Seat Mechanisms

[vsurg]

I am restoring a 1978 and after figuring out the 'secret' door to the second seat back screw, I see that the plastic piece that hooks the seat back and prevents it from moving forward is broken and not salvageable. Before I sink money into upholstery rejuvenation, I need functional seats. Would the 1979 mechanisms work here (AR has them for sale)? Any suggestions?

[TX82FIAT]

I think the 78 1800 uses the same rails and controls under the seat as the Spider 2000. But the side mechanism is different. Not sure if side mechanism is interchangeable.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Didn't the earlier years have a hollow steel tube (with squared ends) that went between the hinges on either side of the seat, while later years had a solid square steel rod for that function? Or the other way around? As such, the hinge mechanisms (seat back tilt) would be different, although I don't know what the cutoff year was.

-Bryan

[vsurg]

Note: I am not referring to the undercarriage of the seats. I am referring to what AR calls the 'seat mechanism' which is the corner attachment that connects the back to the bottom seat. In 1978, there was a turning dial that micro adjusted the seat. I am not sure if a later version (1979) would work instead, but AR sells the 1979 version.

[bobplyler]

I don't think the 79 will work on the 78. They completely changed the seats.

[vsurg]

Thank you!

[vsurg]

I'm taking a trip to the local library that just happens to have a 3D printer...so I will let you all know if I can scan the one intact piece I have left to quadruplicate it!

[vsurg]

So...I promised a follow up. I took the broken part to the local library where the librarian, using 'Tinkercad' ( a free online CAD program) and me giving her the micrometer measurements, created a .stl file that she sent to the 3d Printer queue. I picked up the piece a couple of days later and it fit perfectly. I took it to the local commercial plastic fabricator and for $45, the made me six pieces out of high density plastic/fibre. Mounted and ready to install (once I finish reupholstering the seats, painting the car, installing hush mat, carpet...you understand.

[img][img]https://i.postimg.cc/B8FmvCJg/IMG-3402.jpg[/img][/img]
[img][img]https://i.postimg.cc/FdQDkJRQ/IMG-3403.jpg[/img][/img]

This is the prototype only

[dinghyguy]

i want to have the address of your library! great service. and great solution.

dinghyguy with a dull HB pencil