Topic: seat rails and base assbly

[CKF1962]

what is correct finish for seat rails? were these phospated? If so, does anyone refurb these componets? I am recovering seas and would like fresh base assemblies to reinstall.

Kevin

[jwc66k]

Depending on the condition, I carefully bend the roller retaining tab, remove the rollers and plastic pieces, and clean up the inner and outer sections (bead blast to remove rust if necessary). Then paint the pieces semi-gloss black, let dry and reassemble. (Use white lithium grease on the rollers.) The springs I dip in a metal blackening solution and them cook for a ten a full 10 minutes in a phosphoric acid bath at 180F. The seat mounting bolts should be phosphate and oil. Replacements "may" be available at AMK.
Jim

[67gtasanjose]

Depending on the condition, I carefully bend the roller retaining tab

Next time, try pressing out one of the seat studs. You might thank me later (works on at least the 64.5 through 67 tracks).

[Bossbill]

I pressed out the studs and then very carefully tack welded them in.
Very finicky.
The next time I'm going to try heating the tab with oxy/acy to bend up and then cold bend back.
They don't always tolerate bend and rebend back without breaking.

[jwc66k]

Next time, try pressing out one of the seat studs. You might thank me later (works on at least the 64.5 through 67 tracks).

Most of the time, it's trying not to knock them loose. I made a fixture to hold the studs in place while I "stake" the base sort of like the original method. I'm getting better at it.
And, yes, AMK still sells them (AMK B-11662), but check the length of yours first. They may be different.
Jim

[J_Speegle]

Don't know of anyone that advertises refurbishing or restoring seat rails

[mtinkham]

Weren't some seat track assemblies P/O? My signature car was.

[CharlesTurner]

Weren't some seat track assemblies P/O? My signature car was.

Dearborn/NJ usually phosphate/oil and San Jose were black.

[jwc66k]

Dearborn/NJ usually phosphate/oil

Which changes to rust, often quickly in wet climates.
Jim

[CKF1962]

thanks for the insights. Mine are PO, and why I asked - I can't do anything bigger than hardware. I am going to paint rails and phosphate the small stuff.

K