I know that seat tracks changed throughout the years on the C-3 corvettes but I am not as certain about the seat frames. 1968-1978 appear to be the same I believe, and 79-82 are the same but different than the 68-78. If I have 1978 seat frames will they work for other years 68-78?

Just checking in with this group to see what you say.

Thank you.

David Howard
AllVettes4Me

 

68 and 69 have short seat backs and separate head rests. 70-78 are high back buckets with the head rest incorporated into the seat back. With the exception of seat belt trim, they are the same. Pace Cars are the exception for 78. 79-82 are the clam shell seats introduced on the Pace Cars. All will swap between model years depending on seat tracks used with the exception of the 81-82 power driver's seat. Those will not swap in the earlier cars or between 81-82s without the option because the power motor rack required floor board modifications.

 

Now that was a great answer. Thank you very much sir.

 

Mike,

The only exception is on the 1970-1975 seat backs with shoulder harness. The seat frames had a set of holes in them and a different upper bracket which makes it pretty much impossible to convert a standard set of frames to a shoulder harness set of frames without this extra bracket and holes. I can do it.. but time is money.

So, lets just say it's cheaper on the customer for us to purchase a used shoulder harness back than it is to try to convert one that didn't have this option.... I just ran into this in my shop last week.

All the frames have the holes in them for the seat back molding, (there are three) from 1970-1978... it's those rectangular extra holes for the belts to pass through as well as the additional brackets that screwed into the seat back that make the difference. If needed I should have some pictures somewhere.

1970-1978, the biggest difference is the adjusters and adjuster brackets which varied. I'd have to research this to know for sure what years fit what... I don't remember off the top of my head. Some adjusters had flat rods, some had round... flat tended to be the 1970-1975 style, round 76-78... But the brackets are the one key to knowing if the seat will actually fit the car.

There are a few other slight differences in the lower frames but nothing that wouldn't allow you to install any 70-78 cover on them.

Ernie

 

That makes sense. Thank you Ernie.
David

 

David.. If you need me to break it down i will

Just message me at service@willcoxcorvette.com i will.

E

 

The seat adjuster front brackets were the same from 1968-1978.
The seat adjuster rear brackets were different, here are the different years.
68-72
73-74
75-78