1972 seat back replacement

[Jerome P.]

I need to replace the hard (plastic?) seat back on my car. Al Knock has an unpainted seat back for $137, Eckler's as it for $59.99 Corvette Central has one for about $35.00. Does anyone know: Is Al Knock's seat back that much better?

I want one that will pass NCRS judging.

[Terry B.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

Hi Jerome,

I purchase my seat back from Corvette Central for $45 each and had no problem with judging at the national convention this year with my '68. I would think it would work for your '72 also. I had one to compare it to, however, and they were identical to the original.

[Graeme B.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

Hi Jerry,
I think you'll find the cheaper ones are vacuum formed plastic.
The dearer one is probably injection molded (correct methood),but most likely the wrong material.
Some one else might know if there is a CORRECT replacement.
Cheers, Graeme.

[Don L.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

Hmmm. Interesting thread. Thanks for posting this one.

Working from my (perhaps weak) memory, I thought my early '72 seat back panels were fiberglass. I seem to recall seeing the fibers, embedded in dark gray resin on the back side, just like the interior quarter trim panels and the e-brake console. No?

[Graeme B.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

Hi Don,
I should have said the more expensive ones are Injection molded plastic.
You are correct, the original ones were Press molded resin.
I don't think anyone does correct reproductions.
Cheers, Graeme.

[Bill C.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

no correct material reproductions available.

As for reproduction grains, not sure. maybe Reba may see this thread and share her expertise on the subject.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

I need to replace the hard (plastic?) seat back on my car. Al Knock has an unpainted seat back for $137, Eckler's as it for $59.99 Corvette Central has one for about $35.00. Does anyone know: Is Al Knock's seat back that much better?

I want one that will pass NCRS judging.

Jerome, If you have the original seat backs they can be repaired as they are fiberglass. I repaired a cracked one and the repair cannot be seen, ( just do repair from back side). the reproduction ones I have seen are nothing like the originals and a good judge will see them.

[Jerome P.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

Thanks Ed.

The worst of the two seat backs has a 45 degree crack that runs across the corner and about 1 inch above the screw hole, definitely an area that receives stress.

Your thoughts: Do you think this is repairable and withstand recracking under normal usage?

See attached pictures

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

All------


Actually, the original material is quite weak, brittle, and prone to breakage/cracking. I would think that if there is a replacement out there that appears like the original but is made of a stronger material, that would be preferable to the originals.

[Pete B.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

I may be able to help out...PM sent!

[Edward J.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

Thanks Ed.

The worst of the two seat backs has a 45 degree crack that runs across the corner and about 1 inch above the screw hole, definitely an area that receives stress.

Your thoughts: Do you think this is repairable and withstand recracking under normal usage?

See attached pictures

Jerome, it can be fixed, go to a Home Depot or Lowes they sell fiberglass mat that can be used , Get the heavier fabric , and some resin w/hardner. Tape the piece together from the outside and the rest is history, just make sure to get the broken pieces together as close together as they were original. Supporting the seat back is of importance while the resin and glass dry. good luck.

[Reba W.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

If you do go with reproduction backs, compare the graining with your originals. I have judged some that do not come close in that respect, but I do not know who the supplier is.

[Paul J.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

Jerry, Ed's repair is the correct way. Be sure to build the area over the crack (from the back side). You can also do this repair with a small piece of polystyrene or fiberglass sheet and some good epoxy.

Paul

[Tom L.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

Ed, you've sparked my intrest! I replaced my seat backs with repro's (can't remember who's they were right now) and they are awful! Do you or anyone else have any before and after pics of the repair? Was the old cracxk easily seen? Did you re-dye them? This could be an interesting winter project. Thanks!

[Edward J.]

Re: 1972 seat back replacement

Lynn, the repair is so easy and I used corvette america dye in the spray can,Worked great.My seat back had a crack mid way up the driver seat back. the repair was seemless.

Just scuff the back side of panel and use the resin and fiberglass mat, Tape the finish side were the crack is located, Then the resin will fill the crack , after its dry you may have to lightly scuff with a 400 or finer grit sandpaper. The fiberglass will set up overnight. Then just clean with soap and water and use some steel wool the prep the surface to be dyed.

I am not good at posting pic.s one of these days I'll take the time to learn.