No more "Stubby No-Mod" (Bucket Seats)

So, Mr. Tim has once again gone above and beyond!

(First, he allows me to use his garage to replace my water pump)....then he shows me the seats I am to put in.  So, I let it rip! (without actually ripping anything!) (Edit: Tim also showed me what had to be done and how to make the adjustments)

The removal was a piece of cake.  2 screws to remove the plastic covers, and 2 bolts in the front.  2 screws and 4 bolts in the rear.  Remove the tracks.  Now the tricky part - the passenger side was about 1/2 an inch off - but there are already holes there - so 2 washers, bolt and nut.  It was a tight fit, but it went in perfectly.  Now, the HUGE difference.  The manual seat tracks sit WAY lower.  My daughters thought this was cool.  But no way I can see an adult sitting there for an extended period of time.  So in the nearish future, I hope to switch to the power seat tracks on the passenger side - to see if that helps lift it up some, without any further modifications being needed.

The driver side was very easy to remove.  The problem - the brackets don't exactly line up to the power seat.  Tim's keen eye is unbelievable.  I mean, I'm still blown away by this amazing feat.  One must drill a few (we did all 4) holes in the old bracket to get it to line up.  Time measured one side - marked the spot.  Then drilled 4 holes (top left/right and bottom left/right).  I bolted on the old bracket to the seat...and all the holes line up perfectly.  Yes, you read that last line correctly.  I then put in the seat, plug in my wiring (I am still using the door seat controls)...then move the seat to line up the back two holes - and they fall right into place.  Yes - that is correct, first time, perfect fit on the back of the seat.  I start the nuts, and leave them a bit loose to adjust as needed.  Go to the front - um WHAT!?  They are already in place as well.  Yes, the driver's seat fit in perfectly with no adjustments or tight fit.  *scratches head, shrug*  Tighten bolts...and replace trim pieces. (I have not put trim back on, was dark and will do in the future after I find a center console I deem worthy!)

So thank you Tim, without you, I'd still be in that bench seat with a leaking water pump!  (Till at least March on the water pump - when it warms up!)


I'll upload better pics when it gets bright enough to see without my interior lights on!





Oh, and the seats are a TON more comfortable to ride on then the cloth, soft bench seats.  These are much more firm, and give support in the right places.

It sounds like you had a split bench then and not a true manual one piece bench? I have a set of bonnie seats already waiting for warmer weather tho to take out my one piece bench and see what's under there.

Shaneomac wrote:

It sounds like you had a split bench then and not a true manual one piece bench? I have a set of bonnie seats already waiting for warmer weather tho to take out my one piece bench and see what's under there.

Yes, it was a 60/40 split. That annoying armrest is gone! lol.

I can't wait to get mine put in this bench seat has got to go

Bonne seats were the second mod I did to my wagon. Much more supportive than the stock seats.

Look awesome Chris,great mod!

Looks good,keep it up.

I have a set of 60/40 bonnies with the annoying armrest. Haven't decided if I will cut them down or go with a bench seat in my t56 when I get there. I think it'd be a cool throw back while still having buckets.

Looks good. That Swink character is one heck of a guy.