Clam Shell Seat Question

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May 1, 2017 | 11:12 PM

DSchaefe

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Pro

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 534

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From: Cave Creek AZ

Clam Shell Seat Question

I am thinking of getting some 79-82 clam shell seats for my 71 Vert. Will the seat tracks on my current original seats work on the 79-82 seats? Or do I have to buy newer tracks?

Anyone who has done this conversion chime in with Dos and Don'ts...

Thanks in advance.

May 2, 2017 | 12:09 AM

SPCL FX

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2017

Posts: 1,054

Likes: 212

From: Kissimmee Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSchaefe

Don't know how much help this is but I have a 77 that I'm going to run with a set of 79 clamshell leather seats and everyone that replied to me about that same question was I had to use my original seat tracks and they should bolt right up! Good luck!

May 5, 2017 | 11:43 AM

ted13b

Racer

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 281

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From: Holbrook MA

One other question on the clamshell seats; do they raise the driver higher than the stock 77 seats? I'm 6' 1", and the stock seats are OK, but I wouldn't want to sit any higher in the car if I made the swap.

May 5, 2017 | 05:33 PM

69Vett

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2007

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From: Austin Texas

Corvette of the Year Winner 2017

2016 C3 of Year Finalist

clam shell seat track mounting is shorter distance, than the early 69 type seats.
you should be able to mod your original tracks to fit the clam shell seats.

Jul 26, 2017 | 05:48 PM

Dreadknot

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Joined: Apr 2015

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ted13b

I'm LITERALLY wanting to pull the trigger on this. Did you ever finish the swap? Im very curious on the height issue as well.

Jul 27, 2017 | 04:57 AM

The13Bats

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 11,608

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From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreadknot

I'm LITERALLY wanting to pull the trigger on this. Did you ever finish the swap? Im very curious on the height issue as well.

Its been a while since i sat on the early c3 seats, i love the late c3 clamshell seats, i was thrilled my 69 had them when i got it, you sit in not on them,
If they raise seating at all i didnt notice and im 6 foot 2

Jul 27, 2017 | 06:53 AM

Easy Mike

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2000

Posts: 38,923

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Use your 71 seat tracks on the 79-82 seats. Do not get the 81-82 power driver's seat. It won't fit without serious floor pan surgery.

Aug 22, 2017 | 01:21 PM

rogernison

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 110

Likes: 10

Clam shell seats

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSchaefe

I put '82 seats in my '69 back in the '80's used the '82 seat tracks but they don't bolt down in back. Also changed the drivers seat non-power.
I haven't wanted to modify the original seat tracks but have considered making adapter plates for the '82 seat tracks.
Just an aside, I am just south of Chandler in Sun Lakes.