I am in the process of looking for and eventually buying 66 buckets for my 66 Chevelle SS, it came with a bench and that seems to be from a 69. Many out there claim to be 66 but many times the sellers don't even know... I want to know what makes the buckets a "real" 66 bucket seat.

If you have pictures of the original buckets, please post picts or a link. I need pictures of the fronts, sides, backs and rails so I can be sure the ones I purchase are indeed original 66 buckets.

Thanks,

Click my web site and you shoul dbe able to see my buckets when you click on the small pics., or ebay some 66's for better up close examples

66 buckets, do not have the side RELEASE button like 67's..., but basically same seat otherwise.. just different style covering.

MIKE

As Mike stated, the 66 seats do not have a side-release button.

In fact, they do not have ANY release buttons. The backs have no latching mechanism. 66 is the only seat without the back latch.

Since all other years had latches, and all those years had the release button somewhere on the back panel, 1966 is the ONLY year with no holes on the back panel.

The basic seat should be the same for different bodystyles (Chevelle, Nova, Full-size, other GM cars like GTO/LeMans, Rivieras, etc... The seat tracks will likely differ due to floor pan differences (the GTO/LeMans/Cutlass/Skylark seats should be a direct swap). I think repro seat tracks are available, but not sure on the quality, etc... Other year Chevelle (etc) seat tracks should also be a direct swap.

Some of these other models may have additional trim (and therefore small mounting holes) in the back panel. Each model had its own upholstery, but that doesn't matter (unless you pay for something incorrect with nice upholstery)...

Later headrests (1969+?) are different from the early (and scarce) headrests.


Originals should have steel backing and side panels, but later plastic "looks" the same and will swap (repros available too)...


IMO, you could disable the release on a later seat, use 66 upholstery and a repro back (no hole) and no one should know (or really care)... Probably cheaper and easier than searching for a "true" 66 Chevelle bucket seat.

Thank you both - great info. I was wondering about the backs of the seats too, I've seen some that have had (fiberglass) panels back with chrome piping around them and other that do not, just vinyl across the entire back. I noted from the 66 MYSTERY CHEVELLE website, the 4 pictures I see there, it looks like they have for hard backing...

Thanks for clearing this up...

I have a set for sale in the classified section, out of a 66 Buick Wildcat ( I found a buildsheet in the back of them). 66 Have the metal backs and no chrome button. Check it out.

Steve

66 has no locking backs. So if you stop fast the back will come foward. I have a set in my 67 with head rests and a passanger side recliner. I think they were called Strato.

I have a set for sale in the classified section, out of a 66 Buick Wildcat ( I found a buildsheet in the back of them). 66 Have the metal backs and no chrome button. Check it out.

Steve

Sent you an e-mail.