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Starting interior resto. on 79

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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 07:39 AM
  #1  
spark plug's Avatar
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Default Starting interior resto. on 79

2 questions...Having trouble figuring how to remove seats. Anyone have any pictures or a step by step procedure. Also, started to remove carpet yesterday and got all the way to the back where the carpet is attached just underneath the privacy shade. I can't tell if carpet is just glued on to that rear panel or if the carpet has a lip on it that goes over the top of the panel. It got dark on me and I had to stop. I appreciate any help. I have been scared to death to start this project but after a few hours yesterday I discovered it was fun as hell. It's kind of neat doing a little reverse engineering and see how these cars were put together.
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 08:20 AM
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I have an '81 but they are the same seats so I would assume removing them is the same. Driver side is the easiest there are 4 bolts under the car, just take them off and the seat and frame will lift right out. The passenger side comes out from inside. There are 4 screw right on the seat rails that you need to remove. The 2 rear ones are a bit challenging because you dont have much room. What I did was pull the sea furthest foward and used the smallest socket wrench I had.

As for the rear carpet, it is not glued, the carpet has a plastic rail attatched to it with slides right into the rear of the car.
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 08:47 AM
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Not sure if Bubba has worked on my 79 or not but my seats are bolted from the top and inside the rails. Slide forward to get at the rear bolts and slide all the way back to get to the fronts.
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 08:55 AM
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Seats come out from the inside with a long extension and a socket on all 8 bolts.Slide tracks for access.
The rear carpet is on a formed lip at the rear under the shade.It will lift off the rail and come right out.
I just completed a COMPLETE REDO of my 79E interior due to age,excessive weight in the drivers seat,water damage,and driver's cigar damage.
The only thing I didn't replace in the interior was the steering column.
Good luck with it and ask if you need any info.Don't be surprised at 3k in expense if you have water leaks......
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 09:11 AM
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Thanks for the input, fellas. On the seats it appears some bolts go through to underneath car...don't want to go that route if I don't have to. I'll play w/ it some today before breaking for the Super Bowl.
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 09:31 AM
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Keep us posted, my carpet for my 79 came from Wilcox yesterday and I should be starting it in a couple of weeks....
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by R96IMP
Seats come out from the inside with a long extension and a socket on all 8 bolts.Slide tracks for access.
The rear carpet is on a formed lip at the rear under the shade.It will lift off the rail and come right out.
I just completed a COMPLETE REDO of my 79E interior due to age,excessive weight in the drivers seat,water damage,and driver's cigar damage.
The only thing I didn't replace in the interior was the steering column.
Good luck with it and ask if you need any info.Don't be surprised at 3k in expense if you have water leaks......


START with a 12 to 24 inch extension on your ratchet.
Slide both seats back as far as possible remove bolts exposed, then slide forward as far as possible.
Do the same for the bolts that the extension is too long to use on....it really is as easy as "just removing 8 bolts".

Also; tag and bag all interior screws/nuts and bolts...label them as to where they came from....take pictures of your progress....not just to show us, but, to remember how things go back together.

And if you need some interior parts, let me know...I have some new stuff left-over from when I restored mine....I am talking brand new!
ie; window felt, door seals, t-top gaskets, windshield wiper switch, emblems, all the way to engine parts, ie; Accell super coil and HP plug wires, radiator gaskets, dual snorkle parts, brand new GM hood felt, ect...

Yeah...I got a ton of new and perfectly good used stuff for a 79 L82, just been too much hunting to take pics and put in the for sale section....but I will sometime after Mardis Gras.

G/L and take your time.




Jim
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 10:56 AM
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[QUOTE=R96IMP;1563928354]Seats come out from the inside with a long extension and a socket on all 8 bolts.Slide tracks for access.
The rear carpet is on a formed lip at the rear under the shade.It will lift off the rail and come right out.
I just completed a COMPLETE REDO of my 79E interior due to age
The only thing I didn't replace in the interior was the steering column.
Good luck with it and ask if you need any info.Don't be surprised at 3k in expense

DEFINETLY BAG AND TAG TAKE DIGITAL PICS FOR QUICK REVIEW. I DID THIS MYSELF ALSO (WELL WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM A FRIEND WHEN IT CAME TO THE DASH AND ELECTRICAL) DOOR PANELS WERE DONE BY A SHOP. (I DIDNT WANT TO SCREW THAT UP $$$$) I DID A COLOR CHANGE ALSO. FROM RED TO DOESKIN
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 09:30 PM
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I replaced ALL the screws in my interior and completely changed the color.The original was red,now it is black.Lots easier to find matching black than 4 different shades of new,used,repro,and nos red,not to mention spray dye shade variations.Even the rear speaker covers were replaced.
BIG to Joe and Norm at WILLCOX!!!!!
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