59 Seat Assembly Sequence / Installation?

[Jill J.]

Hi everyone.

It's been a while (~7 years) since I removed the seats from my car (early 59).

Getting ready to reassemble them (frame, slider, cushion, seat bracket) and can't remember the proper sequence for assembly / installation. Also, I've been reading threads about the carpet needing to cover the front bolts.

Can someone give me some guidance on both items so I only have to install each one once?


Thanks in advance

Jill, 59140

[Richard M.]

Re: 59 Seat Assembly Sequence / Installation?

Jill, This should assist.... Albeit from memory as no AIM in front of me. Ummm, wait a second.... I have Noland's book here. I'll take a few pics.

Yes carpet sits above the tracks so seats first. Carpet will simply rest over the front track bolt areas. If you have your seatbelts install them now before the frame assemblies.

1 - Turn the 2 main frames upside down. They are identical, i.e. ambidextrous, either one Left or Right. The seat track position will determine which side goes where. Handle'd track outboard. There will be 4 captive nuts at the corners of the frame. The tracks mount there.

2- The tracks are bolted to the frames but before you do you need to add 2+ flat washers(thicker the better) between the frame and tracks at each corner where the bolts attach. This is done to raise the frame slightly to clear the floor rear horizontal floor support. If you don't, the back edge of the frame will hit that rear floor support reinforcement and won't go back all the way. Often found out much later when everything is installed and you try to move the seat rearward.

Noland's page 221 1958-1960 seats. Note Seat Frame Assy is same part # so no Left or Right specified.
1229200531_resized.jpg

Note: 2(two) 103340 washers at each corner between tracks and frame corners.
1229200533a_resized.jpg

3 - Mount the rear horizontal support reinforcement to the floor. Note the flanged head bolts(5/16 x18 as I recall). There is a short stud that holds the frame at 1 rear track mount point as shown. Assemble hardware snug to the floor but not too tight as you may have to wiggle things around later.

4 - Once you get those in the seat frame/track assembly can go in. If carpet is installed move it away from the front track areas. There are depressions in the frame for the forward bolt heads to clear. Move the frame via track adjuster back and forth to reach all attach bolts front and rear. Sockets(1/2") with extensions and flex sockets help. Note the bolts should not be too long. If too long they will push the undercar fiberglass floor reinforcements and cause damage to them and/or punch holes in them from the bolt tips.

5 - Once the frame assy is in place and set properly go back and tighten the rear support bolts and stud nut and all others securely.

6 - Lay the carpet(if installed) front edges over the exposed front track mount corners.

7 - Install Seat Back. Note Left and Right. The side with the very wide area in inboard against center storage/glovebox. There are 2 metal tabs in the frames to hold the bottom seatback attach points. Noted in AIM. IMO, this is optional as the seat bottom will keep in place. In 34 years I never used them. Easier to get it out if needed.

8 - Install seat bottom. Note Left and Right. Note a larger opening in the corner for the track handle. Lay the seat in the frame. Get in, sit down on it. While pushing your feet on the brake pedal(or floor), push the seat bottom rearward with your body until the forward edge of the seat cushion frame front edge drops down into the floor frame.

9 - Repeat other side.

10 - Done

Some reference photos. HaHa same color as yours too!

Tracks
P7180034.jpg

Driver side frame assy. Note Carpet over tracks.
P7180041.jpg

Handles outboard
P7180037.jpg

Seat Details.
P8250088.jpgP8250089.jpgP8250090.jpgP8250091.jpgP8250092.jpgP8250093.jpgP8250094.jpgP8250099.jpgP8250101.jpgP8250102.jpg

[Jill J.]

Re: 59 Seat Assembly Sequence / Installation?

Thank you Rich! All I can say is done, done and done all THANKS to your quick response of your notes, pictures and tips. They all made the process flow so much smoother. I really appreciate your help and guidance. Also I like your note about the same seat color - that was funny! I posted a few pics of my seat install so you can see how well your instructions helped out.

Thank you again and Happy New Year!

Jill, 59140

[Richard M.]

Re: 59 Seat Assembly Sequence / Installation?

Jill, Superb results. You're always doing great. You should be proud of your work on that gorgeous 59.

I forgot it has a Power Top. Did you restore that? Or John Schell? Is it working? I've done a few and fun to get going. I have one restored for my 59 but 50-50 about actually installing it as too much other tasks ahead of it.

Rich

[Jill J.]

Re: 59 Seat Assembly Sequence / Installation?

Jill, Superb results. You're always doing great. You should be proud of your work on that gorgeous 59.

I forgot it has a Power Top. Did you restore that? Or John Schell? Is it working? I've done a few and fun to get going. I have one restored for my 59 but 50-50 about actually installing it as too much other tasks ahead of it.

Rich

Hi Rich.

We purchased the unit already restored. Bought on eBay a few years ago from someone whose brother had it restored and then passed away. We did, however, go through it and also performed tabletop bench testing on the components to find that one of the rams kept sticking. So we purchased a set of new rams and reinstalled, along with all new hydraulic lines. The lines installed when we purchased looked like original lines and while bench testing, they held the fluid just fine with the exception of one seeping a little (thought that was pretty good since they were 60 years old). We were going to change them anyway to avoid any leaking, etc and also because it was the smart thing to do to avoid future leaking issues.

Once installed, we had a few issues with getting it going but it's now working just fine. Most of the issues were dirty contacts at the 4-prong switch at the decklid. We haven't installed the vinyl top onto the top frame yet, and tested the functionality with strings attached to each of the bows to simulate operation. The top installation that will be the very last thing to do on my car. There are still a few pending things before i get to that task.

I've uploaded a few pictures during the installation and bleeding process of the power top unit for your viewing pleasure. 😁😁😁


Jill, 59140

[Richard M.]

Re: 59 Seat Assembly Sequence / Installation?

Looks great. Yes the switches are finicky so good you went through them.

I'd wager than John may know that one. Btw, I have a troubleshooting document with a sequence flowchart if you ever need it. John has a copy too.

He also came up with a internal solenoid valve repair. Very clever design.

When you do the soft top please post some photos of the hold up strap hardware. Very important the straps work right with a power top. Repro Hdwe is NG doesn't fit the rear bow properly. I have the right pieces that Dave Zuberer donate to me. I had to make my own before that but Dave found them.

Rich