69 Seat Back Replacement
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 97
Likes: 4
From: Chicago
69 Seat Back Replacement
I’ve been looking to replace my cracked seat back with a used, original black one, but have not had any lucK, so I’m thinking I could just buy one from one of the many vendors. Any suggestions as to where to buy, or are they all from the same manufacturer across the board? Also, do I need to buy retainer hardware, or can I reuse the old clips? Never had the back off, so not really familiar with what all is involved with replacing the old back, but I imagine it’s not too difficult. Thanks for any suggestions.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 97
Likes: 4
From: Chicago
Thanks. Hopefully it shouldn’t be too difficult. Anyone have any thoughts as to where to get the best replacement back, or are they pretty much the same product, just different prices, depending on the vendor?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,755
Likes: 721
From: Lafayette Louisiana
My 2 cents; I would remove the back as described above, then clean and lightly sand the crack on the inside, next epoxy mix with some fiberglass strands and cover with masking tape and let it dry. Just make sure the crack is straight and flush on the good side. The repair on the inside will not be visible and likely only known by you. Hope this might help.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,417
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
My anecdote is that I was able to buy 69 seats on ebay for a relatively cheap price. I only wanted the seat back frames....nothing else. I know about the cracking problem you're describing........can you find someone to weld in a repair. Many years ago, I remember someone was seliing some little plates to weld in to strengthen the repair......don't know if anyone is now selling them.
........................................ .............
For my 68, why did I want 69 seat backs? The seat backs look identical....except the 69's have provisions for head rests and shoulder belt retainer clips. For my 68, I have 69 factory duplicate head rests and shoulder belts. (head rests - Al Knoch, shoulder belts - Snake-0yl)
........................................ .............
For my 68, why did I want 69 seat backs? The seat backs look identical....except the 69's have provisions for head rests and shoulder belt retainer clips. For my 68, I have 69 factory duplicate head rests and shoulder belts. (head rests - Al Knoch, shoulder belts - Snake-0yl)
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 97
Likes: 4
From: Chicago
My anecdote is that I was able to buy 69 seats on ebay for a relatively cheap price. I only wanted the seat back frames....nothing else. I know about the cracking problem you're describing........can you find someone to weld in a repair. Many years ago, I remember someone was seliing some little plates to weld in to strengthen the repair......don't know if anyone is now selling them.
........................................ .............
For my 68, why did I want 69 seat backs? The seat backs look identical....except the 69's have provisions for head rests and shoulder belt retainer clips. For my 68, I have 69 factory duplicate head rests and shoulder belts. (head rests - Al Knoch, shoulder belts - Snake-0yl)
........................................ .............
For my 68, why did I want 69 seat backs? The seat backs look identical....except the 69's have provisions for head rests and shoulder belt retainer clips. For my 68, I have 69 factory duplicate head rests and shoulder belts. (head rests - Al Knoch, shoulder belts - Snake-0yl)
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Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,744
Likes: 2,585
Some of the posters in this thread who are mentioning welding thought you were referring to the frame.
Below is a source for the plastic back.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...ck-black-68-69
Below is a source for the plastic back.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...ck-black-68-69
Last edited by MelWff; Aug 29, 2020 at 11:08 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
The replacement backs look like the original fiberglass backs but are very light-weight and cheap in my opinion. I bought a replacement probably about 20 years ago from Ecklers and when I saw it, I repaired my original. If you can find an original, grab it, There's nothing like it available as a replacement.
Duane
Duane
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 97
Likes: 4
From: Chicago
Based on everyone’s comments, I think I’m going to hold off and continue to look for an original back or try to repair mine, if possible. I was hoping for people to tell me the replacement plastic backs were great and make things simple, but no such luck apparently haha.