Any tips on rear seat back removal on a '68 4-4-2 convertible? I already have the seat cushion out......The bucket seats are no problem to remove. Also, looking ahead, the push button lock on automatic console hinged cover is not disengaging enough to open it. The whole lock assembly is "loose". Any way to get it open without damaging the console's lid?

Thanks,
Paul

 

thanks for asking the question, i need to remove my rear seat on my 72 cutlass too, looking forward to the answers

 

I went back to the garage after checking the service manual for the third time.......There were two bolts with large washers that were holding down the BOTTOM two "loops" of the seat spring back. Once I removed these, the seat back pulled forward from the bottom and I lifted it up and it was out!!

I looked at the console lock assembly again, and still can't figure it out. I look forward to see if anyone else had a similar problem and what the solution was......I hate to damage the console lid, as it looks like new.

 

If you have already removed the rear seat bottom, the next step is to remove the two bolts that hold the bottom of the seat back to the body. Once those bolts are out, pull up on the seat back and that should release the seat back from the clips that hold the seat back on top to the body. Once the seat back is out, you should also have a piece of thin "cardboard" behind the seat back that simply sits on clips molded into the body behind the seat.

I don't know if it's possible but, if the locking mechanism is already loose on your console door, you might be able to unscrew the bezel that surrounds the button with your fingers. And if that works, that should give you enough leeway to open the door without breaking anything.

Randy C.

 

Thanks for the info Randy !

I have the seat out; I will try to carefully remove the bezel next time I work on it. Stick a fork in me; I'm DONE for today. LOL.

SWEET ride !!!!!!!

 

Thanks for your seat removal tips Randy, they are appreciated!
Very SWEEEEEEET '68 442 Convertible! Looks very smooth and easy on the eyes. Thanks for attaching the pic.

 

Randy, perfect advice on the console lid bezel / lock assembly. I was able to push the button all the way down and hold it, while at the same time I tapped on a small flat-bladed screwdriver on the inside of the bezel recess in a counterclockwise motion to start unscrewing it to a point where I could back it off by hand. I swapped locks with another console that I have. The original lock quit disengaging and wouldn't clear the metal retainer.

Thanks again for the great advice!

 

Glad it worked out for you. I just took a stab at the console door lock issue so I'm please (and somewhat relieved!) the process worked! Just a short note on my '68 - it has been in the family since FEB 69 when my dad bought it during my senior year in HS. In fact, the B&W picture in my avatar is on my 18th birthday - dad "let me" wax his car! My car is somewhat unusual in that it has a bench seat - I've seen only one other '68 442 convertible with a bench seat. Still fun to drive. I'm sure you enjoy driving yours as well - they all are sharp cars, too!

Randy C.