Ford F100 Restomod Seats - New, Used and Custom
Line up a set of modern S550 or S650 Mustang seats next to a 50-year-old factory bench, and the upgrade path becomes obvious. The original Ford F-100 bench seats from the mid-century era offer plenty of nostalgia, but they severely lack side bolstering, lumbar support, and modern ergonomic adjustments. Swapping in modern Mustang bucket seats transforms the driving experience of a classic truck, giving you the comfort of a modern daily driver while preserving the vintage aesthetic.
However, modernizing your interior isn't a simple bolt-in drop across the board. Thanks to aftermarket solutions from companies like Fat Fender Garage, the swap is entirely achievable—provided you know your truck's generation, floor pan quirks, and cab limitations. Here is everything you need to know to pull off an S550 or S650 Mustang seat swap in a classic Ford F-100.
F-100 Seat Swap Bracket Compatibility by Generation
Before you pull your factory seat out or order a set of modern buckets, you need to map out your truck's vintage. Ford's cab designs evolved significantly between 1953 and 1979, meaning floor pan contours and installation methods vary wildly.
| F-100 Generation | Model Years | Fat Fender Garage Bracket Support | Installation Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Generation (Fat Fender) | 1953–1956 | Supported | Requires drilling new mounting holes and using under-floor mounting plates. |
| 3rd & 4th Generation (The Fridge & Slick Sixties) | 1957–1966 | Not Supported (Custom Fabrication Required) | No off-the-shelf bracket solution available; custom brackets must be fabricated. |
| 5th Generation (Bumpside) | 1967–1972 | Supported | CNC-cut to match floor contours; requires professional welding to the floor pan. |
| 6th Generation (Dentside) | 1973–1979 | Supported (Standard Cabs only) | Bolt-in installation using factory locations and provided hardware. |
A Note on the 1957–1966 Gap
If your project truck falls into the 1957–1966 range, pay close attention. Fat Fender Garage does not currently manufacture production brackets for these specific model years. Tackling an S550 or S650 seat swap into a '57–'66 cab will require custom-fabricated adapter brackets to safely secure the tracks to the floor ribs.
Key Installation Hurdles & Considerations
Swapping high-back bucket seats with power tracks into an older pickup involves more than just bolting metal to metal. Keep these critical factors in mind before starting the project:
- The In-Cab Gas Tank Obstacle: Up until 1972 (and on select later models), Ford placed the fuel tank directly inside the cab right behind the seat. If the truck still utilizes the factory in-cab tank, you will have virtually zero room to recline a modern Mustang bucket seat. Many restorers solve this by moving the fuel tank to the rear under-bed position.
- Cab Width & Shoulder Clearance: S550 and S650 seats feature pronounced, aggressive side bolsters. In narrower early cabs (like the '53–'56 models), these bolsters sit exceptionally close to the doors and the B-pillar. Always double-check your horizontal clearance if you plan to run a full custom center console between the seats.
- Power Seat Wiring: A simple 12 volt power and ground hookup gets all motor functions of the S550 and S650 seats working.
- Heated & Cooled Seat Wiring: There are a handful of kits on the market that allow you to enable this feature.
Summary Checklist for Your Swap Project
- Identify your exact F-100 generation and verify floor pan bracket availability.
- Check the location of your fuel tank—relocate to the rear if you want full seat recline functionality.
- Acquire the correct S550 or S650 seat assembly and matching floor adapter brackets.
- Confirm whether your installation requires professional welding (Bumpsides) or direct bolting (Dentsides).
- Plan your electrical wiring approach for power tracks and auxiliary seat features.
