Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding, Restoring, and Upgrading Your MJ Interior

Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding, Restoring, and Upgrading Your MJ Interior jeeps.truckstrend.com

The Jeep Comanche, affectionately known as the MJ, holds a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. This unique unibody pickup truck, built from 1986 to 1992, combined the rugged capability of a Jeep with the utility of a truck. As these vehicles age, finding replacement parts, especially interior components like seats, becomes a quest. For many owners, the search for "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale" isn’t just about replacing worn-out upholstery; it’s about preserving a piece of Jeep history, enhancing comfort, or embarking on a custom build. This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of acquiring, evaluating, and installing seats for your beloved Comanche, transforming your driving experience.

Understanding the Jeep Comanche Interior and Why Seats Matter

Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding, Restoring, and Upgrading Your MJ Interior

The Jeep Comanche shared much of its interior design with the XJ Cherokee, its SUV sibling. This means that while dedicated Comanche seats are ideal for a purist restoration, there’s also a significant overlap in compatibility with certain Cherokee seats, opening up more options for owners. Original Comanche seats typically came in various configurations:

• Standard Bench Seat: Common in base models, offering simple utility.
• Bucket Seats: Found in higher trims, providing individual comfort and often more adjustability.
• Material Options: Cloth was standard, with vinyl or limited leather options on higher trims.

Over decades of use, the original seats in many Comanches have endured significant wear and tear. Sun exposure can fade and crack upholstery, foam padding can collapse, and seat frames or recline mechanisms can become damaged. For the dedicated owner, good quality seats are crucial for several reasons:

• Comfort: A comfortable seat transforms long drives and off-road adventures.
• Safety: Properly functioning seatbelts and secure seat mounting are paramount.
• Aesthetics: A clean, well-maintained interior significantly boosts the vehicle’s overall appeal and value.
• Authenticity: For restoration projects, finding original or period-correct seats is key to maintaining the vehicle’s historical integrity.

Why Seek "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale"?

The reasons for searching for "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale" are as varied as the owners themselves:

1. Restoration Projects: Many Comanches are being lovingly restored to their former glory. Original seats, or high-quality reproductions, are essential for achieving an authentic look and feel.
2. Replacement of Worn-Out Seats: Years of use take their toll. Sagging foam, torn fabric, and broken mechanisms are common issues that necessitate a replacement for daily drivers.



3. Comfort and Ergonomic Upgrades: Some owners seek modern seats from newer Jeep models or aftermarket options to enhance driving comfort, especially for long commutes or off-road excursions.
4. Custom Builds: For those creating a unique Comanche, the seats are a fundamental component of the interior aesthetic and functionality. This might involve adapting seats from entirely different vehicles.
5. Addressing Safety Concerns: A broken seat frame or faulty recline mechanism can compromise safety. Replacing or repairing these components is non-negotiable.

Types of "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale" and Common Upgrades

When you search for "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale," you’ll primarily encounter a few categories:

1. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Comanche Seats: These are seats directly pulled from other Comanches. They offer perfect fitment and maintain originality. Availability is decreasing, and condition varies wildly. You might find bench seats, bucket seats, or even specific trim-level seats (e.g., Pioneer, Chief, Eliminator).
2. OEM Jeep Cherokee (XJ) Seats: Since the Comanche shares its platform and interior with the XJ Cherokee (1984-2001), many XJ seats are direct bolt-ins or require minimal modification. This is often the most practical and popular upgrade path due to wider availability and potential for more comfortable, later-model XJ seats.
3. OEM Seats from Other Jeep Models (ZJ, WJ, JK, JL): For those seeking significant comfort and modern features (like power adjustability, heated seats), adapting seats from Grand Cherokees (ZJ 1993-1998, WJ 1999-2004) or even Wranglers (JK 2007-2018, JL 2018+) is a common project. These swaps usually require custom fabrication of mounting brackets and often electrical work for power features.
4. Aftermarket Seats: Companies like Corbeau, Recaro, or PRP offer performance, off-road, or comfort-oriented aftermarket seats. These are universally designed and require specific mounting brackets for your Comanche, usually available from the seat manufacturer or third-party fabricators. This option provides the most customization but is often the most expensive.

Where to Find "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale"

The hunt for the perfect "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale" requires patience and a multi-pronged approach:

• Online Marketplaces:
  • eBay: A vast resource for used parts. Be specific with your search terms ("Jeep Comanche bucket seats," "XJ Cherokee seats"). Always ask for detailed photos and shipping quotes.
  • Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace: Excellent for local finds, saving on shipping. Use broad search terms for "Jeep Cherokee seats" or "Jeep parts." Be prepared to travel and inspect in person.
  • Dedicated Jeep Forums & Groups: Websites like ComancheClub.com or Facebook groups dedicated to Jeep Comanche or XJ Cherokee are invaluable. Members often post parts for sale or can point you to resources.
• Junkyards/Salvage Yards:
  • Local U-Pull-It Yards: A treasure trove for budget-conscious buyers. You physically go and pull the parts yourself. Call ahead to see if they have any XJ Cherokees or rare Comanches on site.
  • Specialized Jeep Salvage Yards: Some yards focus exclusively on Jeeps. These might be further away but often have better organized inventory and higher quality parts, though prices will be higher.
• Specialty Jeep Parts Dealers: A few online retailers specialize in used or refurbished Jeep parts. While pricier, they often offer inspected parts and sometimes warranties.
• Automotive Swap Meets & Shows: Attending events like Carlisle All-Chrysler Nationals or local 4×4 swap meets can yield unexpected finds and allow you to inspect parts directly.

Key Considerations When Buying "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale"

Before you commit to a purchase, especially when looking for "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale," keep these critical factors in mind:

1. Condition Assessment:
   • Upholstery: Look for tears, rips, excessive wear, fading, and stains. Cloth can be cleaned, but tears require repair or re-upholstery. Vinyl/leather can crack and peel.
   • Foam Padding: Check for compression, especially on the bolster and seat bottom. Sagging foam greatly reduces comfort.
   • Frame Integrity: Inspect for rust, bends, or cracks. A damaged frame is a safety hazard.
   • Mechanisms: Test the recline, slide, and any other adjustment mechanisms. Ensure they operate smoothly and lock securely.
   • Mounting Points: Verify that all mounting points are intact and not stripped.
2. Completeness: Do the seats come with the original tracks and hardware? If not, factor in the cost and effort of acquiring them. For power seats, ensure the wiring harness is included.
3. Compatibility: Confirm if the seats are bench or bucket and if they’ll fit your specific Comanche year/model without extensive modification. If buying XJ seats, generally 1984-1996 XJ seats are direct bolt-ins for 1986-1992 Comanches. 1997-2001 XJ seats may require minor modifications to the rear mounting points.
4. Color and Material Match: If you’re only replacing one seat or trying to match an existing interior, ensure the color and material are a close match.
5. Shipping Costs: Seats are bulky and heavy. Shipping can be expensive. Always get a quote before buying from a distant seller. Local pick-up is always preferred.
6. Seller Reputation: Buy from reputable sellers with good feedback. Ask for detailed photos from multiple angles, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Restoring vs. Replacing vs. Upgrading

Once you’ve found "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale," you have a decision to make:

• Restoring Your Current Seats: If your seat frames and mechanisms are solid but the upholstery and foam are worn, restoration is an option. This involves re-upholstery by a professional or DIY kit. Pros: Maintains originality, can choose custom materials. Cons: Can be expensive, time-consuming.
• Replacing with OEM Comanche/XJ Seats: Finding good condition used seats is a straightforward replacement. Pros: Easy installation, maintains factory look. Cons: Availability can be limited, condition varies, may still need minor repairs.
• Upgrading with Newer Jeep Seats or Aftermarket: This offers the best in comfort and features but requires more effort. Pros: Modern comfort, better adjustability, heated/power options. Cons: Requires fabrication of brackets, potential wiring for power seats, higher cost.

Practical Advice for Upgrades:

• XJ Seats (1984-1996): Generally a direct bolt-in. Check the seat base for the correct bolt pattern.
• XJ Seats (1997-2001): The front two bolts align, but the rear two require an adapter bracket or drilling new holes. This is a common and relatively easy modification.
• ZJ/WJ/JK/JL Seats: These almost always require custom fabrication of mounting brackets. Many online forums and YouTube videos offer guides. It’s a more involved process requiring welding skills or professional help. For power seats, you’ll need to run power and ground wires from your fuse box.

Installation Tips and Challenges

Installing "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale" can be a simple bolt-in or a complex fabrication project:

1. Preparation: Clean the area thoroughly. Check the floor for rust under the old seats.
2. Removal: Typically involves four bolts per seat. Loosen them carefully. Disconnect any wiring (for power seats or seat belt sensors).
3. Installation:
   • Align the new seat tracks with the floor mounting points.
   • Start all bolts by hand before tightening any of them to ensure proper alignment.
   • Torque bolts to factory specifications.
   • Reconnect any wiring.
4. Challenges:
   • Stripped Bolts: Common in older vehicles. Use penetrating oil or heat if necessary.
   • Rust: Floor pan rust around mounting points can be a major issue, requiring repair before seat installation.
   • Wiring: For power seats, ensure you have a proper fused power source. Consult a wiring diagram for your specific Comanche and the donor vehicle.
   • Bracket Fabrication: If adapting non-direct fit seats, ensure brackets are robust, safe, and properly welded/bolted. Safety is paramount.

Pricing Guide: Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale

Prices for "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale" vary widely based on type, condition, and seller. This table provides a general estimate:

Seat Type	Material	Condition	Estimated Price Range (USD)	Notes
OEM Comanche Bench Seat	Cloth/Vinyl	Poor (Torn, Sagging)	$50 – $150	May need full re-upholstery and foam replacement.
	Cloth/Vinyl	Fair (Worn, Faded)	$150 – $300	Usable but shows significant wear.
	Cloth/Vinyl	Good (Clean, Minor Wear)	$300 – $600	Hard to find in this condition; often includes tracks.
OEM Comanche Bucket Seats	Cloth/Vinyl	Poor (Torn, Sagging)	$100 – $250 (per pair)	Frames may be salvageable.
	Cloth/Vinyl	Fair (Worn, Faded)	$250 – $500 (per pair)	Functional but will benefit from re-upholstery.
	Cloth/Vinyl	Good (Clean, Minor Wear)	$500 – $900 (per pair)	Rare find, usually includes tracks and mechanisms.
	Leather (Rare)	Good (Intact, Minor Creases)	$800 – $1500+ (per pair)	Very rare, premium for originality and condition.
OEM XJ Cherokee Seats (1984-96)	Cloth/Vinyl	Fair (Worn)	$100 – $300 (per pair)	Direct bolt-in, most common swap.
	Cloth/Vinyl	Good (Clean)	$300 – $600 (per pair)	Excellent upgrade for comfort and availability.
OEM XJ Cherokee Seats (1997-01)	Cloth/Vinyl	Fair (Worn)	$150 – $350 (per pair)	Requires minor modification to rear mounting points.
	Cloth/Vinyl	Good (Clean)	$350 – $700 (per pair)	Popular for updated styling and comfort.
OEM ZJ/WJ/JK/JL Seats	Cloth/Leather	Good (Used)	$200 – $800 (per pair)	Requires custom fabrication for mounting; power seats need wiring.
Aftermarket Seats	Various	New	$300 – $1000+ (per seat)	Does not include mounting brackets (add $100-200 per seat).
Professional Re-upholstery	Varies	N/A	$400 – $1000+ (per seat)	Cost for materials and labor, assumes existing frame.

Note: Prices are estimates and can fluctuate based on location, seller, demand, and specific features (e.g., power vs. manual, specific trim levels).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale"

Q1: Can I put Jeep Cherokee (XJ) seats directly into my Comanche?
A1: Yes, most XJ Cherokee seats (1984-1996 models) are a direct bolt-in for the Jeep Comanche (1986-1992). For 1997-2001 XJ seats, the front two bolts align, but the rear two will require minor modification (e.g., drilling new holes or using adapter brackets).

Q2: Are power seats difficult to install in a Comanche that originally had manual seats?
A2: Installing power seats requires running a fused power wire from your Comanche’s fuse box or battery to the seat’s power harness, and ensuring a good ground. While not overly complex for someone with basic automotive wiring knowledge, it’s more involved than a simple bolt-in.

Q3: Where is the best place to find original Jeep Comanche seats?
A3: The best places are dedicated Jeep Comanche online forums (like ComancheClub.com), Facebook groups, and specialty Jeep salvage yards. eBay and Craigslist can also yield results, but finding original seats in good condition is increasingly rare.

Q4: Do all Comanche seats have the same bolt pattern?
A4: Generally, all factory Comanche front seats (bench or bucket) use the same mounting bolt pattern for their respective year range. However, if you’re swapping between a bench and buckets, you may need additional mounting points or different tracks.

Q5: Can I put rear seats in my Jeep Comanche?
A5: The Jeep Comanche is a pickup truck and was never designed with factory rear seats. While some custom builders have fabricated rear seating areas for novelty or specific purposes, it’s not a standard modification and would require significant structural changes, potentially impacting safety and legality.

Q6: What’s the difference between Comanche bench and bucket seats?
A6: Bench seats are a single, continuous seat designed to accommodate three people (though tight). Bucket seats are two separate, individual seats, offering more comfort and adjustability for the driver and passenger. The choice depends on personal preference and desired functionality.

Q7: Is it worth it to re-upholster old Comanche seats?
A7: If your original seat frames and foam are in good condition, re-upholstery is an excellent option for restoring your interior to factory fresh or even customizing it. It can be costly but is often cheaper than buying new aftermarket seats and preserves the OEM look.

Conclusion: Enhancing Your Comanche’s Comfort and Value

The search for "Jeep Comanche Seats For Sale" is more than just a transaction; it’s an investment in the comfort, safety, and longevity of a cherished classic. Whether you’re aiming for a pristine restoration, a practical daily driver upgrade, or a unique custom build, understanding the options, knowing where to look, and carefully assessing the condition are key to success.

Patience and thorough research will be your greatest allies in this quest. By choosing the right seats and approaching the installation with care, you’ll not only enhance your driving experience but also contribute to the enduring legacy of the iconic Jeep Comanche. Your MJ deserves a comfortable and stylish place for you to command the road, and the perfect seats are the foundation of that experience.