71 seat back release button

[Keith M.]

Both seats are missing the chrome release button. On the passenger side the holes aren't even drilled in the metal plate.
Any ideas?

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 reat back release button

Both seats are missing the chrome release button. On the passenger side the holes aren't even drilled in the metal plate.
Any ideas?

And the reats came from where?

[Alan S.]

Re: 71 reat back release button

Hi Keith,
Since the lock assembly needs to be released from the seat back in order to install the 2 screws that mount the release button, perhaps you'll have enough access then to drill the 2 holes for each button?
This does require removing the lower seat back panel and opening up the "flaps" on the upper seat cover's back side in order to have access to the lock assembly bolts.
Do you have the AIM to show you this? UPC 1 Seats, Sheets J4, J5, and J6.
I'll add too that's it seems strange to be missing the button? Are they new seats?
Regards,
Alan

[Keith M.]

Re: 71 reat back release button

Hi Allan,
Thanks for the reply. I just bought this car and going through my punch list. The car is very original with 39,605 miles on her with most everything being correct so far.
It s strange that these items are missing, driver side holes are there, passenger side the only thing there are detents where holes should have been drilled.

[Alan S.]

[Keith M.]

Re: 71 reat back release button

Allan I agree except the holes are not drilled in the passenger seat!!

[Alan S.]

Re: 71 reat back release button

Hi Keith,
This reminds me of a picture of a 72 driver's side lower dash pad without the 3 screws (no holes) that run along it's top, that was posted here a few years ago.
???
Regards,
Alan

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 reat back release button

Keith,
As the car is assembled I believe almost the last thing, if not the last thing, that goes into the interior is the seats. It is possible that the seats were installed this way, but I wonder why the PO(s) would not have had this fixed by the dealer under warranty. Or even that the dealer fix it before original delivery. Now if the first owner was like some of us, I could understand it not being fixed; but in that case I would expect that information would have been passed on through to you. It would have to be a pain to use the car for 39K without having the release buttons in place at least on the driver's side. Aren't there sharp edges in there?

In any case, since most of us would agree it is not "typical factory production" you will have to fix it. Document it well with photos before you do, and move on.

[Keith M.]

Re: 71 reat back release button

Hi Terry,

After removing the seat back hardware, the passenger side had black electrical tape covering the holes. The seat foam is in bad shape(yellow dust every where). Overall they appear to be not messed with to much. Got them all back together and working fine. Thanks for all the input, I think I will invest in a new pair of seat covers and foam from Al Knoch. I would think they are the best to go with?

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 reat back release button

I had a set of AKs upholstery on the 1970 for years; original foam though. It was OK for driving, but I didn't like how puffy it looked. It always ate at me. Now the foam and original upholstery is so deteriorated it is like sitting on the floor. No way to win IMO.

[Alan S.]