71S drivers seat recline

[srao]

Hi,

Happy New Year! On my 71S, the drivers seat will fall back when the car is rapidly accelerating -- the recline mechanism seems to have seen its day. It will recline perfectly fine but not hold while driving.

It seems to be very difficult to find this specific part but thought I would ask the experts if you guys have experienced this or may know how to address it? My mechanic mentioned that it is very difficult to find that part and people will sometimes replace the seat but would prefer to keep the seat if possible that I have.

Any help is extremely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Best,
Sanjay

[Jim Breazeale]

Hi,

Happy New Year! On my 71S, the drivers seat will fall back when the car is rapidly accelerating -- the recline mechanism seems to have seen its day. It will recline perfectly fine but not hold while driving.

It seems to be very difficult to find this specific part but thought I would ask the experts if you guys have experienced this or may know how to address it? My mechanic mentioned that it is very difficult to find that part and people will sometimes replace the seat but would prefer to keep the seat if possible that I have.

Any help is extremely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Best,
Sanjay

Yes, you have a common problem. You also have a "one year only" seat hinge.

Regards

Jim

[srao]

Thanks Jim - have you come across anyone that can rebuild it?

[recarno]

I don't know if I understand you correctly: are you looking for a hinge? for sports seat recaro?

best

[srao]

It is the hinge itself...here is a picture in case it helps.

[nickb4]

It is the hinge itself...here is a picture in case it helps.

That is not a picture of a '71 seat recliner- it's a picture of a 69 / '70 seat recliner for Comfort Seats.
Almost all '71S cars have Sport Seats. Does your car have Comfort or Sport Seats?

[srao]

It is a picture of my car. Not sure if the seats had been changed at some point in the cars life...

[nickb4]

It is a picture of my car. Not sure if the seats had been changed at some point in the cars life...

Yes it appears the original Sport Seats were swapped out at some point for a set of '69/'70 Comfort Seats.

Getting back to your original question the recliners do become available for sale every so often. Try posting a WTB (with that pic) for a '69/'70 driver's side seat recliner with good chrome. Even if you strike out and wind up purchasing a seat your seats look very nice so you can just swap out the recliner.

[srao]

Thanks. Will do — appreciate your help.