Converting to Bucket Seats

[EngineerDoug]

Hey folks,

I have a '68 Coronet that has just received a new set of floorpans. The car was a bench seat car, but when I get it back together it will be buckets. I understand that the bucket seat cars included 2 inboard reinforcing plates per side, but can anybody tell me the spacing of the mounting holes for buckets? Side to side, and front to back?

Thanks - it will be a big help.

 

[66Satellite47]

I suggest you get the seats first then measure what you have, don't know if they're all the same.

 

[Dennis H]

Agreed. Get the seats.

 

[Daves69]

Can you make out 4 inboard dimples that may have been factory formed in the old floor pan?

 

[YY1]

Yep, factory pans had dimples for both bench and bucket tracks.

Not sure if repro pans have them.

 

[Mocajava]

I also plan on my Bench seat, 69 Coronet to have buckets at some time. Went ahead and welded oversized pads under her covering dimple areas so when I needed to drill the holes out the welding was already done.....no removal of carpet/ sound deadener later to prevent fires! Clean the pads very good to remove all rust where you have steel to steel, spray with the copper, weld coat for lasting protection and weld her up!

 

[EngineerDoug]

Thanks for the tips; I do see the dimples near the trans tunnel. I am wondering about the outboard reinforcement brackets under the pans. These have two mounting holes, spaced about an inch or more apart. Can anybody tell me which of these is used for buckets?

On this subject, I should mention that I am not going to use the factory seats or tracks. Frankly they are just too expensive for this build, which is not a full-on, correct restoration. I had assumed that the aftermarket seat brackets would mount to the factory locations, but I am checking into that. I agree it makes the most sense to buy the tracks and then drill the holes, but I'd rather not at this point (I have spent quite a lot on body panels, crossmembers, paint, etc already).

Thanks again.

 

[66Satellite47]

Thanks for the tips; I do see the dimples near the trans tunnel. I am wondering about the outboard reinforcement brackets under the pans. These have two mounting holes, spaced about an inch or more apart. Can anybody tell me which of these is used for buckets?

On this subject, I should mention that I am not going to use the factory seats or tracks. Frankly they are just too expensive for this build, which is not a full-on, correct restoration. I had assumed that the aftermarket seat brackets would mount to the factory locations, but I am checking into that. I agree it makes the most sense to buy the tracks and then drill the holes, but I'd rather not at this point (I have spent quite a lot on body panels, crossmembers, paint, etc already).

Thanks again.

You really need to get the seats/mounts first. My '66 Satellite appears to have been built out of several cars, the factory bucket seats (don't think original to this car) didn't seem to line up well with the floor holes & reinforcements. Appears to have started as a bench car. Get your tracks, then reinforce & drill as required.