1980 Seats
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,708
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From: North Carolina
Re: 1980 Seats (mrbeaubo)
go to ecklers.com and look for 1980 parts, then seats, it will have a couple pictures in there. The big difference between 98 and earlier years, is the bottom of the seat goes about half way up your back, then it breaks, and then the top part of the seat that is adjustable. On earlier models, the break in the seat is where most car seats break. Does that make since? I don't know why they did it, but Im sure someone does.
Daniel
Daniel
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 2
From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS
St. Jude Contributor
Re: 1980 Seats (daniel77350)
Almost right, Daniel. The top part of the 78PC-82 seat isn't adjustable though, which has always annoyed me (I've got '79 seats in my '78SA). I've always wished I could adjust it more upright.
JB
'78SA
JB
'78SA
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Re: 1980 Seats (JB)
The break in the back allows you easier access to the rear compartment of the vette. The earlier seats just barely get out of the way. The clamshell design of the 78-82 seats allow them to fold flat and thus easy access. Hope this helps.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: 1980 Seats (JB)
JB, you said "The top part of the 78PC-82 seat isn't adjustable though, which has always annoyed me (I've got '79 seats in my '78SA). I've always wished I could adjust it more upright."
While you can't adjust the seat back, you can tilt the entire seat by using washers between the seat mounting bracket and the floor pan of the car. Just install a bunch of washers on the rear two seat mounting holes, and this will help bring the seat back forward. I used the big 'fender' washers on mine and it helped improve the seat back position on my '81.
While you can't adjust the seat back, you can tilt the entire seat by using washers between the seat mounting bracket and the floor pan of the car. Just install a bunch of washers on the rear two seat mounting holes, and this will help bring the seat back forward. I used the big 'fender' washers on mine and it helped improve the seat back position on my '81.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: 1980 Seats (mrbeaubo)
Mrbeaubo -- the seats you want are standard 1979-82 Corvette split back bucket seats which were introduced in the '78 Pace Cars. With the exception of those with the 81-82 electric seat option, they are a direct bolt in for pre-79 Sharks. Get the seat tracks when you buy your seats. If you purchase seat upholstery, follow the directions for measuring the bolsters. Apparently there was a running change and there are two widths to the bolsters. Upholstery is sized according to the width. Good luck.
:)
[Modified by Easy Mike, 11:43 AM 10/19/2001]
:)
[Modified by Easy Mike, 11:43 AM 10/19/2001]
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Re: 1980 Seats (Aeroshark)
The colour is "doeskin" actually. ;) These seat cushions came from Al Knoch in Texas. They have the 4" bolsters rather than the 2 1/2" that I had originally. I have been very pleased with them.
P.S.-The "bolsters" are the side cushions. Here is the 4" measurement. Others with these seats will find the bolsters to be 2 1/2". I do not know why or when this difference was introduced by GM. But the various Corvette suppliers do refer to this difference when placing an order.
[Modified by paul79, 3:17 PM 10/18/2001]
P.S.-The "bolsters" are the side cushions. Here is the 4" measurement. Others with these seats will find the bolsters to be 2 1/2". I do not know why or when this difference was introduced by GM. But the various Corvette suppliers do refer to this difference when placing an order.
[Modified by paul79, 3:17 PM 10/18/2001]
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 1980 Seats (MotorHead)
Where did you have them redone? What did it cost you? Leather? My seats look great except for the left drivers bolster (just learned that word..:p: ) which is torn. I hate to replace both seat covers but I don't think I could do just the drivers bottom section of the seat.. I'm looking for options. Has anyone done them or do most people give it to the professionals..
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,040
Likes: 672
From: FL
Re: 1980 Seats (Koz)
Here is a pic of '81 (I believe) seats in my '75.
The tracks from the seat would not fit my floor pan. So I used the '75 tracks and fabricated a spacer to duplicate the part of the track where it bolts to the seat.
Got this set from Pacific Corvette near Seattle which is a recycler. Whole setup (buckets, cushions, hinges, etc) cost me $600.
It is hard to see but these are cloth seats. They are much more comfortable when it gets hot out than the original leather and you don't stick to them. I think the only way to get cloth is at a recycler because the catalogs only seem to carry leather covers.
[Modified by SteveG75, 4:16 PM 10/18/2001]
The tracks from the seat would not fit my floor pan. So I used the '75 tracks and fabricated a spacer to duplicate the part of the track where it bolts to the seat.
Got this set from Pacific Corvette near Seattle which is a recycler. Whole setup (buckets, cushions, hinges, etc) cost me $600.
It is hard to see but these are cloth seats. They are much more comfortable when it gets hot out than the original leather and you don't stick to them. I think the only way to get cloth is at a recycler because the catalogs only seem to carry leather covers.
[Modified by SteveG75, 4:16 PM 10/18/2001]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 2
From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS
St. Jude Contributor
Re: 1980 Seats (john's '81 mouse)
Excellent idea! That's the sort of thing where I smack myself on the forehead and go "duh"! If I can get about an inch of tilt forward, I think the seat will feel a lot more comfortable.
JB
'78SA
JB
'78SA
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Re: 1980 Seats (Koz)
The seat cushions come pre-sewed on new foam from Al Knoch (see below). You just pop them into the plastic seat frames. They were about $650.00US two years ago.
A friend with a 1991 had the outer driver's seat bolster replaced by a local upholstery company. They dismantle the seat, do a computer analysis of the colour, dye new leather and sew it back together. I do not know the cost but local furniture companies selling leather couches can point you in the right direction. They get inquiries re stains, cigarette burns and the like on a regular basis.
http://www.flash.net/~alknoch/
A friend with a 1991 had the outer driver's seat bolster replaced by a local upholstery company. They dismantle the seat, do a computer analysis of the colour, dye new leather and sew it back together. I do not know the cost but local furniture companies selling leather couches can point you in the right direction. They get inquiries re stains, cigarette burns and the like on a regular basis.
http://www.flash.net/~alknoch/
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Re: 1980 Seats (mrbeaubo)
Too much time on my hands tonight perhaps and I do not wish to start another Zaino thread but this product does a fine job of protecting your leather/vinyl investments.
[Modified by paul79, 10:01 PM 10/18/2001]
[Modified by paul79, 10:01 PM 10/18/2001]
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,519
Likes: 1
From: Plant City Florida
Re: 1980 Seats (daniel77350)
go to ecklers.com and look for 1980 parts, then seats, it will have a couple pictures in there.
Daniel
Daniel