C3 Replacement Seats
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 3
From: Massachusetts
C3 Replacement Seats
Hi everyone,
Are there replacement seats for a 1978 Corvette that has adjustable backs.
The original ones are terrible feels like your laying down and looking up.
Very uncomfortable driving, looking for options or ideas.
Thanks all
Rick
Are there replacement seats for a 1978 Corvette that has adjustable backs.
The original ones are terrible feels like your laying down and looking up.
Very uncomfortable driving, looking for options or ideas.
Thanks all
Rick
Last edited by Ricksr78; Aug 4, 2019 at 03:10 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
Some folks have gone with other years Vette seats like from the C-4 thru C-6 era to install and others have gone aftermarket. Of course some of these options require custom fitments and your body height will determine what best fits. If you aren't in a hurry and live in a highly populated area of the country you might visit a few Corvette or car shows to see what others have done. Asking here is also a great idea. Good luck with the search.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 1,682
From: Summerville SC
Do a search here on the forum for FORD seats. A member did a swap a few years ago, I think they were from a Mustang. I know that is sacrilege to some. But the pics he posted looked great. Direct fit and they looked so comfortable you just wanted to sit in them. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
You should be able to adjust yours using the bolts at the rear of the base. Originally they were delivered with shims for that purpose. If the seat base is bent in that area, there are reinforcement plates available. If you can find a set of the 78 pace car and 80-82 clam shell seats, they may be more to your liking and are a direct bolt in.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 8
From: Muskegon Michigan
My seats were out of an 86. I purchased the adapter brackets to utilized the stock corvette tracks from Mr Mikes. com when I purchased his seat covers to re do the tired Fiero seats. The whole thing turned out great. Mr. Mikes also does covers for Miata seats that many guys put in their C3's he has lots of photos on his website showing these. Gil
Last edited by gil7247; Aug 5, 2019 at 09:23 AM. Reason: typos
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,098
Likes: 9,229
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Fiero seats are super popular but are near impossible to find in decent shape now a days. C5 seats are common and affordable. I have a set and love them
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 8
From: Muskegon Michigan
I had a hard time finding any decent Fiero seats, then I found the website car-part.com where different junk yards list parts. Found a great set a couple hours away. A good place to check for these kind of parts. GIL
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,877
Likes: 4,467
From: Virginia
You may be missing a part that keeps the seat more upright. I don't have those seats, but you may find threads on the forum that address this. Perhaps you can fabricate a shim that moves the seat to where you want it.
I find the 79-82 seats to be very comfortable, but they, too, do not adjust, so they will either fit you just right, or not. They are a direct swap for your car, though, except for the optional power-adjustable seats of 82 (and perhaps 81). I have them in both Vettes, plus a third set I use for gaming chairs.
I find the 79-82 seats to be very comfortable, but they, too, do not adjust, so they will either fit you just right, or not. They are a direct swap for your car, though, except for the optional power-adjustable seats of 82 (and perhaps 81). I have them in both Vettes, plus a third set I use for gaming chairs.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 441
Likes: 22
From: Northeast OH
Instructor
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 105
Likes: 46
From: Madison Mississippi
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,359
Likes: 1,058
From: Virginia USA
That's the route I'm going. I have a pair in the garage right now. I've got the adapter brackets made and ready to go. I just have to order the covers from Mr. Mike. I owned a 1996 Fiero and these seats are very comfortable. Got about 150,000 miles of seat time in them.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
IF YOU BUY A DIFFERENT SET OF SEATS!! Do not reupholster them until you mount them and drive them. I don't care if they are pink velour. Find out if you can stand them before you spend even more on the upholstery.
Last edited by derekderek; Aug 6, 2019 at 05:37 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 8
From: Muskegon Michigan
The whole experience dealing with Mr Mikes was great. Mike takes the extra time to make sure you deal with him directly and he makes sure you are getting what you want. I never did any of this type of work before and was quite nervous. Mike was very helpful and everything turned out great. One note the Fiero seats do sit slightly higher. if head room is a concern, make sure to test fit the seats before you order the upholstery. Also some said I had to modify the plastic hinge cover that has a extension that guides the seatbelt as it wouldn't fit between the seat and the door. On my 1980 it fit with the door closed with a 1/2" to spare. So check that too before cutting anything.. Hope this helps GIL
Pro
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 723
Likes: 71
From: Kannapolis NC
I am planning to go down the Fiero seat swap path myself. How did you do the bracket conversion? Is there a kit you can buy? Do you have to make something? I'm not a metal work guy. Drill and a skil saw is about all I have. I have a 1980 and I hope my interior can look close to this one day.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
Likes: 731
From: Youngstown Ohio
gil7247 or others,
I am planning to go down the Fiero seat swap path myself. How did you do the bracket conversion? Is there a kit you can buy? Do you have to make something? I'm not a metal work guy. Drill and a skil saw is about all I have. I have a 1980 and I hope my interior can look close to this one day.
I am planning to go down the Fiero seat swap path myself. How did you do the bracket conversion? Is there a kit you can buy? Do you have to make something? I'm not a metal work guy. Drill and a skil saw is about all I have. I have a 1980 and I hope my interior can look close to this one day.
