Power Bench seat question

[rustytoolss]

I'm looking for a power bench seat track system to use in my 62 Fury. I've looked at the older 62-68 system with the Joystick . And the newer 69-78 system with the 3 button controls. And wondering what system is the most trouble free ?? If you were looking for a complete track system, which would you be more apt to buy ? I'm got care about orginality of the parts to the year of the car. Just want the most trouble free system, and ease to keep working.

 

[CBODY67]

In your mention of "track system", I'm presuming you mean the complete seat track assy? Two side pieces with the motor, cables, and such between them?

Whatever switch is used to run the motors (usually three of them) does not matter as the guts of the switches are most probably all the same. The key is getting one to fit the trim on the side of the seat.

The motor and transmission mechanisms, combined, can be quite wide as they sit between the seat tracks. THIS can limit your possible candidates for seat tracks. The contours/angles/elevation changes in the tracks where they bolt to the floorpan will bary with each generation of body, as to model years.

Seems like the 1962 Fury was the beginning of what became the B-body cars of later years? Related to the 1962 Dodge Polaras, or at least the 1963 Polaras. The floorpans MIGHT go up to the 1965 B-body cars. I don't recall B-body cars having power seat options in the later 1960s, though. Perhaps I am wrong, past 1964?

Just some observations,
CBODY67

 

[rustytoolss]

Yes the complete seat track assy. I have several old mopar parts books. And the interchange between B body cars and C body cars will work. the same parts were used. As for 1962 Power bench/bucket were an option in B and C body cars. Just wondering if the older system 62-68 vs the newer system 69-77? what system is better . From the stand point of old parts, an repairing if needed.

 

[MoPar~Man]

Whatever switch is used to run the motors (usually three of them) does not matter as the guts of the switches are most probably all the same. The key is getting one to fit the trim on the side of the seat.

Doubtful that the guts of the joystick-style switch (which was 67 and prior - or 68 and prior?) was the same as the 3 side-by-side switch style.

 

[CBODY67]

There might be some differences between the model year range, as to the mechanicals, but I somewhat doubt it. The length of the cables and placement of the drive units might change, but not the core motor items and switching, I suspect.

IF these seat track units were listed in the Hollander Interchange Manual, which is what salvage yards used to use, that could detail what fits what and what minor alterations are needed for some others to fit.

Take care,
CBODY67

 

[MoPar~Man]

There might be some differences between the model year range, as to the mechanicals, but I somewhat doubt it.

There is going to be a difference in the mechanicals or guts of these two switches. I can't see how any of their internal parts could interchange:

BTW, a good substitute for those not looking for strict originality would be these:

These are GM, the one pictured is from Cadillac (1966 - 1976). The toggle switch part looks to be the same from 1960 to 1981 but the outer bezel would vary.

 

[bnz84]

After rebuilding the 62-68 version with hte transmission and joystick I'm guessing the 69-78 system would have less parts to fail. THe old style has multiple small gears in the transmission that could strip and for sure get gummed up. Plus it uses the solenoids that use electric coils to force certain gears to engage. Like a starter. They can fail.

But I bet a newer 80s truck system would work too. I used the GM seat tracks below on my 68 bucket seats. Work great. I'll do a write up once I replace the passenger side. BTW MoparMans switch suggestion is exactly what is used for the tracks I used. Just not in chrome.

VS

GM seatracks

 

[rustytoolss]

After rebuilding the 62-68 version with hte transmission and joystick I'm guessing the 69-78 system would have less parts to fail. THe old style has multiple small gears in the transmission that could strip and for sure get gummed up. Plus it uses the solenoids that use electric coils to force certain gears to engage. Like a starter. They can fail.

But I bet a newer 80s truck system would work too. I used the GM seat tracks below on my 68 bucket seats. Work great. I'll do a write up once I replace the passenger side. BTW MoparMans switch suggestion is exactly what is used for the tracks I used. Just not in chrome.


View attachment 696846

VS

View attachment 696847


GM seatracks
View attachment 696851

I went to Pull a part found a 72 Caddy (power bench seat car). But the switch and motor were gone. Was it hard to adapt the gm track to the mopar seat and floor pan ? I have tought about using GM parts ( more of them still around ). I have watch youtube videos on GM system How to work on transmission/ how to work on switch. does not look to hard.

 

[bnz84]

All the "new" ones don't really have a transmission which was needed when there was only 1 big motor. Now they just use 1 small motor for each function. The GM track pictured is a 6 way and that's what you want Cuz late 80s they started with 7 way which gives you seat back adjustment. I never wanted to mess with that. Those GM ones were used in a ton of their cars and trucks with different mounting tabs depending on floor pan. They are pretty low profile and that is what you want. You can always add spacers if its too low but if too high you may need a hair cut to not hit the headliner. They are cheaper when you get them from a Buick century rather than a Camaro. Also cheaper when somebody is getting rid of entire seats. Sometimes dirt cheap. For people that have separated the tracks they seem to want big money for their time.

So yes the big choice is the time and money for old but good working motors on seat tracks that fit...or time and money for good modern-ish motors on tracks that dont fit. When I got tracks for $50 each that settled it for me. The floor pan on the 69 fury is not flat but really not that lumpy compared to a lot of stuff now days. I complicated the issue by not wanting to cut the 68 buckets I spent $ and travelled for so determined to make adapters to use original seat and floor pan holes. With new holes in the GM mount tabs I got one side of the seat to fit the original seat holes. Then some 14 gauge sheet steel and sturdy superstuts for spacers plus grade 5 and some 8 bolts and we were good. For a bench install it would be easier. half as many holes. I think the outer floor pans would be the same on both sides so just 1 set of spacers would be needed. And like I said I bet you could mod the tracks to fit the original holes in the seats and floors. I know its hard without pics. I almost bought the brackets below but I needed LESS height.

I laugh when I think about the bolt quality holding my original seats down.

https://www.amazon.com/JEGS-70225-S...cphy=9007887&hvtargid=pla-2281435178298&psc=1