[missysdad1]

Bucket seats & "rear seat delete" option for '65 2-door wagon?

I am new to website forums, so please forgive any mistakes I may make in protocol.

I am "restoring" a '65 Chevelle 2-door wagon and would like the interior to appear factory stock. I'd like to use factory buckets w/o console and leave the rear seat area open (no rear seat).

My question: Was this configuration available on special order when the car was new?

Thanks for your help.

 

[1966_L78]

Re: Bucket seats & "rear seat delete" option for '65 2-door wagon?

Eric,
not sure if that was available stock.

I like the bucket seat idea, but why the "rear seat delete" idea? Just curious

 

[missysdad1]

Re: Bucket seats & "rear seat delete" option for '65 2-door wagon?

Hi Tony!

The car is an original "stripper" with no options other than a dealer-installed radio...as best as I can tell.

My plan is to restore it as a performance enthusiast might have dealer-ordered it for drag racing in 1965, ie 327, 4-speed, posi with gears...and as little weight as possible.

However, if I cannot verify that there was a "rear seat delete" option on this car in '65, I'll put a rear seat in it.

Also, if I cannot verify a bucket seat option I'll fit it with an original-type folding bench.

Thanks for your response.

 

[64elkynss]

Re: Bucket seats & "rear seat delete" option for '65 2-door wagon?

Rich L-79 is probably the guy who could answer this for you. He's the '65 guru from what I've seen during my time here. 64elkynss

 

[Rich-L79]

Re: Bucket seats & "rear seat delete" option for '65 2-door wagon?

There was no "rear seat delete" available as far as I know. If the owner didn't want a rear seat, I'm sure the factory was happy to simply let him remove it himself. The wagon rear seat is a heavy chunk too with those heavy steel hinges and the metal back. I've never seen any kind of factory rear seat area cover that would have been used for when the seat wasn't there. The carpet ends just under the leading edge of the back seat bottom cushion so it would be pretty ugly without the seat in place.

I don't know if buckets were available optionally in a 300 but I'd tend to doubt it. I've never seen a 300 or 300 Deluxe with factory buckets. The buckets were not available with cloth covers and the 300s only came with cloth covered seats. I have heard of, but I've never seen evidence of, a vinyl seat option for 300s. If such an option would be required if buckets were made available. It might have been one of those things that didn't show up in the options books but if you knew enough to ask and had a salesman who would put in the order you might be able to get one that way.

 

[1966_L78]

Re: Bucket seats & "rear seat delete" option for '65 2-door wagon?

Hi Tony!

My plan is to restore it as a performance enthusiast might have dealer-ordered it for drag racing in 1965, ie 327, 4-speed, posi with gears...and as little weight as possible.
if I cannot verify a bucket seat option I'll fit it with an original-type folding bench.

I like the idea alot (buckets, no console in a "racer/stripped" car)... You sound worried that it will be factory correct. IMO, I'd still add the bucket seats (even if not available). Just a personal preference... Even alot of experts aren't sure what was really available (I presume you will be changing the trim tag to denote "buckets" if you go that route?)...

I tend to agree with what Rich was saying about the rear seat area being ugly with no seat... I can't see a decent looking cover being used there...