Possible to put newer Chrysler sebring seats in my 69 Newport convertible?

Biggredd2069

Biggredd2069

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I have a 68 Chrysler Newport convertible. The seats don't recline and the driver seat is sagging so needs to be rebuilt inside. Being that I only have lap belts and they don't recline was thinking out loud if a 2010 Sebring convertible seat would be a reasonable retro upgrade. Would have the Chrysler logo, recline, and has a shoulder seat belt. I like this specific year because the shoulder harness is flat in the top of the seat whereas previous years have a "tower" that goes up next to the headrest that looks ugly as hell. I know the main problem would be the bolts on the ground. Without having done much research do you think it would fit ok In terms of overall width and height? I'm sure there is a decent work around to get the proper bolt pattern, maybe an adaptor of some sort specifically for these kinds of projects? Or am I committing a sin by wanting to get rid of the original seats?
 
Its your car, do as you wish , but I'd keep the original seats for the future as a purchaser (or you) may wish to reinstall them.

Others can advise re: fitment- but drilling holes and welding any required strengthening brackets would seem straightforward.

Best wishes with the new seats if the swap can be done.
 
Shoulder belts in a convertible is a bad idea.

There's a reason they weren't mandatory until the later models were they had some rollover protection.
 
When the OEMs went to bucket seats with all seat belts integrated into them (lap belts and shoulder belts and related retractors), they allegedly had to strengthen/beef-up the floor pan areas the seats bolted onto. Such that the seat mounts "stayed put" and deflect from collision forces. Keeping the driver protected and in a stable location.

Fix the seats you have. Where the lean back rests against the seat cushion, there might be some plastic/metal items that are the "travel limiters" which the seat lean back rests against when the front seat back is in "driving position". Varying that build thickness might be what you need. The OTHER thing might be the '66 C-body manual seat brackets, which have bolts and slots where you can vary the basic seat attitude "to suit". Raise the front, lower the back, for example.

ANOTHER thing is seat width! FEW modern seats are as wide as the older seats were. You sit ON them instead of IN them. Most, even current Charger buckets, are much wider than where you sit.

IF you want some "recline action", find a pair of '66 Chrysler bench seat mounts. Manual adjustment slots for the front and rear of the seat. Raise the front, lower the rear, then tighten the bolts. OR seek out a power seat set-up, rebuild the motor and cables, wire it in with a working switch, and enjoy.

CBODY67
 
I think they would look absolutely ridiculous in that cavernous interior.
 
If you end up doing this please post pics so we can see how it looks:thumbsup:
 
The Newport´s original seats are a lot more comfortable than those of a Sebring, but do what you like. Just my two cents.
 
Some will say it's a sin. (Purists)
Some will say go for it. (It's not their car after all.)
Some will be intrigued. (Lines are meant to be crossed, not colored inside of.)
Having personally retrofitted seats from a 2002 Camaro into a 1978 Camaro, I can tell you, it's not a straightforward task, regardless of vehicle.

There is no "kit" per se, for retrofitting modern seats. Anything like that will require drilling and/or welding. Just as an example, the floorpan of the 2002 Camaro wasn't "flat" and the seat frame had mounting points that were at different heights to accommodate the high and low spots in the 2002 Camaro. Putting that in a flat-bottom '78 meant using spacers. Also, the bold holes will not be the same, which means you're going to have to drill holes in the floorpan, reinforce it with a backing plate, and weld bolts in place. Same goes for seatbelt mount points.

Can it be done? Absolutely. If you're going to jump down this rabbit hole, I would advise you to measure the height of the new seats at all angles of recline, and make sure there is ample clearance, and ask yourself if you're ready to hack up your floorpan.

My 2 cents- If you're not concerned with maintaining the originality of the car, find a really good upholstery shop near you, and ask for some creative ideas on modernizing your current seats with new materials, inside and out. Add seat warmers, choose a custom fabric, and updated foam to make it more comfortable for your tush. I have a non-reclining bench in my 68, and if I feel like I'm sitting "too upright," I just scoot my cheeks forward and lean back.

Maybe consider finding a set of reclining seats, and have THOSE redone, and keep your originals stored in a dry place.
 
I'm not in a hurry to do this project. Just getting input. I wouldn't mind getting the seat redone if I could just recline it a few degrees further back. maybe I'll check the bump stops on it and see if I can file it down or something. I'm 6'2". But having the ability to adjust it to any angle would be nice which is why I would consider newer seats. I won't always want it reclined but sure would be nice to have a more comfortable sitting position. I am saving all the original parts that I take off.
 
I upgraded my basic bench seat frame for a power seat frame mounted my original seat onto it.
Looks original and I can recline the seat on long trips.
boab september 2017 005.JPG
 
I have individual buckets now fyi with a center console with flip down arm rest. The seat has a latch on the side to easily lean the seat forward for rear entry. So that would likely be a consideration for whatever seats I get as well. Not that I have people in the back often but when I do would be a pain if they couldn't use the latch to get themselves out easily if they needed to.
 
mr. fix it said:
I have a setup from DeMatt I bought a few winters ago.
I have to get this done.
Click to expand...
Luckily Slabs,Fusey's and Formals use the same bolt pattern in the floors with no modifications..
Just the wiring may need some fabbing.
My car is a 68 the seat frame from a 69.
Hope this helps
 
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