This is a discussion on seat pan ? within the Classic Tech forums, part of the Classic Mustangs category; How important are the seat pan risers to the structural integrity of a 66 coupe? I bought set of 07 ...
How important are the seat pan risers to the structural integrity of a 66 coupe? I bought set of 07 Shelby seats but they site too high on stock risers. I was going to do the pan drop but I don't think that will be enough. I want to keep the power setup for the drivers seat so modifying the seats to use the original tracks is out. My thought was to weld 1" sq. tubing across the actual pan and bolt the seats to them. Any thoughts?
How important are the seat pan risers to the structural integrity of a 66 coupe? I bought set of 07 Shelby seats but they site too high on stock risers. I was going to do the pan drop but I don't think that will be enough. I want to keep the power setup for the drivers seat so modifying the seats to use the original tracks is out. My thought was to weld 1" sq. tubing across the actual pan and bolt the seats to them. Any thoughts?
The seat pan is the anchor for the rear end of the front frame rail extension. Without the seat pan, just putting a floor jack under the car could be an adventure.
How about using a pair of 69-70 FB seat platforms? They are considerably lower than the 64-68 platforms. Another advantage to that would be stock 69 FB carpet would fit.
My original post may have been a bit confusing I've installed new floor pans already but the seats I'd like to use will be too tall if I install the seat risers. I'm looking to lower the seat by about 2 inches which cuts out almost all of the rear portion of the riser. The tracks on the Shelby seats are longer as well so the rear seat track holes won't be usable. My though was to add some sort of structure to mount the seats on so they're not directly on the actual floor pan. I was thinking 1x2 sq tubing welded to the pans then the seats mounted to it would be sufficient. I'm concerned as to how much the seat risers plan into the structure/rigidity of the overall floors and car.
I looked at my 65 Falcon floors after I posted this and found that it doesn't have the riser portion of the floor. Ford put some U-shaped bracing on the floors underneath the car where to tracks bolt through. Wonder if something along these lines would work as well?
I like to 69 riser idea I'll have to look into it.
I would not leave the risers out if the rest of the unibody is stock. I think I am leaving mine out, but there is a lot of things I am doing to stiffen the unibody. The rockers carry a lot of the load and the risers give extra support the middle of the rocker. If you have frame connectors and tied them to the rocker and the pan it would give back some strength to the rockers.
I would guess subframe connectors would suffice. I bent up angles and welded mine right to the floorboards, and I wouldn't be afraid of taking the seat pans out. You can also tie the connectors into the rockers for additional peace of mind. Front torque boxes are a good idea, too, but they won't help much at the seat.
I have subframe connectors on there now but I'm replacing them with a newer set. I'm not sure if i want to tie into the rockers but the cars far from stock anyway so it might not be that big of a deal. I was planning on adding torque boxes but didn't have the time or money when I did the pans If I could get a hold of a metal brake I'd make my own risers to work with the seats.
I have subframe connectors on there now but I'm replacing them with a newer set. I'm not sure if i want to tie into the rockers but the cars far from stock anyway so it might not be that big of a deal. I was planning on adding torque boxes but didn't have the time or money when I did the pans If I could get a hold of a metal brake I'd make my own risers to work with the seats.
dharrelson, you have any pics of that setup?
It ain't really much of a set-up, I just bent 18 Ga metal and welded to the floor and connector. I just mentioned connecting to the rocker, but I didn't do it.
Here's a shot:
I've installed new floor pans already but the seats I'd like to use will be too tall if I install the seat risers. I'm looking to lower the seat by about 2 inches which cuts out almost all of the rear portion of the riser. The tracks on the Shelby seats are longer as well so the rear seat track holes won't be usable. My though was to add some sort of structure to mount the seats on so they're not directly on the actual floor pan. I was thinking 1x2 sq tubing welded to the pans then the seats mounted to it would be sufficient. I'm concerned as to how much the seat risers plan into the structure/rigidity of the overall floors and car.
If I could get a hold of a metal brake I'd make my own risers to work with the seats. 
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