[rogerh]

Waiting for the malletless video presentation.

It’s sad that was the only video I could find. I wish one of these guys that feel they have a good technique, could make a video we could fall back on.

 

[SY1]

Maybe this helps. The latch is very crude to say the least. Maybe the poor quality control is why some struggle more than others. The two hooks aren't even symetrical. Probably doesn't require as much downward force as it does rearward. I may be applying more down force than necessary. But then I never studied it this close bc never had too much trouble after the first one in 81.

 

[SY1]

Not to hijack the thread, but for the guys who have done it numerous times, is there a trick to getting the rear seat back to "latch" on the package shelf clips and sliding the two "fingers" at the bottom of the seat back into the slots? LOL... I can get one side fine but I think I need someone on the other side pushing back maybe? The rear seat bottom isn't too bad if you use your knees and brace your foot against the base of the front seat.

Mike I struggled with seat back as well, tough getting all 3 upper hooks engaged without help, tight fit. The 2 lower weren't bad, realizing the tabs bend easily to align.

 

[fairfax1000]

Maybe this helps. The latch is very crude to say the least. Maybe the poor quality control is why some struggle more than others. The two hooks aren't even symetrical. Probably doesn't require as much downward force as it does rearward. I may be applying more down force than necessary. But then I never studied it this close bc never had too much trouble after the first one in 81.

View attachment 303847
View attachment 303845
View attachment 303846

Flux Capacitor 2.0

 

[MD69]

To the OP’s point, we’re not all strong enough or limber enough to muscle it out. The jack idea works even better than my pry bar idea. Couldn’t get it back in with the pry bar. The bottle jack idea was really easy, the best idea of the bunch for both taking it out and putting it back in and I tried muscle, mallet, pry bar and jack. The only trick was to make sure the 2x4 in the front is wide enough to extend across both front seat mounts. Jack it enough and push down on the back seat and it noticeably locks into place. Genius!

 

[fast_in_muskoka]

Great pictogram !

The main trick is knowing what has to happen down there . . .

Maybe this helps. The latch is very crude to say the least. Maybe the poor quality control is why some struggle more than others. The two hooks aren't even symetrical. Probably doesn't require as much downward force as it does rearward. I may be applying more down force than necessary. But then I never studied it this close bc never had too much trouble after the first one in 81.

View attachment 303847
View attachment 303845
View attachment 303846

 

[Vega$69]

To the OP’s point, we’re not all strong enough or limber enough to muscle it out. The jack idea works even better than my pry bar idea. Couldn’t get it back in with the pry bar. The bottle jack idea was really easy, the best idea of the bunch for both taking it out and putting it back in and I tried muscle, mallet, pry bar and jack. The only trick was to make sure the 2x4 in the front is wide enough to extend across both front seat mounts. Jack it enough and push down on the back seat and it noticeably locks into place. Genius!
View attachment 303856

I would put towels in between the 2x4 and the seats. You can use a small block and do 1 side at a time.

 

[57vette]

Mike I struggled with seat back as well, tough getting all 3 upper hooks engaged without help, tight fit. The 2 lower weren't bad, realizing the tabs bend easily to align.

Dave... I had my knee replaced (motorcycle accident) about 8 years ago, took almost 5 years before I could kneel on that knee without discomfort. Seems to be OK now, but I remember the rehab was brutal when stretching the ligaments. But the therapist said don't stop stretching for 6-9 months even after its not painful. Now I don't even notice anything in that knee.

Never thought about bending those wire tabs on the seat back. I still think its a 2-person job to latch the top, but with the tabs bent towards the trunk a little, that might help a ton getting the top set. Thanks for the tip and the diagrams.

 

[SY1]

Yeah really need to know maintain

Great pictogram !

The main trick is knowing what has to happen down there . . .

Exactly! Stay ahead of how that spring steel rod is going to react to your guiding it and you win.

 

[ilikeike]

I’ve always used the knee method on my old GM cars.

 

[fast_in_muskoka]

me too

I’ve always used the knee method on my old GM cars.