Challenger bucket seats

[Mattias]

Hi,
I´m new to this forum, usually I´m at the "for B-bodies forum".

My project car is a Coronet -66 but I plan to use Challenger -70 bucket seats because of the higher back. Also I like the look of them and think they would fit perfect in the Coronet.

To the question:
Are the frames the same on all of the Challengers from 1970 - 1973? Can I switch the upholstery between the models?

I have got my hands on a pair of seats that looks like this:

Can I restore them and use the upholstery that look like this:

Thank you!
/Mattias

 

[pschlosser]

Yes, the frames are all the same, both Barracuda and Challenger, 1970-74.

 

[Xcudame]

70 and some early 71 E-Bodies have a different back panel and hinge covers, but other than that, they're identical. I believe some A-Bodies also share the same seats, backs and foam, but the seat tracks are different if my memory serves.

By the way, welcome to FEBO from the desert! Post a photo or two of your 66 Coronet!

 

[Mattias]

Thank you!

Picture of my car when I bought some years ago:

And today:

Some work left to do...

 

[Xcudame]

Nice Coronet! Going to be even nicer when you're done. Thanks for sharing! Also, I believe some of the C-Bodies used very similar seats in 71 and 72 as the E-Body seats. Just a knowledge point.

 

[EV2RTSE]

I always liked the grill on the 66 Coronets. Another thing to keep in mind - at some point, I believe it was in 1973 they changed to putting the springs in the foam itself. I don't know for sure but this difference may be an issue if trying to use the earlier covers on these later frames?

 

[S Vicious]

Yes, the frames are all the same, both Barracuda and Challenger, 1970-74

I just had my upholstery shop tell me my 70 reproduction seat covers (identical to photo) will not fit my 73 seats.

 

[Xcudame]

Seat foam is different for 73 than 70. But the frames are the same. Sorry for any confusion.

 

[Avalanche]

As I know it, and correct me if I'm wrong, 70-71 seats can replace the foam from the frame. 72-74 the foam does not come off. 70-71 have a hard back. 72-74 have a fabric back. Go on the Legandary website for more Info and best covers.

 

[Xcudame]

Avalanche, you could be right. I know mostly about 70 & 71 because that's what I have. But Year One does sale a 73-74 foam. Plus different 70 and 71 foams, but no 72!

https://www.yearone.com/Catalog/challenger.cuda/interior/seat/seat-foams

 

[Mattias]

Thank you for all answers and input!

I would like to have the 1970 look which looks quite close to the original Coronet -66 seat, but with high back...

If I understand correct there are some differences in the foam between the years but if I use the matching year of foam and upholstery I guess it should work with either frames?

What year are my seats in the very first picture? 1972-73?

/Mattias

 

[Mattias]

I just had my upholstery shop tell me my 70 reproduction seat covers (identical to photo) will not fit my 73 seats.

Did they give a reason why it will not fit?

 

[Avalanche]

Thank you for all answers and input!

I would like to have the 1970 look which looks quite close to the original Coronet -66 seat, but with high back...
View attachment 133706View attachment 133705


If I understand correct there are some differences in the foam between the years but if I use the matching year of foam and upholstery I guess it should work with either frames?

What year are my seats in the very first picture? 1972-73?

/Mattias

If your seats have a hard plastic back, they are 70-71.

 

[Xcudame]

You're seats in the OP are not 70 or 71. My guess is 72 or 73. Regardless, if you strip the foam off the frames and use 70 foam and seat covers, it will work. And you can use 70 seat backs.

And I agree, the 70 Challenger seats will look good in you 66 Coronet and give you a high back.

 

[6PKRTSE]

You will need B Body seat tracks to put those E Body seats in. I tried to put my 70 E Body seats in my 70 Roached Runner and they were not even close. So I had to swap them out with a different set of 70 B Body buckets I had.

 

[Mattias]

You will need B Body seat tracks to put those E Body seats in. I tried to put my 70 E Body seats in my 70 Roached Runner and they were not even close. So I had to swap them out with a different set of 70 B Body buckets I had.

Did you swap the complete sets to B-body seats or did you swap only the tracks to B-body style?

 

[Xcudame]

You should be able to just swap the seat tracks. Might have to drill a hole or two if they don't line up. The issue 6PKRTSE is alluding to is the different shape of the floor pan between the Coronet and Challenger. The Challenger seat frames with new foam and covers will still work.

 

[S Vicious]

Did they give a reason why it will not fit?

They showed me the 73 buns,(padding) the seat as a whole, were too large.
Trouble occurred when I found a 70 build sheet behind the back seat.