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First off, let me say that I am not the most mechanically inclined individual. I struggle with what most call "simple jobs".
What that being said, I did my homework (or so I thought) before purchasing and installing the foam and seat covers on both seats. After many "for f*** sakes" and beers, I thought I had successfully finished the job. However, I went to wrap up the job by installing the plastic cover for the seat controls and its been a nightmare. I screwed in the cover and there is a huge gap between the plastic cover and the bottom cushion. For the life of me, I cannot figure out or explain why. The only possible fix I see would be to use longer screws. But at the same time, doesn't make the most sense since I reused the ones that originally came out. Any suggestions on this fix would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
I used new foam and only cut two holes in mine. I just noticed that both my plastic panels don't have the "posts" or "alignment pin" described in step 11c from Vette Essentials. I worked slowly so I know I didn't break them. Either mine doesn't have them and they changed the design (Mines a 97) or someone else broke them. Anyone ever seen this before?
Vette Essentials
Mine
Last edited by Frank4202; Mar 25, 2016 at 07:21 PM.
Mine is about the same but it was like that when I bought it
The seat works fine, just looks funny
I figure I will fix it when I get new covers
I like those covers you used by the way, those are the ones I've been looking at
Hopefully you and me will learn something here
It is a Pain in the Butt....I replaced the seat bezel on mine when I got it...simple to remove...tough to get back on....Just take your time...
Did yours have the posts or aligning pin? Im thinking that's my issue. I ran outside and confirmed both my bezels do not have this while new ones online do.
Mine is about the same but it was like that when I bought it
The seat works fine, just looks funny
I figure I will fix it when I get new covers
I like those covers you used by the way, those are the ones I've been looking at
Hopefully you and me will learn something here
This bezel is a PITA. You will need to push the foam around quite a bit to fill the gaps. Suggest you do it all while on the bench rather than trying to do in after putting the seat back in the car. There is no real trick to this other than patience. Good luck.
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Originally Posted by frsr06
This bezel is a PITA. You will need to push the foam around quite a bit to fill the gaps. Suggest you do it all while on the bench rather than trying to do in after putting the seat back in the car. There is no real trick to this other than patience. Good luck.
Mine has the alignment pins and yes, it was still a PITA to get right. As mentioned, be patient and keep at it.
Mine is a 1998 and I have the alignment pins on both of mine. That metal spring clip that's on the pin holds the plastic bezel in place when it's pushing into the seat frame. I think you have missing pins. But that's just my guess.
Last edited by mstromquist; Mar 25, 2016 at 11:20 PM.
Take a look guys. I don't have a hole in the seat frame for the "alignment pin". Only thing I can think of is using parts of the hold foam or using a longer screw. Anyone ever run into this or have any ideas?
When I did mine, I noticed there were markings, more like impressions on the seat foams that indicated where to cut out the foam to make room for the bezel. Once you've done that, it fits nicely.
Ill add this.. there is a metal snap lock on the front screw post as show in one o0f the pictures.. That snap pin has to "push " right up into the frame hole.. with nothing behind it// No foam, and no material.... that post should snap and lock in place without the screw... the screw it there only to make sure the snap post does not snap back out when you sit down... if the post snap has a bent or broken finger, you need a New bezel ( they are not very expensive ) under 25 dollars, it comes with a metal snap lock. You can not just buy the snap lock.
I hope this makes sense.
Bill aka ET
Ill add this.. there is a metal snap lock on the front screw post as show in one o0f the pictures.. That snap pin has to "push " right up into the frame hole.. with nothing behind it// No foam, and no material.... that post should snap and lock in place without the screw... the screw it there only to make sure the snap post does not snap back out when you sit down... if the post snap has a bent or broken finger, you need a New bezel ( they are not very expensive ) under 25 dollars, it comes with a metal snap lock. You can not just buy the snap lock.
I hope this makes sense.
Bill aka ET
I think you're describing the alignment pin that my plastic cover does not have. I ordered two new ones but I don't see where they snap into the seat frame. Does anyone have a picture on the seat frame?
When I did mine, I noticed there were markings, more like impressions on the seat foams that indicated where to cut out the foam to make room for the bezel. Once you've done that, it fits nicely.
I have the opposite problem. Almost as if there's not enough foam to fill in the gap. I didn't notice this when I removed the seats so I'm thinking I did something wrong.
I think you're describing the alignment pin that my plastic cover does not have. I ordered two new ones but I don't see where they snap into the seat frame. Does anyone have a picture on the seat frame?
If that is your picture above with the arrow point and the text " POST "
that metal clip is what I am specifically talking about... the metal clip has to snap into a small diameter hole on the frame. its a metal to metal snap fit, with no foam or material between the clip and the frame runner.
If you do Not snap that clip in place, the bezel will appear to be too far away from the fabric leaving a big gap as if there was not enough foam..
Once you snap that clip in place there is no gap between the bezel and the seat .It will push up tight over the seat material and look factory.
It takes a good bit of force to snap it in place.. You may not have used enough force. IM talking 40 or 50 # lbs. of force...
Last edited by Evil-Twin; Mar 26, 2016 at 09:00 PM.
I had to remove some foam from under the bezel and switch to get mine into place. The new foam was too thick and kept pushing out and making the switch want to bind.
Last edited by shadowman1; Mar 27, 2016 at 12:34 AM.
I have a Z06 seat I converted to an office chair and it's from a manually adjusted seat. I think somehow you have a manual seat frame that had some electric attachments put on it. Not sure if maybe they changed things after the '97 model year or what but maybe you have a bastard child.
If that is your picture above with the arrow point and the text " POST "
that metal clip is what I am specifically talking about... the metal clip has to snap into a small diameter hole on the frame. its a metal to metal snap fit, with no foam or material between the clip and the frame runner.
If you do Not snap that clip in place, the bezel will appear to be too far away from the fabric leaving a big gap as if there was not enough foam..
Once you snap that clip in place there is no gap between the bezel and the seat .It will push up tight over the seat material and look factory.
It takes a good bit of force to snap it in place.. You may not have used enough force. IM talking 40 or 50 # lbs. of force...
That picture thats labelled post is not mine. It's from the Vette Essentials tutorial. My bezel cover is shown right below without the post. If you look closely, the plastic doesn't look like the post was broken off which has me stumped. It's clean. If I get the bezel covers with the post, I don't see anywhere to snap it into the seat frame.
I have a Z06 seat I converted to an office chair and it's from a manually adjusted seat. I think somehow you have a manual seat frame that had some electric attachments put on it. Not sure if maybe they changed things after the '97 model year or what but maybe you have a bastard child.
I never thought about this but it makes sense. All the pictures I've seen have a black frame. Mine appears to be aluminum or something. I didn't even know they made manual adjusted seats for the c5. Thought it was all power.
What Am I Doing Wrong?
Any suggestions on this fix would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
