[Uncle]

Our '71 project has correct buckets (although the car originally had a bench), but I don't care for the covering and I've begun to notice that they pretty sacked out spring-wise. Is it a major pain to re-do the seat's suspension, springs etc. or should I consider a seat swap. Now for the big question! WHAT OTHER KINDS OF BUCKETS WILL FIT IN A '71 MALIBU???? Thanks.

 

[Bryan]

For starters; '68,'69,'70,&'72. Also the other GM A-bodies of the same vintage(Cutlass,Skylark,LeMans/GTO). I think you might get 2nd gen Camaros to fit if you swap in your original mounting brackets.(not sure about the Camaro swap though--ask around before laying down your cash! Bryan

 

[RT]

Uncle, Year one, probably others, have seat spring assemblies and foam units. If your frames are not broken or bent (this can be fixed too) these pieces would bring them back to like new condition with minimum hassle.
One note, I ordered a backrest spring assy. for my '69 and when it arrived, I compared it to the original and found it to be different. I think they had sent the wrong one. No problem from year one, they took it back.
Being that I owned my own auto trim shop for many years, I decided to repair the old springs by making new ones, but that can be a hassle if you've never done it before.
If you can't find another set in good shape, go with the parts mentioned. You'd probably be better off getting at least the new foam pcs. regardless of which seats you use.
Rich

 

[gearhead]

Uncle,

I've got a '67 and got '71 cores to put in; the cores sucked and needed complete rebuilt--bottom/back springs, foams and covers.

Putting the springs on is easy--you may bloody your knuckles a bit since the metal is real sharp on the base pieces.

Getting the covers/foams on was tough for me, mainly because I'd never done it, or talked to anyone who had; it was tough in that it took forever--I really took my time, not wanting to rush and make a mistake.

I heard on this site of using a garbage bag over the foams to make it easier to pull the covers on--this was an invaluable bit of advice--It made tweeking the cover for the right fit much easier.

One thing to note: the end result looks great; however, I ride about 1-2 inches higher than I should--my thighs just brush the steering wheel; I asked if anyone else had this problem on this site, and sure enough, a bunch of guys had exactly the same problem after putting in new springs/foams.

Don't know what to do about it--maybe a pro would know how to deal w/ it.

Anyway, go w/ Year One for parts like this--this is the kind of thing you don't want to have a crumby fit.

Hope this helps

 

[Hugh]

Uncle, be careful when buying new(repro) seat covers. Some of them do not use the proper "dielectric" seams and they look cheap. I received a set that had the proper grain and proper fit, but the dielectric seams did not exist, they were just flat. I think dielectic seam is the proper termanology??? Anyway, buying new springs, foam, etc.. is going to cost you big bucks and I have also seen a set of chevelle seats with that new reproduction foam and they are really firm and high! Personally I couldn't stand it if my knees touched my steering wheel. I guess I do not have to worry about that since I have a tilt column in my '70 454.

I have a '69-72 A body seat from a GTO. this seat is identical to the chevelle seat with the exception of the seat cover. Anyway, it is complete (no headrest) and the foam is excellent and the springs are solid and not broken. It also has good plastic and good tracks. I only have this one seat for sale. I am asking $60 for it plus $25 shipping. It is the passenger side seat, but the springs and foam are good for both seats. If you are interested, please email me. I also have a guy interested in just the plastic, so you could sell the plastic to him and make back some of your investment. I have a picture of the seat. thanks, Hugh. I also have a '70-72 tilt column for sale ($125) firm.