C1 seat track stuck

[Reed F.]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove a set of seat tracks from a '59 that are stuck, (both seats, both sides) can't be broken free with a hammer and wood block and yet in their frozen location obscure the rear bolt heads, preventing their removal. They are surface rusted only, and I've tried the liberal application of penetrating oil. Any one who has fought this battle and might have some plans of attack, I'd appreciate knowing. Thanks.
Reed Flickinger

[dennis frey]

Re: C1 seat track stuck

hi reed. i see nobody took a shot at this. i had a similiar problem w my 57. dont know if track is the same. my seat was twisted in the track so it was not an issue of how hard to hit it, but where to hit it to square it up. also hitting it the opposite direction [ie forward and backward] might help. these are simplistic things and i would guess you have already tried them===dont mean to insult you. now for more radical. as i recall you can see the bolt head but cant get a wrench on it. just an idea. try welding the largest size possible allen wrench on it so you can hold it while applying pressure from below. let me know how you make out and good luck. re. d.

[James B.]

Re: C1 seat track stuck

Hi Reed,

Just to eliminate the obvious, are you able to lift the handle up on the tracks to disengage the lock? If you don't do this, they definitely won't move on you.

If you have a way to hold the handle up and then hit, I would think they should move for you. Again, just trying to make sure all bases are covered here.

Regards,

Jim Brady III
1959 Corvette Registry, Webmaster

http://www.59registry.com

NCRS #44671

[Reed F.]

Re: C1 seat track stuck

Jim,
The lever(s) were free and up, but despite penetrating oil and judicious application of a 5 lb hammer against a block of wood to spread the impact, the suckers are stubborn and won't move. Reminds me of an ex-wife, but I won't go there... It is Thanksgiving weekend, so maybe I'll go the mig route from below and see if that works and I can give thanks. The cars are simple to work on, it's just the complications created by age, theirs and mine, that make it a challenge. Thanks again for the words of advice, always the best from the bunch on this forum.
Reed Flickinger

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 seat track stuck

As a last resort drill the nut plate off from under the Corvette and holding the bolt use a pipe wrench and turn the nut plate till it moves or brakes , they repro the nut plate and wibbits.

[Brad K.]

Re: C1 seat track stuck

I had exactly the same issue with my '59. The seats were both stuck in the extreme rear position. They simply would not go forward (even with the lever fully raised). My solution was to pry slightly upward with a piece of plywood 1/2' thick x 4" wide x 12" on the lower, rearmost seat frame member that is directly above the screws through the floorpan. The seat frame would then move forward. I believe this lower part of the seat frame was hanging up on the screws. I had the seat frames out just a short while before this happened and it had never happened before. I removed any lock washers and tightened everything down in an attempt to lower all screws as much as possible, put everything back together, and it never has happened since!