Fox Broken Seats

[polaraman]

It appears that my upper drivers seat is broken. I'm currently sitting kinda sideways. I feel a little rock in it as well. I've read previously that this is a common problem.

Can the seats be repaired and welded while it's still in the car? Or do I have to take them out. Is it a long term fix or should I look for replacement seats?

 

[Mustang5L5]

It's only 4 bolts on the seat tracks to take the seat out. 9.75 mins and you can have them in your driveway where it's a lot easier to get at the broken area.

 

[7991LXnSHO]

Broken Seat Back | Mustang Forums at StangNet

Been a while some we had this one come up. The sideways/back lean is common.

 

[elarm1]

Check the floor to see if its ripped. it may be

 

[jrichker]

Check the floor to see if its ripped. it may be

This is a common problem I have had it on both 89 Mustangs that I have owned. The upside down U channel on the floor that holds the studs for the front of the seat cracks around the studs. The repair patch can be welded in or riveted in using aircraft structural blind rivets and solid rivets. I riveted mine in since I don't have a welder and I had the needed rivets and tools from my days as an A&P aircraft mechanic.

The seat backs are also prone to cracking, and they can be repaired by welding or riveting.

With both types of failures, the biggest problem is getting the upholstery out of the way to fix the problem. The crack in the floor U channel requires removal of both front seats, the center console & carpeting. The crack in the seat back requires removal of the headrest, which can be tricky to do. The rest of the repair for both types of cracks is just nuts, bolts, and screws along with a few electrical connections.

 

[A5literMan]

Yup my seat back ratchet is broken. I think I'm going to throw some aftermarket seats and rear upholstery in mine. I do like the 86 seats though and may just fix it. I'm 50/50 on either choice.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

Does anyone sell a repair, or rebuild kit for the ratcheting mechanism in the seat pivot? Mine isn't broke, but it's certainly loose from 25-years worth of use.

 

[monte87]

Gangsta Lean seat issues.. LOL

 

[Gearbanger 101]

Gangsta Lean seat issues.. LOL

Not a fan of the lean. I like to sit upright when I drive.....and even new, I don't think the fox seats did it? I've literally had to climb into the back seat, put both feet up against the back side of the drivers seat and leg press them into a more vertical position.

 

[A5literMan]

Does anyone sell a repair, or rebuild kit for the ratcheting mechanism in the seat pivot? Mine isn't broke, but it's certainly loose from 25-years worth of use.

I haven't seen one. That's why I haven't fixed mine. I thought I might figure out a way to "fix" it myself. Or just bite the bullet and buy new seats.

 

[polaraman]

Ok... Finally had time to look at my seat today and the back bracket that mounts to the floor was completely broken. I just took it out and my neighbor is going to weld it back for me. That addresses the odd rocking I was getting.

But the upper seat was popping back as well. I can set the position and it would pop into the next position that was further back. What controls that? Is it something he can weld too?

 

[A5literMan]

Ok... Finally had time to look at my seat today and the back bracket that mounts to the floor was completely broken. I just took it out and my neighbor is going to weld it back for me. That addresses the odd rocking I was getting.

But the upper seat was popping back as well. I can set the position and it would pop into the next position that was further back. What controls that? Is it something he can weld too?

That's what mine does. I believe it's the ratchet on the inside portion of the seat. I haven't really looked at it closely yet. These seats are notorious for this.

 

[polaraman]

I wonder if there is a fix for this...

 

[polaraman]

Looks like my popping back was actually the seat slipping off of the bracket that was broken. I haven't had the issue of the top section popping since I got the seat welded. Thanks everyone!