1968 Low Latch Seat Backs

[Dan M.]

My '68 convertible was produced mid June 1968 and is around S/N 22,500. The front seat backs have the low latchs on both seat backs. I believe them to be original but I read many posts that the low latches were an "early" configuration and later cars had the higher latch position.

My interior is tobacco which was one year only but a lot of cars had that color that year. So I struggle thatthese seats just sat around at the factory.

Do you think my seats are original with the low latches or do you think they have been messed with over the years. They appear original. I can not see any metal tags on the bottom of the seats that may give a clue to the date/year of production. When did the higher seat back latch go into production?

[Gene M.]

Re: 1968 Low Latch Seat Backs

Dan,
You are correct as a GENERAL rule the later cars should have the higher release. But being the Bronze/Tobacco those were not as common as the other colors. It is a remote possibility that they were installed by GM workers because not as many Bronze/Tobacco were used.

More investigation is necessary since 68 was such an odd ball year as far as build changes.

Has the seats been recovered or the seat backs painted?

[Dan M.]

Re: 1968 Low Latch Seat Backs

The seats have the original covers best I can tell. The seat backs appear to be early (80's?) aftermarket.

[Erik S.]

Re: 1968 Low Latch Seat Backs

The only thing I know is that I have the original seats (black vinyl trim), own #20502 (late May) and that they have the higher release

[Michael D.]

Re: 1968 Low Latch Seat Backs

Speculation for consideration: For the less used colors, seat backs with low latch could have possibly been on hand at St. Louis and pulled out when the color was ordered and after the move was made to the higher position.

More frequently used colors (black, red, blue, etc) would have turned over quicker in inventory and could have been using high latch backs before other colors.

My April car #16660 has low latch and dark blue vinyl (411).

[Gene M.]

Re: 1968 Low Latch Seat Backs

More frequently used colors (black, red, blue, etc) would have turned over quicker in inventory and could have been using high latch backs before other colors.

My April car #16660 has low latch and dark blue vinyl (411).

Mike,
My very early 4k build 68, an international blue has a dark blue #411 interior. As far as I can see it is the lowest interior color selected by buyers in model year 68. I only base this on the very few that are seen today.

"One just can't go wrong with blue".

[John H.]

Re: 1968 Low Latch Seat Backs

Speculation for consideration: For the less used colors, seat backs with low latch could have possibly been on hand at St. Louis and pulled out when the color was ordered and after the move was made to the higher position.

More frequently used colors (black, red, blue, etc) would have turned over quicker in inventory and could have been using high latch backs before other colors.

Michael -

The seats were built to order for each specific car based on the trim combination on the dealer order specs; they weren't "banked" or inventoried in bulk by color and then drawn from.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1968 Low Latch Seat Backs

Speculation for consideration: For the less used colors, seat backs with low latch could have possibly been on hand at St. Louis and pulled out when the color was ordered and after the move was made to the higher position.

More frequently used colors (black, red, blue, etc) would have turned over quicker in inventory and could have been using high latch backs before other colors.

My April car #16660 has low latch and dark blue vinyl (411).

My 68 original owner has red interior and the low latches built in Feb 1968.

[Reba W.]

Re: 1968 Low Latch Seat Backs

According to the research done for the 1968-69 JG, the change in location took place around 25,200.

[Dan M.]

Re: 1968 Low Latch Seat Backs

Thanks Reba. I hadn't heard that number before. That is pretty late in the production run and would explain my seat backs (if true). I know the actual incorporation number will always be debated and is probably somewhat related to interior color as well in that time frame. Thanks again.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1968 Low Latch Seat Backs

Actually Dan, according to John Hinckley who was there, it is not related to interior color.

[Erik S.]

Re: 1968 Low Latch Seat Backs

According to the research done for the 1968-69 JG, the change in location took place around 25,200.

mmm - in that case I need to have a look - memory is a bit rusty i guess (as the car is undergoing a body off and I have not been anywhere near a seat for the last 3 years or so )

will revert (but may take some time as i have stored body and interior parts in a barn)