Tbird Front Seat Lean

Topic: Tbird Front Seat Lean (Read 1277 times) previous topic - next topic

Tbird Front Seat Lean

January 11, 2009, 10:18:47 PM

Can't seem to find the threads concerning the front seat lean issue. I guess first off, what causes this? What are the best methods to fix this? Install supports in the seat or replace the seat all together? If I replace the seat with another one what compatibility issues are there with the power seat controls? Is there a direct replacement?

Thanks

Tbird Front Seat Lean

Reply #1 – January 11, 2009, 10:22:36 PM

The seat frame is most likely bent.

It's possible the floorpan is cracked under the seat contributing to the issue, but more than likely it's the seat itself.

All the power controls for height/fore/aft are in the seat tracks, so you can pretty much bolt any other seat to them. Any Tbird/Mustang bucket seat will bolt to the TBird tracks, as will many other Ford seats.

Tbird Front Seat Lean

Reply #2 – January 11, 2009, 10:39:05 PM

Thanks, I guess I will see if I can't find another front seat in good condition.

Tbird Front Seat Lean

Reply #3 – January 12, 2009, 01:29:15 AM

Find some from a newer (94 up) mustang gt. The v-6 seats are very similar to what we already have.

Tbird Front Seat Lean

Reply #4 – January 12, 2009, 10:00:12 AM

Quote from: Haystack;251325

Find some from a newer (94 up) mustang gt. The v-6 seats are very similar to what we already have.

Good to know. I would imagine the upholstery (color) would be pretty hard to match up with the rest of the stock interior. Of course, I have a grey interior so it might not turn out too bad if I find something similar.

Tbird Front Seat Lean

Reply #5 – January 13, 2009, 09:35:47 AM

The reason why it twists is outlined here, at the bottom:
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showpost.php?p=249635&postcount=3

The seat back can sometimes be twisted back and some support braces welded inside (remove fabric and foam). There is a big open hole in the middle of the seat back frame...that's where you'd start. Often there are some cracks and tears in the metal there also. Everything needs to be welded--no bolt-ons here--and that should put you back to normal, and well protected for the future.

I am using SN95 front seats in my '86, and aside from the side bolsters rubbing on the armrests on the door panels, they fit just fine on our tracks. So far they have resisted twisting much better than older Fox seats, although the driver's side is starting to now, after 7 years. That's not too bad though IMO.

Tbird Front Seat Lean

Reply #6 – January 13, 2009, 09:51:39 AM

Thanks for the explanation. Got a lead on a set of 87-93 Mustang seats, do you know of any reason why these would not fit vs. the SN95 seats?

Tbird Front Seat Lean

Reply #7 – January 13, 2009, 10:44:39 AM

No, they fit just fine. Bolt them to your existing tracks and you're all set.

Tbird Front Seat Lean

Reply #8 – January 13, 2009, 11:58:32 AM

Here is a link for you. I'm sure it will be helpful!

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?p=245459#post245459

I just completed my seat lean fix. It was easier than I had expected... and man did it make a difference. The back of my seat is now upright and sturdy for the first time in years and years.

I took mine to a friend to weld, what we did was clamp the seat, face down, to a bench. We used C clamps on 4 corners. Then he just welded where it was broken. He also reinforced all of the areas that were not broken. Worked like a champ!

Tbird Front Seat Lean

Reply #9 – January 13, 2009, 12:36:22 PM

Quote from: 85bird;251496

Here is a link for you. I'm sure it will be helpful!

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?p=245459#post245459

I just completed my seat lean fix. It was easier than I had expected... and man did it make a difference. The back of my seat is now upright and sturdy for the first time in years and years.

I took mine to a friend to weld, what we did was clamp the seat, face down, to a bench. We used C clamps on 4 corners. Then he just welded where it was broken. He also reinforced all of the areas that were not broken. Worked like a champ!

Okay, good information as well. So, it looks as though I will give this a whirl. It seems to me that the seat portion not the backrest is the issue when I sit in it (as far as the lean goes). But I won't know for sure until I tear it apart. I got somebody to do the welding for me so that should not be an issue. Just need my garage to be a little warmer before I can tackle it. This North Dakota weather is a little frigid right about now.

Thanks again

Tbird Front Seat Lean

Reply #10 – January 13, 2009, 01:18:25 PM

When mine broke it was the seat base, not the back. The previous owner actually tried straightening it out by shimming up the back of the tracks with washers. I could've welded it, but it had actually worn through the foam and seat cover, so I ended up replacing it. Sort of. With a Frankenseat: 4-cyl Mustang seat base, '87 Sport cover, and swapped the seat foam with the passenger side (the inner part of the seat foam sees no wear, so by swapping sides with the foam I ended up with two good seats).

That lasted years, until I installed the TC seats...

Tbird Front Seat Lean

Reply #11 – January 13, 2009, 05:42:37 PM

My lean was becasue of numerous breaks on the seat back frame. While you have it apart, have your friend also reinforce any area that is not already broken.

I am a novice in the car repair area.... I am not overly technical. I found this fix to be very easy.