Power Seat Differences

by George Nenadovich

 

Picture shows a power seat from a 73 Olds 98 2dr with split front bench seat. Notice there are 6 cables connected to the transmission. This is a 6 way power seat.

 

Close up showing the motor with a "direct-drive" connection to the transmission/solenoid case.

 

Bottom side of same p.seat mechanism....notice floor mounting pedestals/feet.

 

Here is an original 68-72 GM A-body power bucket seat mechanism. Notice transmission is only has 2 cables and there is not direct drive connection. Motor drives the transmission pulley by a large "o-ring/belt" Common for the belt the belt to be broken/cracked or missing. Visit any vacuum cleaner supply/service store and get a new belt for about $1-2.

 

Same seat mechanism shown upside down. Notice pedestals/feet. When converting a bucket seat car to a power bucket seat car....you must change the floor brackets since the mounting points are 13.5" for a p.seat and 15" for a manual seat.

 

Here is a power seat mechanism from a 73 Buick Regal....notice mechanism is almost identical to the 68-72 p.seat mechanism.

 

Notice mounting pedestal differences.

 

Side-by-side comparison of the 68-72 p.seat on the left with the 73-77 p.seat on the right. Basically the exact same mechanism except for the pedestals. It may be possible to make or adapt the seat pedestals so the later version, 73-77, will work in the 68-72 models.

 

Here is the 6 way from the 73 Olds 98.....seat is 2" wider than the 68-77 A-body versions....do not think it would be possible to adapt this seat mechanism to the fit the earlier seats.