Too Slow '90

Are they the same seat other than the optional headrest which became standard in '69?

Eckler's

1968 was the last year for low back seats. 69 had more of a straight back if I remember correctly. And you are correct 68 the headrest was optional and standard in 69.

Easy Mike

Yes.

Too Slow '90

Thanks.

20mercury

The seat release changed during 68 too.

Seat release was lower in early 68, changed to a higher position around s/n425200 in late 68 for easier access.

Easy Mike

True, but early 68 seats will slip right into a 69 and 69 seats will drop right into a 68.

Too Slow '90

That's what I was looking for. Thanks.

68/70Vette

The answer to the OP has been given. Just a follow up..

I wanted to have head rests on my 68. Didn't want my spine to be so easily snapped in the case of a rear end collision.

The 68 and 69 seat bottom frames are the same. The 69 and 68 seat back frames. The 69 seat back frames have provisions for the head rest. The 69 frames also have two nutplates welded in the top to mount the seat back shoulder belt retainer clips. Yes, as stated in a post above, the position of the lever you push up to tilt the seat back forward is different on the 69. Next Al Knoch is your friend. Several years ago, he bought the original tooling to make the factory headrests. I bought donor headrests on ebay and sent it to Al. He needed the chrome plated metal piece core for each head rest. Forget how much I paid for the head rests. I also bought the seat back shoulder belt retainer clips on ebay....about $215 for a pair. I later found out Al...this is several years ago...said he would have sold them to me for about $90. Knoch replaced the foam on the 68 seats and covered them with leather.

Too Slow '90

Thanks for the in depth answer. I just grabbed a set of '69's. My '68 came with '78 seats and I too wanted the headrests. They will be getting wrapped in leather. It's a bit of a bastard child so it does not have to be original but I would like to be close.

Ironcross

The pattern for a 68 is not as a 69 or different regardless of the seat frames....sharp eyes could notice it...

terrys6t8roadster

The seat covers are also different between the 8&9. Comfort weave for 68 and basket weave for 69. Or did I get that backwards. T

Too Slow '90

I guess the real question is the frames. Can I install '68 covers on the '69 frames? I was going to install Recaro's out of a 911 or C5 seats until I found the '69 seats.

Alan 71

Hi,
I believe 'basket weave' in 68 and then 'comfort weave' in 69 and onward.
Regards,
Alan

panicman

Can headrest be added to early 68 seats with out redoing the seat covers?

loup68

68 Seat backs do not have the means to hold the headrest, if they were the standard seat. Lou.

terrys6t8roadster

Yes, the seat frames are the same, there are some changes to the 69, headrest and provision for the shoulder belt retainer.
In 68 there is an early and late chair, the early had the seat back release low and the late is same as 69 and up. T
Was going to put an ad here for some OEM 68 covers but decided not to.

Too Slow '90

To buy or sell? Mine is an early car but I am not concerned about the correct covers for the production time.

terrys6t8roadster

Sell, they are just hanging around looking for a good home. Very reasonable and in good shape. I have the chairs that came out of the 6t8 and I think the foams, I was going to recover, but it's been over 2+ years and I'll probably never get to it. T

crf311

Seat track mounting bolt holes are different. Where the racks mount to the floor.

Procrastination Racing

The '68 has a cross weave pattern that is at 45 degree angles to the seat.






The '69 has an almost straight mini-ribbed appearance, although it is still cross weaved. I think it's weave is straight up and down though.