Converting '69 Chevelle from Bench to Buckets...

[azrapse]

I have recently gutted my '69 Chevelle interior for restoration and obtained a set of buckets to replace my bench...

Question: The buckets fit fine, but before I drill the holes for the extra bucket vs. bench bolts, is it necessary to invest in the aftermarket bucket seat conversion brackets I see??

Would obtaining the brackets eliminate the need for extra hole-drilling all together, and if not, what size and form of hole-drilling should I perform for best fit and bolting, etc, etc, etc...

Any advice from those who have performed this conversion would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Edward.

[TDW]

Edward...If you go to www.chevelles.com (http://www.chevelles.com) and do a search in the interior section, you will find lots of info on this conversion. Good luck. Tony

[Mr70]

You need the Brackets.
You just can't drill holes in the Floor.
You have to sit higher up front then the Floor,and the brackets allow this.
I'm sure they would come with a Template ,and that will help too.
Get the brackets.

[Keith Tedford]

I think you will find that the outside rear is the only existing hole that you will use. If you bolt the seats to the floor they will be low at the front and lean inboard.

[NCGuy68]

I may be a bit off topic here, but why convert to buckets?

A friend has a very nice 69 L78 Chevelle with a bench and Muncie. The shifter handle must be 2 foot long with a big "dogleg" bend in it. Its very different then the 'run of the mill' 69s that you see with buckets.

Of course, its your car and do what makes you happy.

[JoeG]

azrapse,
Mr70 is correct about the seat leaning forward--awhile back in the now extinct "The Chevelle Report"-- this conversion was done with the kit from Hinshaw's Chevelle Parts--they had a complete installation kit.---JoeG

[azrapse]

Thanks everyone. I will definitely purchase the conversion brackets - my understanding is they have to be welded to the floorboard and possibly moved about 3/4" from the existing outside hole to facilitate the seat clearing the seat-belt housing when adjusting forward/ backward on the tracks...

Anyone used the Bucket Seat Conversion Kit available through Ground-Up??? ..if so elaborate on how it turned out.

**To tell you the truth I just always liked the look, and feel, of buckets in a sport coupe...it's probably psychological as much as it is for plain comfort - your own space, and one you can adjust, ..and plant yourself into. Alright already...I'm a controling person, a LEO, and one of those who just can't allow themselves to sleep in the passenger seat while someone else drives - I'd rather be driving. (So how much for this session, doc??)

I'll keep you guys posted as to how it turns out...

[azrapse]

Let's see, ...it all began when I was a child. I have deep issues with, ..etc..., etc..., etc.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

Please ignore...that was the Fat Tires talking. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[55chevy]

Edward... I'm with you man... But just the opposite.. I need a T-Handle Hurst shifter curving up over a Black Bench seat and a set of Sidepipes and traction bars.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif A silver/original black striped 74 Nova SS did it to me when I was 7 years old. I remember that car like it was yesterday.. EVERY DETAIL.. And I'm 31 years old now.. TRUE car guys are implanted at a young age. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif