makes sense.

I can't weld. And I had the supplies sitting around. Not the pro-way, but it works and looks good.

How did you attach the 3/8 all thread ? How about pics showing that ?

 

[Mumbly00]

I got the coupon in the mail for northen and the seat peeked my interest. Although the ad said $9.99 after $5 coupon, but the coupon said $15 pre tax minimum purchase. Did they hassle you, or did you throw in a filler item? Just wondering if I should shop for a socket I'm missing while there.

 

[jsharpphoto]

They did question it at first, then I showed them the flyer and the did it.

The threaded rod isn't really "attached". hopefully this sketch makes sense.



In my case, using 3/8's rod, i drilled a 3/8's hole through both the top and underside of the top of the frame, below the seat. I drilled a corresponding single hole in the top of the bottom support (also drilled through the plastic tray). The threaded rod just drops straight down, aligned with the tube. The tube is too big to fit through the holes, and when the seat is reattached the rod is held in place.