Author Topic: E-Body Bucket Seat Latch (Spacers)?  (Read 1186 times)

Offline filmsurgeon

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E-Body Bucket Seat Latch (Spacers)?
« on: March 04, 2013 - 05:27:49 AM »
Does anyone know how many seat latch spacers are used on E-Body front bucket seats?  I know the widely available repops have multiple Mopar year/model applications.  I assume that they come with (2) spacers per side because of the universal use (interchangeability).  Did all the cars that used these latches, use both spacers per side?  Did some use no spacers?  I am replacing my seat latch strikers/hooks because one of them is loose within it's baseplate, and both are not "square" with their baseplates.  Neither seat would latch no matter how hard I pushed against the seat back. I assumed it might be because of the stiffness of the moving parts within the latching mechanism itself (which I have since removed from the seat frame and lubricated), but I wasn't sure why they wouldn't latch.  The repop latch strikers I bought came with two spacers.  They have a shorter "U" hook than the ones I pulled out of the car.  The repop striker has a 1-1/8" tall "U" hook, while the one I took off my seat has a 1-3/8" "U" hook.  I don't know if the ones that were on my seats were original to the car, but two spacers were used.  Maybe one of the reason the seats wouldn't latch was because the taller strikers were supposed to use one spacer.  :dunno:  The repops come with two spacers, possibly because the "U" striker is shorter.  Interestingly though is that you can buy a latch mechanism, striker, and (1) spacer as a complete replacement from these guys (same thing available from the Goodmark site).  Specified for '70 - '74 Challenger.  http://restorationpartssource.com/store/product98071.html

So, when I reassemble my seats, I'll try two spacers first to see how that works. If that doesn't work, I'll try one spacer. Thanks for all the feedback.

1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.




Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: E-Body Bucket Seat Latch (Spacers)?
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2013 - 12:49:57 PM »
Does anyone provide any feedback on my original post?  I realize my posts tend to be lengthier than others, but I try to be as detailed as possible to avoid any potential confusion.  Thanks in advance for all your help and feedback.
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline Giveitawack

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Re: E-Body Bucket Seat Latch (Spacers)?
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2013 - 01:30:15 PM »
For me it was long hours sitting in the rear seat with the spanner. Adjust, test if the latch latches, adjust test and on and on. I finally managed to get the drivers side to hook up. Have still to do passenger side. I think I will take the seat out of the car so I can see where the hook and latch are.
« Last Edit: March 08, 2013 - 01:32:40 PM by Giveitawack »

Offline filmsurgeon

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Re: E-Body Bucket Seat Latch (Spacers)?
« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2013 - 02:32:55 PM »
For me it was long hours sitting in the rear seat with the spanner. Adjust, test if the latch latches, adjust test and on and on. I finally managed to get the drivers side to hook up. Have still to do passenger side. I think I will take the seat out of the car so I can see where the hook and latch are.

Are you talking about using the "spanner" to bend the hook?  Regarding "spanner:  What tool are you referring to?
1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

Offline Giveitawack

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Re: E-Body Bucket Seat Latch (Spacers)?
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2013 - 02:55:15 PM »
Yeah maybe "spanner" is the british word.
I didn't bend anything. Just loosened the bolts and moved the hook and torqued it down. Trial and error.