The problem with the design was there was still a partition between the trunk so there wasn't really any added space for large items (cargo). The main benefit was the rear seat could be folded down to protect the upholstery if needed.

 

Pretty sure you could get the fold down through 69. I have a 67 and the 68 version has a different latch, not sure about 69. Maybe someone knows for sure.

 

RPO A67 Seat; folding rear was available for all 3 years of first gens... 4,397 ($42.15) in '69, 7,384 ($42.15) in 68 and 17,997 ($31.67) in '67... As stated no pass-through to trunk. Most likely just became less desirable after buyers saw the price increase and it's functionality in '67...

 

I agree with Dennis, Not much use for one. I will say that during my restoration I had the partition out and hauled a 8' two by six home from the lumber yard with the trunk closed. Other than that I can't recall having it down and sitting stuff on it.

Jeff

 

The fold down rear seat option for the 1st gen Camaros seemed like a good idea considering the cramped space of the trunk and rear seat areas.


However, GM quietly discontinued for the 1968 model year.


Does anybody know why?

Hmm...according to the RPO codes list - A67/Folding Rear Seat was available in all three years - 67 thru 69. :thumbsup:

 

Basically this option turned the back seat into a 'package shelf'.... which isn't bad given that the back seat is practically 'unusable' for any but small limber and flexible people..

 

Basically this option turned the back seat into a 'package shelf'.... which isn't bad given that the back seat is practically 'unusable' for any but small limber and flexible people..

Yes I like this idea but not enough to convert my non-folding rear seat. If I were to again build a first gen I might include this unique option.


Andrew

 

Attached a photo I found on an eBay add. I like the idea for utilizing the area for transporting small items but as said before I don't like it enough to now install one.

 

I like having the seat in my 67 just because it's something different and nobody sits back there anyway. If you do need a seat just flip it up.I rarely see one at any of the local cars shows I go to and get a lot of comments about it.

 

I had a 69 SS ragtop hugger orange with a fold down rear seat back in the late 70's! Been looking for the car ever since!!!:frown2:

 

Was it a 396? I think I saw it at E-town drag strip many years ago I have a fold down seat for my SS vert too, will make a useful shelf for parades!

 

I remember reading in some publication where the 67 fold down back had a "fault" due to the way the seat securing mechanism was designed in 67 where the latches were only spring steel and had a tendency of not holding too well during emergency stopping. Kids in booster seats could be hurt by the weight of the seat back falling onto them during rapid deceleration, therefore the latching system was redesigned in 68 & 69.

The seat back on a 67 was different from the 68 & 69 by looking at the upper-left corner of the back itself. There was a "full corner" on the 67, where the 68 & 69 had that part of the seat cut inward giving access to the redesigned latch. This new latching mechanism corrected the possibility of the seat falling during rapid deceleration.

Its obvious when you see it.

Hope that explains things....

 

Car seats or booster seats in the '60s were designed to keep the child from climbing around the car not to protect them in the event of a crash. It wasn't until the mid '70s that folks started seeing them as safety devices...

I'd be interested in reading more about booster seats playing a part in the latch re-design.

 

The spring clips on th 67 do very little to secure the seat back. They hold it up but it's very easy to release it and it's probably twice as heavy as the standard seat back.

 

My first '68 had the fold-down seat and I liked it for hauling small stuff. I didn't use it often though.

 

I have one in my 67 RS SS conv. I think it's more useful in a convertible because you can put the top down and put things too big for the trunk in. Went out to the garage and took a couple pics.

 

Hey Chuck

My 1969 SSRS with the Fold Down Seat option.

My Biggest complaint is that the Release/ Latch is on the Passengers Side, Any one have a reason for this.

It is Not easy to access, one time I unlatched it and pulled it forward a bit, walked around to pull down, stuff was on the seat. Reached for the Back and it "popped" back and Latched Closed - Dough !!!

Timmy

 

Hey Chuck

My 1969 SSRS with the Fold Down Seat option.

My Biggest complaint is that the Release/ Latch is on the Passengers Side, Any one have a reason for this.

It is Not easy to access, one time I unlatched it and pulled it forward a bit, walked around to pull down, stuff was on the seat. Reached for the Back and it "popped" back and Latched Closed - Dough !!!

Timmy

My .02 on that subject is they didn't want your door oopen and butt hanging in traffic while you reached in to release it.

I see you have comfortweave on your fold down like I have on mine. I wonder how many were built this way as I don't see many cars with comfortweave or fold down seats.

Jeff