Author Topic: Changing seats in a 69  (Read 6900 times)

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Offline Mijbril

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Changing seats in a 69
« on: September 05, 2018, 11:35:51 AM »
Am thinking of swapping out the standard seats in my 69 for the clam seats from a 79+ C3.

Fitment issues aside, which one sits higher? Head room is at a premium & so the lower I can sit, the better.

Thanks in advance, Brad

Offline bfit

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Re: Changing seats in a 69
« Reply #1 on: September 05, 2018, 02:01:01 PM »
brad
first , How tall are you

you will have to go aftermarket to get more head room
or do away with the seat tracks and gain a little extra  look at the C5/6 seats
Bfit
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Offline Mijbril

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Re: Changing seats in a 69
« Reply #2 on: September 05, 2018, 03:02:43 PM »
I'm 6'4". At the moment I tend to just drive my car when I can take the tops off as it is a bit uncomfortable otherwise, but yesterday I sat in a 79 with it's  standard clam shell seats & glass tops & it was very comfortable.

So I'm looking at a combination of both, glass tops (where there seems to be a bewildering array of choices but must be able to get an interior sun shade, my missus hates the sun. Any vendors you'd reliably recommend?) & a change in seats. Again, re aftermarket seats, a lot of information but little definitive provided about "this seat is lower than the standard seat in a 69".

So anything definitive information is very appreciated

Cheers, Brad

Offline bfit

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Re: Changing seats in a 69
« Reply #3 on: September 05, 2018, 03:25:42 PM »
I have no personal experiance with the glass tops , other than I k ow they give problems in fit and cracking.
Sun would be a problem ,IMO.
 The 69 seats are not the best for comfort, a spurt board would be better,
The later c3 seats are better ,
There is a member , Peter , he would be 6’4’’ or so, he may see this and give you some info.

Keep an eye on this
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-general/4180363-tall-guy-is-c3.html
This is a US FORUM  I was reading this today  it may give you some ideas as it progresses
Bfit

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Offline Mijbril

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Re: Changing seats in a 69
« Reply #4 on: September 05, 2018, 03:46:56 PM »
I should be grateful I don't need a tilt column to get in & out I guess, lol. I don't mind glass tops though, they make a big difference in my MR2 over a hardtop.

The 79 seats felt like sinking into the chair rather thang sitting on the chair as it is now.

Will see about lowering the seats & thanks for the help & link to the US site, I'll ask the Americans (& find Peter) some questions.

Offline bfit

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Re: Changing seats in a 69
« Reply #5 on: September 05, 2018, 03:58:26 PM »
A tilt column is a real plus. It gets the steering wheel away from your chest.
I fitted one to my 70 model , it made a the car much better.
Try to get along to the runs, you will get lots of ideas.

Bfit
I have seen too many instances where people continue to pursue wrong courses of action because they do not take the time to think critically about what has happened in the past.’’
Winston Churchill

Offline Jethro

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Re: Changing seats in a 69
« Reply #6 on: September 21, 2018, 05:19:50 PM »
A tilt column is a real plus. It gets the steering wheel away from your chest.
I fitted one to my 70 model , it made a the car much better.
Try to get along to the runs, you will get lots of ideas.

Bfit

Me too, the best :)

Offline Mijbril

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Re: Changing seats in a 69
« Reply #7 on: September 22, 2018, 12:18:46 AM »
I sat in a 79 with the clamshell seats, it was more comfortable & felt a bit lower but I know the missus would hate them as the seats can't be put more upright, they have only 1 position with respect to recline. Not a problem for me but she likes to sit more upright than I do.

Offline Jethro

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Re: Changing seats in a 69
« Reply #8 on: December 24, 2018, 08:08:28 PM »
A tilt column is a real plus. It gets the steering wheel away from your chest.
I fitted one to my 70 model , it made a the car much better.
Try to get along to the runs, you will get lots of ideas.

Bfit

Amen !

Offline sirfixalot

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Re: Changing seats in a 69
« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2018, 09:34:00 AM »
The later seats the angle can be adjusted by trial & error with fitting spacers under rear rail bolts. I fitted them to my 78 they are like chalk & cheese compared to the earlier seat . Out of our 4 cars Subaru, x-trail 78Vet  & 87 vet with recaro's the 78 is preferred touring car by my wife with a bad back. Buy the shells & tracks or parts of until you have a complete set then buy brand new foam & trim mounted ready to fit dont much around with old foam etc retimming. I have a couple of spare seat backs.

Offline Lefty

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Re: Changing seats in a 69
« Reply #10 on: December 28, 2018, 05:42:52 PM »
Geoff,
Did you pack the front or the rear of the rails up, or both?
Best
Lefty
79 vette

Offline sirfixalot

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Re: Changing seats in a 69
« Reply #11 on: December 29, 2018, 03:08:16 PM »
Depends which way you want the seat to tilt I use a washer 50mm in diameter 1.5mm thick under seat feet they have a 5/16" hole.They are washers from child restraint anchor bolts. I have them here if anyone needs some. 3mm at the floor at rear equates to a big change at top of seat. I also fit a 5/16 UNC x 1 1/4" bolt to rear anchorages from under car makes it a lot easier  to fit the seats & packing washers, then use a nut & washer on top side of seat mount. C4 seat mounts went this way.