Original Seat Shims?
Thread Starter
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 360
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
Original Seat Shims?
Hi guys,
Does anyone know how many seat shims came with the purchase of an early C3? I have an original bag (kinda beat up) and 8 original washers are inside. Is that all that was supposed to be in there?
Thanks, john
Does anyone know how many seat shims came with the purchase of an early C3? I have an original bag (kinda beat up) and 8 original washers are inside. Is that all that was supposed to be in there?
Thanks, john
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,606
Likes: 839
From: PA
John,
I can tell you that the 1970-1972 cars came with 8 circular washers (very cheap industrial zinc plating) and 4 rectangular plates (phosphate plated) in a cloth bag.
I seem to recall that you have a 1969... I imagine that the there would be a difference as the locking mechanism for the seat is a bit different. I would say 4 circular washers and 4 (much smaller) rectangular plates.
Semper Fi!
Stan Falenski
I can tell you that the 1970-1972 cars came with 8 circular washers (very cheap industrial zinc plating) and 4 rectangular plates (phosphate plated) in a cloth bag.
I seem to recall that you have a 1969... I imagine that the there would be a difference as the locking mechanism for the seat is a bit different. I would say 4 circular washers and 4 (much smaller) rectangular plates.
Semper Fi!
Stan Falenski
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi AJ,
Here's a good picture of the 68-69 shims from Dobbins' 68-72 Fact Book. A lot of very good info in all his pictures!
They appear to be very much as Stan described.
The 70-72 'plates' are about 2 1/2 times the length and have radiused corners.
Regards,
Alan
Here's a good picture of the 68-69 shims from Dobbins' 68-72 Fact Book. A lot of very good info in all his pictures!
They appear to be very much as Stan described.
The 70-72 'plates' are about 2 1/2 times the length and have radiused corners.
Regards,
Alan
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,606
Likes: 839
From: PA
Nice photo Alan!
Interesting to note, the plates for the 1968-1969 appear to be zinc plated. All of the plates that I've seen for 1970-1972 have been phosphate plated.
Are your long plates phosphate plated Alan? You're one of the few folks here that bought your car new... And still have it!
Regards,
Stan
Interesting to note, the plates for the 1968-1969 appear to be zinc plated. All of the plates that I've seen for 1970-1972 have been phosphate plated.
Are your long plates phosphate plated Alan? You're one of the few folks here that bought your car new... And still have it!
Regards,
Stan
Thread Starter
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 360
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
John,
I can tell you that the 1970-1972 cars came with 8 circular washers (very cheap industrial zinc plating) and 4 rectangular plates (phosphate plated) in a cloth bag.
I seem to recall that you have a 1969... I imagine that the there would be a difference as the locking mechanism for the seat is a bit different. I would say 4 circular washers and 4 (much smaller) rectangular plates.
Semper Fi!
Stan Falenski
I can tell you that the 1970-1972 cars came with 8 circular washers (very cheap industrial zinc plating) and 4 rectangular plates (phosphate plated) in a cloth bag.
I seem to recall that you have a 1969... I imagine that the there would be a difference as the locking mechanism for the seat is a bit different. I would say 4 circular washers and 4 (much smaller) rectangular plates.
Semper Fi!
Stan Falenski
I have a 68 and 69 and these are not original to either. I bought some parts for my 69 and this bag and washers was in the box. I figured there was more to it than just those washers. Thanks very much as always for your help.
Semper Fi, John
Thread Starter
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 360
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
Yes it appears those are the washers that were in the bag but I don't have the rectangular plates. The ones I have appear to be phosphate as well. Thanks again, john
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
Here are the original shims from my 71.
It's pretty easy to tell the originals from the reproductions.
The washers have a distinct lip on the underside left I guess from the manner in which they were produced.
The plates have a distinct 'shoulder' on their 'top' side; again I guess because of the way they were produced.
I kept the shims but lost the bag many years ago to a moment of stupidity!
Some one on this forum actually sent me an original bag!!!
Regards,
Alan
Notice the difference in the size of the holes in these washers compared to the holes in the 68-69 washers.
Here are the original shims from my 71.
It's pretty easy to tell the originals from the reproductions.
The washers have a distinct lip on the underside left I guess from the manner in which they were produced.
The plates have a distinct 'shoulder' on their 'top' side; again I guess because of the way they were produced.
I kept the shims but lost the bag many years ago to a moment of stupidity!
Some one on this forum actually sent me an original bag!!!
Regards,
Alan
Notice the difference in the size of the holes in these washers compared to the holes in the 68-69 washers.
Last edited by Alan 71; Mar 4, 2015 at 08:25 PM.
Thread Starter
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 360
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
Hi,
Here are the original shims from my 71.
It's pretty easy to tell the originals from the reproductions.
The washers have a distinct lip on the underside left I guess from the manner in which they were produced.
The plates have a distinct 'shoulder' on their 'top' side; again I guess because of the way they were produced.
I kept the shims but lost the bag many years ago to a moment of stupidity!
Some one on this forum actually sent me an original bag!!!
Regards,
Alan
Notice the difference in the size of the holes in these washers compared to the holes in the 68-69 washers.
Here are the original shims from my 71.
It's pretty easy to tell the originals from the reproductions.
The washers have a distinct lip on the underside left I guess from the manner in which they were produced.
The plates have a distinct 'shoulder' on their 'top' side; again I guess because of the way they were produced.
I kept the shims but lost the bag many years ago to a moment of stupidity!
Some one on this forum actually sent me an original bag!!!
Regards,
Alan
Notice the difference in the size of the holes in these washers compared to the holes in the 68-69 washers.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi 7T1,
Several of the larger venders sell a bag that's very similar to the original.
It's a slightly different size than the originals and I believe either the stitching or tie-string isn't quite the right color.
Regards,
Alan
Several of the larger venders sell a bag that's very similar to the original.
It's a slightly different size than the originals and I believe either the stitching or tie-string isn't quite the right color.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
I have to ask about the rear mounting holes. My 71 vert has only one rear hole for each track. Outboard location. All appears to be original. What giver there?
And according to the pics above, early seats have closer spaced holes?
And according to the pics above, early seats have closer spaced holes?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi m,
The washers and plates are used under the seat backs, not under the seat tracks.
I can understand what you're thinking though. These decrease the angle of the seat back; under the rear of the tracks would tip the whole seat up.
Regards,
Alan
One washer under each bolt and the plate in the middle.
The washers and plates are used under the seat backs, not under the seat tracks.
I can understand what you're thinking though. These decrease the angle of the seat back; under the rear of the tracks would tip the whole seat up.
Regards,
Alan
One washer under each bolt and the plate in the middle.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
For those folks who are very tall (over 6'3"), any shims between seat and seat back should be removed. If more tilt back is needed for headroom, spacers (1/4" to 1/2") and longer bolts could be used at the FRONT track mounting locations, as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
I didn't receive any shim packs for either my 68 or 70, bought used. I'm 6' 2" and I don't think they could help me. I have seat back all the way and it's OK. I can't recline seat back since it's already on the back compartment upright. I have size 12 shoes, so I drive my 68 with my shoes off. I don't drive my 70 yet, but the previous 69 also resulted in me driving it with my shoes off. I really don't feel comfortable driving these early C3's with size 12 shoes. My 68 has manual brakes. I prefer operating the brakes, and also the clutch, with bare feet (in socks). I wrap my toes around the tops of the pedals. A lot more clutch/brake control and I don't have to worry about my feet slipping off the pedal.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi 68/70,
Try this it helped me… 6'2" but not size 12s.
Remove the bottom 'bolts'. This allows the 'pads' to sit on the seat bottom.
Move the seat one 'click' forward which allows the seat back to recline.
The overall gain in room/postion seemed worth the one 'click'.
Regards,
Alan
Try this it helped me… 6'2" but not size 12s.
Remove the bottom 'bolts'. This allows the 'pads' to sit on the seat bottom.
Move the seat one 'click' forward which allows the seat back to recline.
The overall gain in room/postion seemed worth the one 'click'.
Regards,
Alan