71 RoadRunner bucket seats

[RobsRR]

I am trying to convert over from a bench seat to buckets. I have been getting mixed info on which seat frames will work. I was told that I must find 71 or 72 Plymouth b body frames, 73 and 74 are wider. Also told that 1972 dodge b body frames off of a dodge charger would not work either for some reason? Can anyone shed some light and would anyone know of any for sale at a reasonable price. I would expect to recover and put in new foam. Thank you.

[1972RM23]

I just bought a set (71 - 72 Satellite seats) for $200 at a swap meet last year.
I was told that the bench seat mounting location is slightly inward of the bucket bolt location.
That your two buckets would be slightly closer together.
Don't know if that is true since I haven't swapped the buckets for the bench yet.

[71bird]

Ok, I switched my 71 bench over to buckets, so here is the dope.They had two different styles of buckets, early 71 and, late 71/72 seats. The change was made around Dec of 70. If it really matters to you look at your build date to see which ones you need. The difference is the shape of the seat back, and the back release button. Early 71 had a large black button and separate side covers, while the late 71/72 had a smaller chrome button ,and the cover was part of the seat back. Also the 73/74 seat tracks might work, but they are different. To make things cheaper they got rid of the sliding locks on one track of each seat, and just had a lock on one side without the wire that connected them.The floor pan may already have a dimple in it to show where to drill, if not just put the seat in in the outside holes and mark, and drill the inside holes. Also there are floor reinforcements that get welded to the floor for the inside holes, they are being reproduced now, and they go inside the car.

[bigaaadams]

I am puzzled about welding in the re-enforment plates to the inside...every seat mount plate I have ever seen has been on the underside of the car as the whole design is to sandwich the floor metal between the plate and the seat frame itself. Granted welding does give strength..but would require a full perimeter weld on the inside..only spot welds on the beneath position..this very same principle is used when back fitting seatbelts..it would be useless to put the two large displacing washers on the inside of the car..

[RobsRR]

Can Someone confirm 73 74 frames are different and will not accept 71 covers and foam? Should I just be looking for "Plymouth" b body frames?

[71bird]

I'm not sure about the frames, I just know about the tracks. Now about the reinforcement plates,you can put them on the bottom, but then the seat will set crooked. Look at how the floor makes a drop in the middle. They don't need perimeter welds just spot welds. Think about how they were built, which was as quickly and easy as possible, thats why spot welds. Seats and seat belts are two poising forces. Remember, all of these cars started out as bench seat single exhaust 318 ect. cars, with dimples in place so they would know where to drill for the holes that different options required. Look at the exhaust,and where it goes over the rear end, one side was an after thought. It started out life as a single, and things were bolted on later for dual exhaust.So, with the seat they started out as bench, the reinforcement for the outside is part of the frame structure.What was the easiest thing to do for the inboard mounts? Just drill the holes and spot weld a couple of plates in-place.Thse plates just make the seat level, and keep the floor from oil caning. But to be sure, can someone post a picture of their original bucket seat car with the plates, and where they are, and how they were welded?

[RobsRR]

Thanks for the info. How about seat foam I see applications from 72-74 but not 71? Whats up with that?

[71bird]

Ok, after calling around, this is what I found out. Legendary does not make these foams, but a company called OER( original equipment reproductions) does. Different places sell their stuff, like Summit, and Classic Industries. The # no. for a pair is MD2050 or SF 156 for a single, from Classic. They are all the same for 71 thru 74. I have new foams in my car, and they sure do feel nice, and firm.

[sdweatherman]

Here are the measurements from my Aug '70 built SSP. Hope this helps. If you would like the measurements on the floor plates, just let me know. Scott.

[71bird]

I have a update on the foam for 71 bucket seats. I found the receipt for mine, and they used ones from Year One which fit 70-71 A,B,and E body cars. The number is XA49. Hopes this helps.

[RobsRR]

Thank you so much for your help. Now I just need to find seats.

[steved]

hey scott, i'd like the measurement on the floor plates...thickness too!

If anyone else wants some, I can get a bunch lasered out!

sjd

[sdweatherman]

Hey Steve,
I can get those measurements tomorrow evening. Once you produce a few, you should market them through Year One and get $199.99 for a set of four! Just don't forget my cut! Scott.

[71bird]

Somebody is already reproducing those plates.

[steved]

Somebody is already reproducing those plates.

and that person is?

I'm a mechanical engineer who primarily works with sheet metal products. One of my sheetmetal or waterjet houses will probably blast out as many as I want for 20 bucks. They made the stainless countertops I have in my kitchen. I am very proficient with CAD, and know a TON of manufacturing people.

sjd