View Full Version : Fold-down rear seat install


POP D TOP
Jul 5th, 00, 05:27 PM
I'm awaiting delivery of my assembly manual where I'm hoping I'll find the answers to a lot of questions. But in the meantime nothing better than personal experience so...

I have a line on Fold-down rear seat. Has anyone out there installed one in a car that came without one? Any special considerations for putting one in a convertible?

CarlC
Jul 5th, 00, 07:24 PM
I installed one in my '68 coupe. Unfortunately the assembly manual does not cover anything on fold down seats.

The seat bottom is easy. It's mounts the same as a non-fold down.

The brackets for the hinges are the most difficult part of the job. You will need to hold the seat back in position so that you can get the spacing and height of the brackets correct. The brackets have a bend in them to fit a body seam so that will help some. A second set of hands will come in handy. A MIG welder works well for the brackets.

The side panels are a piece of cake. Nothing to worry about. The hardest thing is putting the new vinyl on.

The lower trunk divider rail just welds in. Center it and set the height using the divider board.

But, mine's a coupe so yours may be different.

Here's a list of whats needed for a coupe:

Fold-down seat metal backing with hinge assy.

Upper seat (mounts to the metal backing)

Carpet (avail. aftermarket)

Center trim across the metal seat back.

LH and RH end trim pieces (each side of the center trim, shaped like a bullet with a flange).

Lower seat.

Upper latch and knob(avail. aft.)

Upper seat rubber bumpers (avail aft.)

Fold-down mounting brackets (avail. aft.)

Seat partition (avail. aft.)

Seat partition track (avail. aft.)

Arm rests and ash trays. (avail. aft.) New GM trays are available and are functional but not technically correct. Origingal trays have a wavy lid, replacements are smooth.

Side well panels (convertible.)

I thinks that's most of it besides misc. hardware.

Good luck. Hope this helps.

Carl

POP D TOP
Jul 5th, 00, 07:35 PM
Thanks Carl!

I've saved your message to keep the list. Man I'm bummed about the Assembly Manual on this, but I know it will come in handy for lots of other things.

Am I to understand the Seat BOTTOM is specific too? Or is the convertible seat (which I understand is narrower because of the top wells) I currently have usable with a folding top seat back. Any clues? Overall looks doable with ALL the right parts.

SKIP

CarlC
Jul 6th, 00, 06:01 AM
They are different in a coupe because you could have two different seat widths. If you have arm rests then you should be OK.