Follow up Question - C3 Seat Shims

[Robert S.]

Thanks to Sal Carbone for responding to my request for the dimensions of the seat shim washers. I have some of the flat plates but may not have the washers.
It would appear that the each washer is about half the thickness of the flat plates. Since the car supposedly came with 4 flat plates and 8 washers it would seem that it would take 16 washers to shim the center seat latch and the outboard seat bumper bolts the same amount (assuming all 4 plates were used, two per side).
Can someone explain this? If I install two flat plates on one seat do I only install 4 washers, two per bumper bolt or do I put all 8 washers on that one seat, 4 per bumper bolt?

[Dick W.]

Re: Follow up Question - C3 Seat Shims

The shims are recommended to be installed in equal numbers. Two long ones should be used with two washers on each corner. Some people prefer to only use one set per seat depending on the tilt they want.

This is all spelled out in the owner's manual. It specifically warns to always use an equal number of long pieces and washers or the seat may not latch.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Follow up Question - C3 Seat Shims

Robert
The shims and the washers are the same thickness. Their is no washer I have found in todays market the size and thickness of an original. So if one plate is put under the center one washer is put under each stop.The problem most of the time is shark seats bend out of shape and the seat tilts back too far so shims are needed but the real problem is not addresed. When installing new seat covers I check the frames and line up the stops and reweld if broken as they can't be fixed with the covers on.

Lyle

[Robert S.]

Re: Follow up Question - C3 Seat Shims

The various responses to the original inquiry are in conflict. I have three of the four retangular center shims and they are 1/4" thick. Sal Carbone, who makes replacement parts and also sells original parts, says the round washers are 1/8" thick (half as thick as the retangular center shim). This response says that all the shims (round and retangular) are the same thickness.
Can anyone resolve the dilemma?

[Terry M.]

Re: Follow up Question - C3 Seat Shims

My originals for my 1970 are ALL 1/8-inch thick.

[Robert S.]

Re: Follow up Question - C3 Seat Shims

Thanks for the quick reply. I acquired my 74' about a year ago. It came with the usual assortment of loose unidentified parts. Among these parts were 15 round washers, not 8. The washers agree with the dimensions provided by Sal Carbone's reply to my original inquiry and they are 1/8" thick so I believe based upon your input and Sal's that I do own 15 of the round seat shim washers.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Follow up Question - C3 Seat Shims

Robert
I have only seen 1/8 shim plates as original. Someone may have made some 1/4" shims as I have made the 1/8" ones.
Lyle

[Robert S.]

Re: Follow up Question - C3 Seat Shims

Input from various sources seem to be in conflict. Are there any NCRS members who own a 1970 or later couple or convertible who have all of the as-delivered seat shim parts that came in the bag ( ie: the 4 plates and 8 round washers) who could describe to all of us the dimensions and thickness of both he plates and the round washers?

[Dick W.]

Re: Follow up Question - C3 Seat Shims

Lyle, I am with you. 1/8"shims and 1/8" washers

[Brian G.]

Re: Follow up Question - C3 Seat Shims

The original shims(4) for our `75 are 3/16" and the washers(8) are 1/8".

[Robert S.]

Re: Follow up Question - C3 Seat Shims

After posting the original question and getting help from everyone I checked my round washer shims and the flat plates. The round washers are 1/8 thick as others have reported and the flat plate is 5/32" thick (about .156") and not .250 as I had originally assumed.