Repair Ford Seatbacks

Classic Mustang, Falcon, Fairlane, and Comet seatbacks have long beennotorious for that unexpected somersault into the back seat. It's goodfor laughs if you're parked at the drive-in or sitting in your garage.However, it can be quite deadly if you're on the interstate doing 70mph. Vintage Ford seatbacks from '63-'67 fail for two reasons. Pivotpins wear, shear, and fail, causing the seatback to give out. And if theseatback stop gives out, it causes the seatback to lay flat into therear seat. Most seat failures prior to '68 are due to accidents (impacttrauma) or abuse.

The '68-'69 Ford bucket seat is a different animal altogether. Theseseats failed because their inboard pivot point cracked. This happenedbecause the pivot bracket was not strong enough for the job. In 1980,Ford issued a recall to fix the broken '68-'69 Mustang, Cougar,Fairlane, Torino, and Cyclone seatbacks using simple, easy-to-install,bolt-on brackets. These brackets are genuine Ford service partsavailable from Mustangs Etc. We're going to show you how to handle thisquick and easy fix using the Ford kits.

The Parts, The Tools

Left Seat: Bracket with attaching parts, PN D7ZZ-69618C46-A.

Right Seat: Bracket with attaching parts, PN D7ZZ-69618C47-A.

Tools: Phillips head screwdriver, 3/8-inch socket and ratchet,1/2-inch combination wrench, large screwdriver or prybar. No specialtools are required.

What's It Cost?

1 Seat repair kit: $40

Included in the seat pivot repair kit are the pivot and bracket, plusattaching hardware. This is a genuine Ford part, issued in 1977.

(above & below) First, remove the inboard seat pivot cover. One screw and a Phillipshead screwdriver get the job done.

(above & below) Remove the outboard seat pivot cover as shown. Two Phillips head screwsretain the cover.