Bucket Seat Conversion
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Bucket Seat Conversion
I could use some advice please. I’m restoring a 69 Cutlass. I converted the front bench to buckets. I was told the buckets were from a 71 Chevelle, so they should fit any 68-72 A-body. I purchased a pair of bucket seat conversion brackets that are welded to the floor at the inner seat track near the center trans. hump. I was told one pair of brackets was for both seats. I bolted the outer bucket seat tracks to the existing floor mount holes, marked and welded the new inner track conversion brackets to the floor using the seat as the template. I thought I was done until I moved the seat. The seat hits the seat belt retractor mounted between the door and seat. The seats need to move inward to the center about ¾” to 1”.
I’m not sure what I did wrong; I watched Youtube videos and followed them to the letter. Advice please.
I’m not sure what I did wrong; I watched Youtube videos and followed them to the letter. Advice please.
#2
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
When you say the seat hits the seat belt retractor is it the seat itself or the seat adjustment lever on the buckets? If it'* the adjustment lever then I would surmise the stock olds bench had a different location for the adjustment lever or maybe even an electric seat option? The only other thing that it could be would be a different location for seat track mounting holes that olds used depending upon whether a bench or bucket seats were installed when the car was new. At any rate it sounds like you proceeded correctly using a template and all, even the best laid plans are subject to fubar. Good luck!
1971 Chevelle SS
2004 Bonne SLE
1971 Chevelle SS
2004 Bonne SLE
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Tommy C (06-03-2015)
#4
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Ok Tom, I know the part you're talking about. Those buckets use a 2 piece plastic molding to trim out the bottom parts of the seats that probably wasn't found on a bench seat. I think I would try just removing the outer trim piece that'* held in place by a few phillips head screws and see if it functions ok then and looks acceptable. If so that sure beats relocating your welds and/or drilling new holes in the floor pan especially if it has any rust issues. I certainly wouldn't try relocating the seat belt anchor bolt outboard for clearance unless a hefty reinforcing plate was welded underneath the floor pan. Oh, another thought, you might ditch the plastic cover for the seat belt reel and see if you get clearance that way, that might not look as bad as the seat with the outer lower molding removed.
1971 Chevelle SS
2004 Bonne SLE
1971 Chevelle SS
2004 Bonne SLE
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Tommy C (06-03-2015)
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I'll take the plastic off and see what is underneath. It'* not rubbing that bad, maybe I can trim something. I will kept you posted. Thanks again garagerog.
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