78 Pace Car cracked driver seat pan

[LadySue]

My fiberglass seat pan is cracked - about 6" long. Can it be repaired, or should I visit a salvage yard for a replacement? Cost is not an issue. Also, does anyone know if the hood decal can be purchased separately? I've only seen it as part of a $300 kit. Thanks. -S.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 78 Pace Car cracked driver seat pan

Sue, your fiberglass seat pan can be easily repaired using fiberglass mat and resin. If fact, there is really no way the entire floor pan can be replaced (if you can find a donor) without an incredible amount of work.

If you're going to try to do the repair yourself, invest in "Eckler's Complete Guide to Corvette Fiberglass Repair", which is available here at the NCRS store. Also, do a archive search on the topic...tons has been written, in fact almost this exact question was asked last week (or was it early this week?).

[Patrick H.]

Re: 78 Pace Car cracked driver seat pan

Chuck,

I don't think she's talking about the structural floor pan of the vehicle. I think she's referring to the fiberglass understructure used in 78 Pace Car as well as all 79-82 seats. The foam for the seats mounts inside these pieces. Think of them similar to the seatbacks on your 70, but now one for the bottom, too, and much larger.

These can be repaired, or one can likely be purchased used and painted the appropriate color. I do not know off hand if they are reproduced.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: 78 Pace Car cracked driver seat pan

Sue-----

Once-upon-a-time the Pace Car hood decals could be purchased seperately from GM. In fact, for the most part, GM sold stencils only as individual pieces and not as complete car kits. Unfortunately, the GM decals were discontinued a long time ago for your application.

If I were you, I would contact a firm called Stencils and Stripes. They are the GM-licensed reproduction source for most of the Corvette decals. They might be able to sell you the hood decal seperately while their distributors might not have this option available. Dial them up on the web at www.stencilsandstripes.com

[LadySue]

Re: 78 Pace Car cracked driver seat pan

Patrick, You are absolutely correct. It's difficult to describe not knowing the exact terminology. I have no fiberglass repair experience, so I would have to find someone and pay them to repair it for me. To my knowledge, reproductions are not available. I'd like the car to remain as original as possible in case I ever show it. I just want to do the right thing. Thanks for your guidance.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 78 Pace Car cracked driver seat pan

Sue,

the fastest and likely best option is to contact some of the major vendors of used Corvette parts (like Contemporary Corvette in Bristol, PA) and seeing if they have the piece you want from another Pace Car.

Or, advertise in the Driveline under "parts wanted" or check there for other late 70s Corvette used parts vendors. You ARE a member and DO get the Driveline, right?

Any seat bottom from 79-82 would likely work, but you would have to paint or dye it the correct color. With 6502 Pace Cars made, I think you can find one and avoid the hassle. One caution, though: many vendors MAY want you to buy the whole seat, or even both seats (the pair). If they make you buy the whole thing, don't worry about it. Even with two, you may be able to sell the second one by itself.

Patrick

[Tom R.]

Re: 78 Pace Car cracked driver seat pan

Sue:

You don't mention where it is cracked and whether it is merely a cosmetic issue or affects function. But the silver of those pace car interiors tend to "weather" so if one were to to paint the seat pan silver...it would probably jump out as having been painted. If I recall correctly, the pan is textured so a repair could erase the textured look and feel.

I offer these as considerations if your decision is whether to repair or purchase replacement parts. If you were fortunate enough to find an NOS Pace Car seat pan...probably would be ideal but equally unlikely.