I inherited dad's '48 Ford coupe and can't figure out how in the world to get the seat back further. I move the lever and although been a long time since I had a bench seat car, I do remember what a pain they can be to move. But I don't see exactly how it works. I move the lever while watching and noting wiggles. Wondering if something is missing on the seat. I recovered years ago but paid no attention to the workings of it. No wonder dad's leg killed him in stop and go cruising. Unless he had shorter legs than I have. Which could be possible also. Now way I could get my leg up and push those pedals down with seat where it is! Not to mention the 'muscular' stature so steering wheel is way too close! The rod that appears like it goes to the 'gear' on each end across the bottom, is supposed to move or something? It does look like it was moved back a little at some point but I need a lot more! I thought maybe someone could get or had some pics of one so I can see the gory details. The middle pic is the release lever. Probably didn't need to add that pic.
Take the seat out and flip it upside down. Then you can figure out the mechanism. The latch isn`t engaging. The seat might be missing springs to pull the seat back. You might have to use some force when engaged. As it has not moved in years.
When they have sat for a long time in one position the sliders tend to become difficult to move. Remember, these seats were not easy to move in the first place. Since you were able to take pictures I assume you can get to the tracks. Grease them liberaly and try rocking the seat back and forth. Or, as stanlow 69 said you can remove it if that doesn't work and get a better look at what the hang up it.
do as suggested but looks like one side of gear in track is not the same on the other side too. Have fooled with lots of these to get them right. also I usually make a piece that bolts to the orig holes in floor that allows seat to be mounted about 3" back-wife can drive it fine forward and fits well slid back for me
Thanks for the tips. I like the idea of adding a seat extender so to speak. Dad probably never adjusted it after he put it in 10 yrs ago when i made the seat covers for it. There's something to be said about using buckets for seats like he did for years. I did notice that one was turned a little, like the seat may bet a little crooked which with any bench seat i messed with before, creates a mess to get it to move again. From looking it looks like only one side actually latches, however it does it. I'll attempt greasing first and get someone to sit on other end and see if we can rock it into moving. I tried today blocking the release up and sitting in the middle but didn't budge an inch even. Tires moved further than the seat back and forth! I did notice to that it has been moved a little on at least one side as can see where it isn't painted is showing. Was so hoping to drive it while our street is shut down. Maybe this weekend I can convince the husband to get out there and help. He hates old cars! The good thing is now it starts every time after finding a coil wire with only a couple strands connected! Thanks again all! Will report back when I get it moved and let you all know how it went!
Keep us posted on the progress. By the way, I grew up in Gig Harbor and get back there at least once a year. Sister still lives in Tacoma, off Bridgeport.
I think scrounger is on the right track. The gears aren't in the same location, one seems to be back further so the whole mechanism might be cocked. The "T" tracks might also need to be lubricated to get it to slide.
I've only had 60s cars with bench seat and they were a bear also, especially if cockeyed! When the weather cools off, which could be 20 mins from now here in the NW, I'll see what I can do. Car show season so much going on. Just returned from Eugene Oregon area for a show i do every year also. Plus gotta get room in garage and then also be able to fit in coupe to get it in there. Might be better you don't live around here anymore, this place has gone nuts the last couple years! Maybe I'll meet you sometime!
It will take me a bit to get at it as I also do shows and other stuff going on plus I hate the heat so don't do a lot outside then. But the good thing bout the NW is it usually changes pretty quickly! I will keep you all posted.
The Jalopy Journal
