[rancon]

When converting from a bench seat to buckets, do you need to drill new or more holes ,or just buy some floor brackets?nd how are the brackets installed?

 

[JWA]

The best way in my opinion is to buy the brackets. They mount next to the trans tunnel and are welded in place. You could bolt them in but welding would be better. As for mounting the seat, the outside bolts(next to doors) are in the same places for your bench as they would be for buckets. I just realized you did not mention the year of the car and the above info is what I know for 68-72 models. Others might be the same but I am not positive. Good luck.

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Jeff ACES#841 TCG#158
68 SS396(454)
68 L78 Project
87 MC SS

 

[JWagner]

From what I have seen , the conversion brakcets go UNDER the floor, requiring that holes be drilled in the floor for the new bolts. Welding them in makes for a stronger mounting I would think.

 

[Guest]

I've done this conversion. First, for whatever reason, the outer bench seat bolt holes are too far outward...by about an inch and a half or so. They CAN still be used, but it makes for a VERY tight fit for the seat belt retractor.
Second, the the inner brackets should be welded to the top of the floor, not under, with the humped part toward the front. No drilling through the floor is necessary for the bracket installation.

 

[71velle]

The following is assuming 68-72 model..not sure about 64-67.

Larry is exactly right ..the outside holes can be used but it makes a very tight fit for the seat belt retractor. The brackets are welded to the top of the floor with the raised part towards the front of the car. I just put my buckets in last weekend ...straight and level. I have some old Chevelle Reports that document the procedure.....as well as installing the automatic console.

 

[gearhead]

I just did the brackets in a '67=--Larry and 71velle posts are on the money for that year as well

 

[TK-70]

I did my '70 a few weeks ago, and yes - Larry and 71velle are correct.

You guys mentioned the seat belt retractor problem (tight fit). I have the same problem. How did you work around it, or are you simply living with it?

 

[71velle]

I was planing on living with it, I tried to round out the holes a little to move the seat inward but I just couldn't get the seat to sit straight. I have until saturday to make up my mind, my uncle is going to weld down the brackets then.

 

[Guest]

TK..I did the swap last summer, and have so far just been living with it. I've thought about correcting it, but it hasn't bothered me enough to start ripping things apart. And since the seats are always the whole way back anyway (giving a little more room for the retractor), I haven't noticed it much. But I suppose I'll get around to it one of these days.

 

[mrthomas]

Getting ready to do the same on a 70 elke, problem is i'm tall and my head hits the top of the door jam. Has anyone moved the seats back a litle? this might give a little more head room to get in. can I use 2 floor brackets (one on each side). Where to get the lowest co$t brackets Ground up $24/pr, don't look that good in the catalog.