Changing seats in a 69

Mijbril · 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

bfit · 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

Mijbril · 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

bfit · 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

Mijbril · 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.

bfit · 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

Jethro · September 21, 2018, 05:19:50 PM

Quote from: Bfit 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

Me too, the best :)

Mijbril · 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.

Jethro · December 24, 2018, 08:08:28 PM

Quote from: Bfit 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

Amen !

sirfixalot · 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.

Lefty · December 28, 2018, 05:42:52 PM

Geoff,
Did you pack the front or the rear of the rails up, or both?
Best
Lefty

sirfixalot · 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.