1967 seat latch question

[Bill K.]

Should both the driver and passenger seats have restraining latches from the factory ? Small block with standard black interior with headrests.

[Mike M.]

Re: 1967 seat latch question

Yes, both seats have the locking latch mechanism.mike

[Eugene D.]

Re: 1967 seat latch question

Both driver and passenger seats have safety forward latches as mandated by federal law for all 1967 vehicles. Interesting Fact: When corvette engineers/designers where advised of this new law, they had to go back to the drawing board and design new safety latches for both the driver/passenger seats. The engineers decided to install the re-designed driver's seat to the passenger side to save cost. You notice when you open the driver's door, the safety latch is visible and is easily reached, but when you open the passenger door the safety seat release latch is on the other side of the seat. You must reach over to the left side seat bolster to release the latch. Thus all 1967 Corvettes have two drivers seats installed.

[Michael G.]

Re: 1967 seat latch question

Both driver and passenger seats have safety forward latches as mandated by federal law for all 1967 vehicles. Interesting Fact: When corvette engineers/designers where advised of this new law, they had to go back to the drawing board and design new safety latches for both the driver/passenger seats. The engineers decided to install the re-designed driver's seat to the passenger side to save cost. You notice when you open the driver's door, the safety latch is visible and is easily reached, but when you open the passenger door the safety seat release latch is on the other side of the seat. You must reach over to the left side seat bolster to release the latch. Thus all 1967 Corvettes have two drivers seats installed.

How did you authenicate the seat story Eugene.....curious minds want to know.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1967 seat latch question

Both driver and passenger seats have safety forward latches as mandated by federal law for all 1967 vehicles. Interesting Fact: When corvette engineers/designers where advised of this new law, they had to go back to the drawing board and design new safety latches for both the driver/passenger seats. The engineers decided to install the re-designed driver's seat to the passenger side to save cost. You notice when you open the driver's door, the safety latch is visible and is easily reached, but when you open the passenger door the safety seat release latch is on the other side of the seat. You must reach over to the left side seat bolster to release the latch. Thus all 1967 Corvettes have two drivers seats installed.

No different than 65-66 and I suspect 63-64. They both have the seat adjust lever on the same side.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: 1967 seat latch question

How did you authenicate the seat story Eugene.....curious minds want to know.

I though that they were going to put the passenger seat facing the back but sales nixed the idea so the passenger lever is on the inside. That's my story & I'm sticking to it.

[Eugene D.]

Re: 1967 seat latch question

This "authentic" story was told to me by an elderly NCRS Master Judge from Syosset, New York about 5 years ago while attending a local chapter judging meet. It sounded sensible to me, how else could one account for the location of the safety latch switch on the passenger side being in the same place as the driver seat? I was "curious" and he told me what I wanted to "know". True or False; it's the best justification I ever received to this unconventional placement of the safety latch for the passenger seat????

[Eugene D.]

Re: 1967 seat latch question

LOL!!!! Great Come Back!!!

[Michael G.]

Re: 1967 seat latch question

I though that they were going to put the passenger seat facing the back but sales nixed the idea so the passenger lever is on the inside. That's my story & I'm sticking to it.

Your reply Ken suggests you were on the sales team?...................still curious where you came across your 'factoid' Eugene?

[John H.]

Re: 1967 seat latch question

It sounded sensible to me, how else could one account for the location of the safety latch switch on the passenger side being in the same place as the driver seat?

Gene -

Simple - it's called efficient design - it cost a LOT less to design, tool, assemble, and trim ONE seat instead of two different right and left symmetrically opposite seats; that was (and still is) a basic part of every design engineer's job.

[Terry H.]

Re: 1967 seat latch question

How do you get the seat back lever rod to go all the way threw the hole, so the lever can be attached. Mine stop when flush with the hole. Thanks

[Gene M.]

Re: 1967 seat latch question

How do you get the seat back lever rod to go all the way threw the hole, so the lever can be attached. Mine stop when flush with the hole. Thanks

I made a longer version of the original with better flat fit and welded on the link. The original design is flawed but with a bit of effort it can be made to function as latch and release.