I'm assuming a manual bench can be converted to power... Anyone know what's involved and how much it should cost?

 

It can be converted, although it's not a straight-across deal. It's much like converting a manually-adjusted bucket seat to power. There is a special bracket for each side that has to be tack-welded to the floorboard to accommodate the power track assembly for each side. The motor assembly would have to be bolted to the floorboard. as well.

I do have a power bench seat set-up, with the brackets, and even the bolts and nuts for the motor assembly, for cars in the 68-72 range (it might apply to other years as well) if you are interested in pursuing this option. I was going to put this assembly in my '70 GTO but that car was so perfectly original that I decided against it.

It's a task but it can be done. I'm sure there are several other people at this site that have done it and they will hopefully provide more detail.

Randy C.

 

Here are a few pictures of the power bench set-up.

Randy C.

 

the motor assy bolts to the seat frame on a bench..the 2 rear brackets are very special to a power bench

 

Thanks for the correction, mj. It's been 25 years since I pulled this and I didn't remember that!

Randy C.

 

And they don't reproduce those power bench seat specific floor brackets. For everything to work right they must be used. I'm sure with enough time you could rig it to work but much easier with the correct brackets.

 

Thanks guys. Its not a project I would attempt myself... And since I need to have the seat repaired anyway I was wondering if the conversion to power is something a shop would even consider. The padding is shot on the driver's side and the passenger side doesn't lock into the track (to match where I have the driver's side). The vinyl's ok though Im not a fan and considering swapping it to cloth, so I wanted to see just how far I could go with it..!

 

I'm sure you can get done whatever you would like to have done. The problem with the manual seat not locking in should be able to be fixed and an upholstery shop will be able to repair/replace the padding and recover the seat as you would like it. Various Olds suppliers have replacement seat padding and upholstery kits - try www.fusick.com and look at their on-line catalog to see what they have. And if you want to go all the way with the power seat set-up, I'm sure you can find a shop that would do that as well. It's all a function of how much money you want to spend on it.

Randy C.