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C5 seats in your C3

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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 06:41 AM
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Default C5 seats in your C3

Has anyone put C5 seats in there C3. I have a 1968 and was wondering if C5 seats would fit with some simple mods?
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 06:49 AM
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Lot's of us have done this over the years. Do a search and you will find numerous threads on this topic.
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 07:21 AM
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 07:58 AM
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Yes they fit. I used the C3 seat tracks as well. Little trouble getting them to bolt up but not a problem.

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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 08:33 AM
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C5 Sports Seats, bolted to the floor, no sliders to keep the height down., just brackets. Very comfy!

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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 10:45 AM
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From what I've read on the subject, you should be no taller than 5'-8" or so to utilize C-5 seats. I'm 6'-2" and I installed 81 Vette seats in my 76 and even with glass tops, my head is close to the roof panels. I'm hoping the cushions will eventually break in and give me some head room.
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 04:59 PM
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Originally Posted by RobRace10
C5 Sports Seats, bolted to the floor, no sliders to keep the height down., just brackets. Very comfy!

Is there any adjustment you can make to fit it to your size correctly or is it a one shot deal to get it just right? Did you make your own brackets?

How do your seal belts work?
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 05:32 PM
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I have C5 seats in my '72. I used the C3 seat tracks to mount them, they fit no problem, and it doesn't affect the seat belt operation. I had custom covers made for them:






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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by PUNISHER VETTE
Is there any adjustment you can make to fit it to your size correctly or is it a one shot deal to get it just right? Did you make your own brackets?

How do your seal belts work?
There is no front to back adjustment, but the seat back will still tilt for and aft. I mounted both seats as far back as I could and still get the seat back angles right. I'm 5'10 and can't imagine ever wanting to be closer to the wheel and my Daughter who is 5'6" can drive it the way I have it with no issue.

So unless you plan on having a shorter driver, it should be OK with the seat in the furthest back position. If you do want the adjust-ability then I would go with C3 sliders as that will raise them a couple inches. I believe if you want to put power C5 tracks in the floor needs to be cut and the seats will be higher by several inches.
#
I have a 5 point harness so a Shark Bar for the shoulder belts, but the seat portion mounts just as the standard C3 seats would.
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 06:26 PM
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I tried to take a side shot from the same angle as 7tsvette's car and Gordonm's car, both with C3 sliders. If you use the center console as a reference you can see the difference in the height between seats using C3 sliders and direct to the floor with brackets and no sliders.















Last edited by RobRace10; Aug 23, 2010 at 06:30 PM.
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 06:58 PM
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Do you guys just find your seats used off craigslist or something?

I saw an ad up in Chicago for some new ZO6 seats and the guy wanted $1,400 for them.

What about other aftermarket seats like sparco? are those just as good or a direct bolt on as well?
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 07:59 PM
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got both my sets off C5 "Parts for sale" section
Black are plentiful, Tan are harder to find.........

you can buy them cheaper if you either let them keep the seat tracks or resell them yourself, although shipping them with tracks installed REALLY makes them heavy if they are power......felt light as a feather after power track removal.

Last edited by Fast81; Aug 23, 2010 at 08:02 PM.
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 08:31 PM
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ttt
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by 7t2vette
I have C5 seats in my '72. I used the C3 seat tracks to mount them, they fit no problem, and it doesn't affect the seat belt operation. I had custom covers made for them:






WOW!!! Your interior looks GREAT!!!
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 09:03 PM
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I put in C6 seats and mine and they fit great. What I did was I took off my old C3 tracks and put them on my C6 seats and installed them the same way I took them out.
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 09:05 PM
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I have some C5 frames (L&R) if you want them to build yourself. You can have them for $135.00 = shipping. I was gonna do that and decided on something else.

Last edited by eagle275; Aug 23, 2010 at 09:40 PM.
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 09:23 PM
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What about C4 seats?

I felt like my 96 I used to own had some great feeling seats.
Since i'm sure there are more of them around and most likely cheaper it might be worth it if they also bolt on the same?
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Old Aug 23, 2010 | 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by eagle275
I have some C5 frames (L&R) if you want them to build yourself. You can have them for $135.00 I was gonna do that and decided on something else.
That's a great deal. I have a pair seat foams backs for a standard seats $20. plus shipping top go with those if someone buys your frames.



I bought mine at a swap meet for $200. Sold the motors and sliders for $75. as I recall and the old tan skins for $40.

Then bought some new Sport Seat foam backs for about $90 and new skins for $585.00

Last edited by RobRace10; Aug 23, 2010 at 09:34 PM.
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Old Aug 27, 2010 | 01:29 AM
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Originally Posted by RobRace10
That's a great deal. I have a pair seat foams backs for a standard seats $20. plus shipping top go with those if someone buys your frames.



I bought mine at a swap meet for $200. Sold the motors and sliders for $75. as I recall and the old tan skins for $40.

Then bought some new Sport Seat foam backs for about $90 and new skins for $585.00
Can't beat this deal! Would have a custom style too. This combo is a winner


bump!
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Old Aug 27, 2010 | 06:22 AM
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