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?

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.

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

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.

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

Thank you!

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!

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

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

dinghyguy with a dull HB pencil