1969 Seats
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
1969 Seats
I'm getting conflicting information on the correct seats for my 1969 convertible. One source says they were all with headrests, another says it was an option. Is it possible the convertible and hardtops were different? Also, does anyone know a good supplier for the seat covers? --- with or withour headrests! Thanks in advance!
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
The headrests were an option. Check out this site. You can also check out Corvette Central for the covers.
http://www.rogerscorvette.com/specs/69.htm
http://www.rogerscorvette.com/specs/69.htm
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,640
Likes: 121
From: Farragut,TN
according to a restoation guide i have they were a mandatory option for all 69 manufactured through january 69 and were standard after that so it seems they were on all 69s according to that my 69 has them it was built in sept. 69. the 69 model run was from sept 68 through december 69 longer than usual for a model run. as for seat covers don't know there is a number avaible through various suppliers. you'll get a number of answers from others on this forum. i'm interested also. i need to change out my interior too along with the seat foam 
.
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Last edited by 694speed350; Dec 10, 2005 at 05:08 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 839
Likes: 0
From: Lewiston, Maine
Regarding the headrests, as per the Corvette Black Book, "RPO A82 (Headrests) was a required RPO early, then part of base after January 1, 1969. However, GM records indicate it could be deleted for credit." In a sense then, both of your sources are correct.
Also appearing in the Black Book there are these statistics: 22,129 coupes, and 16,633 convertibles were built. Adding these numbers together nets 38,762 cars built. The Black Book statistic shows that all 38,762 cars came with headrests. I guess nobody wanted the $17.95 credit and everyone got headrests.
Not sure about where to find seat covers exactly. Are you looking for stock or aftermarket? If you want stock seat covers, I'd try one of the various Corvette restoration companies: Eckler's, Zip, Mid-America, etc. Aftermarket? I hear Wet Okole are nice, but they're more of a "seat protector" I'd say. You can put stock seat covers over the frame, and then Wet Okole covers over the stock ones.
Also appearing in the Black Book there are these statistics: 22,129 coupes, and 16,633 convertibles were built. Adding these numbers together nets 38,762 cars built. The Black Book statistic shows that all 38,762 cars came with headrests. I guess nobody wanted the $17.95 credit and everyone got headrests.
Not sure about where to find seat covers exactly. Are you looking for stock or aftermarket? If you want stock seat covers, I'd try one of the various Corvette restoration companies: Eckler's, Zip, Mid-America, etc. Aftermarket? I hear Wet Okole are nice, but they're more of a "seat protector" I'd say. You can put stock seat covers over the frame, and then Wet Okole covers over the stock ones.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,640
Likes: 121
From: Farragut,TN
a mandatory option is what it says. blame that one on the federal gov. or more on the national department of highway safety if i remember correctly they mandated head rests or the equivelent on all 69 autos. gm could list a lower base price without the head rests and could make them as a mandatory option. rember they ran the 69 prodction through dec.69 to keep from having to meet 70 standards.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Hi
For seat covers and foams, I contacted Ironcross here from the forum.
He made me a very good offer on correct 68 style leather covers with headrests , and one thing is for sure, in 68, headrests where optional.
I had a hard time to get correct headrests and also correct seat backs with the receptacles. The Receptacles are not available aftermarket like for the 67. Wonder why ?
I haven't confirmed the order yet, but will do soon.
Günther
For seat covers and foams, I contacted Ironcross here from the forum.
He made me a very good offer on correct 68 style leather covers with headrests , and one thing is for sure, in 68, headrests where optional.
I had a hard time to get correct headrests and also correct seat backs with the receptacles. The Receptacles are not available aftermarket like for the 67. Wonder why ?
I haven't confirmed the order yet, but will do soon.
Günther
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Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Thanks to everyone for the information on the 1969 seats. It seems headrests are the way to go.
It still doesn't make sense that 100% of the 38,000+ Corvettes that year had headrests (according to the stats), either as a "mandatory option" or as standard equipment, because there are so many 69's out there without headrests. My guess is that people took the credit on the mandatory option but Chevy didn't record it as such (maybe because it was "mandatory." Weird situation.
Joe
It still doesn't make sense that 100% of the 38,000+ Corvettes that year had headrests (according to the stats), either as a "mandatory option" or as standard equipment, because there are so many 69's out there without headrests. My guess is that people took the credit on the mandatory option but Chevy didn't record it as such (maybe because it was "mandatory." Weird situation.
Joe