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Topic: Manual seat differences (Read 1963 times) previous topic - next topic

Manual seat differences

Hey all,


I have power seats in my 88TC, and would really like to find a set of manual tracks for them.  I know they are becoming rare, but i think I may have found some... and need questions answered.


I'm assuming that the cougar XR-7 and the TC both have the same seat tracks if they had a full console and buckets... correct?

Is there a height difference in the manual seat tracks?  If so, how much?  Its hard to put on a helmet with the powere seats all the way down.  Also, do they go back further? 

What are some vehicles I can find them in?  I know that Mustangs are out of the question, but the 83-88 T-birds with buckets should work, right?


Thanks in advance!
88 TC, Lots of Mods.

Manual seat differences

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Blackout;335629
Hey all,


I have power seats in my 88TC, and would really like to find a set of manual tracks for them.  I know they are becoming rare, but i think I may have found some... and need questions answered.


I'm assuming that the cougar XR-7 and the TC both have the same seat tracks if they had a full console and buckets... correct?


YES, and I would not rule out cars with the consolette with folding armrest either. The consolette is just a floating extension on the seat bottom frame and should use the same tracks as the buckets with a full stationary console.


Quote
What are some vehicles I can find them in?  I know that Mustangs are out of the question, but the 83-88 T-birds with buckets should work, right?


83-88 Tbirds and Cougars. I do know for sure there are variations in tracks depending on which Fox body they are installed in. Some tracks are longer, some are configured differently where they bolt to the floor, and some do not accomodate the anchors for the seat belts. So it's best to stay with the 83-88 Tbird/Cougar seat tracks.

Manual seat differences

Reply #2 –
Yep, ANY '83-'88 FoxBirdCat....not sure if this applies to Mark VII's, for that matter, doubt they came with manual seats.

I've had power seat tracks in my Sport when I bought it, then went to manual. The power tracks would adjust lower than the manual tracks sit...and my car is a moonroof....we're talking about an inch, and I'm 5'11" or thereabouts...

The weight savings...well, that's a tossup...I'd prefer not to break my neck on the first bump rather than save a few pounds, but I had an electrical issue....Might even go back to power seats when I resume working on my Sport.

Hopefully that helps you figure out what you're seeking...and hopefully you don't have the misfortune of having a hole in your roof like I do :hick:
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Manual seat differences

Reply #3 –
I could get a set locally, if you come up empty handed.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Manual seat differences

Reply #4 –
So if i'm reading this right, the power seats actually sit LOWER when fully down than a set of maual tracks?    I thought it was the other way around.  I also thought that they went back SLIGHTLY more than the power tracks.  Is this not correct info?

If not, there is no real point to deleding the power option for me.  I might have to seperate the seat and the track and re-tap some holes further back.  The car isn't (and never has been) too bad for me to drive, but I don't like having to tip the front of the seat up and tilt the backrest back in order to comfertably drive.  I'm 6'4 and around 400, so its not too bad, but it could be much better.  FWIW, i recently drove an 83 Capris RS that had poly race buckets in it.... and it was MUCH more comfertable than my t-bird.... and its smaller inside.
88 TC, Lots of Mods.

Manual seat differences

Reply #5 –
Just searching around, I may have found somewhat of a solution.  Apparently the seats in my TC have a couple of sets of pre-drilled holes for the tracks.  All I should need to so would be to tap a new set of holes and put the seat in a further-back position.  Is that correct?  Does anybody have a pic of a TC seat base at all?
88 TC, Lots of Mods.

Manual seat differences

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Blackout;335729
Just searching around, I may have found somewhat of a solution.  Apparently the seats in my TC have a couple of sets of pre-drilled holes for the tracks.  All I should need to so would be to tap a new set of holes and put the seat in a further-back position.  Is that correct?  Does anybody have a pic of a TC seat base at all?


I don't have a picture , but I can verify that I have seen TC seats with  multiple mounting holes. I used 2 different sets in my 65 Mustang Fastback (in fact my brother owns the car and is still running them )
Fox-less at the moment

Manual seat differences

Reply #7 –
That is good to know.  This means that I can modify the seat bottom just like i've done to SN95 mustangs in the past:  You can use the track to seat bolts to cut threads in the pre-drilled (but not tapped unfortunately) holes.  That way you can get almost 2 more inches of rear travel out of the seats themselves.  Its the same concept for manual tracks, but the lever tends to stick out a bit more than i'd like.  I'm going to do this modification tommorow, and I'll get you guys some pictures.

I'm pretty sure it will go smoothly.
88 TC, Lots of Mods.

Manual seat differences

Reply #8 –
Cool !! good luck
Fox-less at the moment

Manual seat differences

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Blackout;335729
Just searching around, I may have found somewhat of a solution.  Apparently the seats in my TC have a couple of sets of pre-drilled holes for the tracks.  All I should need to so would be to tap a new set of holes and put the seat in a further-back position.  Is that correct?  Does anybody have a pic of a TC seat base at all?


I know this for sure when I had removed my seat tracks to paint them after removing the surface rust there were multiple holes in the seat frame bottom. I assume this was to use the same seats in several different Ford cars from Escorts to Tbirds while using vehicle specific tracks.

Manual seat differences

Reply #10 –
I put a set of '86 Mustang GT seats in my T-Bird and they bolted right up to the T-Bird manual tracks.  Not sure if the Fox Mustang tracks will work in the Birds but at least the seat was an option for me back in the day.

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Manual seat differences

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Aerocoupe;335888
Not sure if the Fox Mustang tracks will work in the Birds



Nope
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

Manual seat differences

Reply #12 –
Have a manual track listed for sale in the classifieds.
1986 Cougar LS

Manual seat differences

Reply #13 –
correct, the floorpans are different.  I havnt had a chance to get to the seats yet, since i had to repair my dash bezel (broken screw holes) and re assemble the dash.  I used fiberglass mat and resin jelly... it turned out great.
88 TC, Lots of Mods.