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Considering a potential seat swap on my 2004 C5 Convertible. I have heard that the configuration of the convertible seat belts may limit my options, but I am curious what is out there. I would be looking to maintain the existing leg room, but if the seat height were a bit lower, that wouldn't be a terrible thing. From what I gather, the C6 seats are not a big upgrade over the C5's. So either looking at C7 seats, or aftermarket. Just a street car, so no need to consider harnesses, etc., just the standard 3-point belts. Did you swap yours? What are you running, and what was need to install?
Do the seat brackets mount directly to the C5 mounting points? What is involved with connecting the power features?
Bolt right in, same mounting.
Depends on what features the C7 seats have as to wiring them up.
Basic seat functions is two wires from the current seat power to three connections on the C7 seats.
Do a search of this forum for "C7 seats" and you will have plenty of reading material on how to do it.
I have C7 seats in my coupe, and I do not think there are any convertible problems though.
C7 upgrade is the way to go. I did mine last year and we could not be happier. There are some great discussions here on the wiring. Not complex at all. Good luck.
Making the wiring for power features is easy. My C5 had to retain part of the C5 seat harness that had the power steering column module. The heating/cooling functions are a bit trickier to get working.
Just sold these C7 seats to a guy who plans to install them in his Torch Red C6. They are a popular choice as they bolt in with only minor adjustments in both the C5 and C6.
Just sold these C7 seats to a guy who plans to install them in his Torch Red C6. They are a popular choice as they bolt in with only minor adjustments in both the C5 and C6.
I’ve been trying to get some C7 seats for the last year. I’m always a day late on them 😔
I’ve been trying to get some C7 seats for the last year. I’m always a day late on them 😔
i had these listed in both the C5 and C7 FS sections for a few months but wasn’t able to ship due to the high costs. Buyer who found them through FBM was willing to make the 2-hour drive.
For those who have already swapped in C-7 seats, a question. Looking at them - particularly the seat base - they appear to be "taller" than the C5-seats. The cushion area looks thicker to be sure. Do these raise the seating position in the car? That would not be a good choice for me.
For those who have already swapped in C-7 seats, a question. Looking at them - particularly the seat base - they appear to be "taller" than the C5-seats. The cushion area looks thicker to be sure. Do these raise the seating position in the car? That would not be a good choice for me.
TIA
I have them in my car and have zero height issues, I am over 6 feet tall and 200 pounds.
I also believe the seats sit lower over the tracks than C5 seats, so even if the bottoms look thicker, I do not think the overall height is higher, if it is, it can't be by much.
Also, the bolsters on the seat bottom sides are definitely taller than the C5, so that is part of what makes them look taller overall, and the seat bottoms are dished down more than C5 seats, this is what holds your behind in place so well, you sit in them, not on them.
For those who have already swapped in C-7 seats, a question. Looking at them - particularly the seat base - they appear to be "taller" than the C5-seats. The cushion area looks thicker to be sure. Do these raise the seating position in the car? That would not be a good choice for me.
TIA
Yes they do sit slightly higher compared to a C5 seat in my experience. Maybe 1/2" ? I didn't have to spend a lot of time finessing the stock C5Z seat position to achieve head clearance, but for the C7 seat it took more diligence. That said, my current C7 seat position gives me maybe 1/2" head clearance to the headliner in my 2001 Z06, though my installation is still relatively fresh and I haven't driven much with this seat yet. I'm 6' 3" ~195lbs.
OP,
The seatbelt upper mounts in the C5 convertible are lower, I believe, than in the coupe.
I found that I could not use the C7 seat's pass-through loop for the belt at the driver's shoulder.
Other than that, I think they go in the same as in the coupe.
good luck with yours.
Which belts did you use? I need to figure out the combo to use. I have my stock belts and one set of C6 belts. I'm not sure which belts / seats / clasps are compatible or not or need modification.
^ hey Tusc I just used my stock C5 belts. I modified the C5 belt tangs a bit to play nice with the C7 receivers but other than that, no belt change was needed for me.
I am not that tall so sliding the seats all the way back is not necessary
^ hey Tusc I just used my stock C5 belts. I modified the C5 belt tangs a bit to play nice with the C7 receivers but other than that, no belt change was needed for me.
I am not that tall so sliding the seats all the way back is not necessary
Is that the reason for the C6 belts? Clearance? Maybe I need to edumacate myself more because I thought with either type I would need to cut the lower portion of the plastic side rail on the car to clear the seat base.
Also, copy, C5 latch plate needs to be ground to fit C7 clasps. I'll try to find more details on the C6 belts as they pertain to the C7 seats. This info is probably over on the C6 pages.
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C5 seat swap
