Best way to mount new seat rails?

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Criscobath

Criscobath

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My 73 Dart Swinger came w/ a bench, not buckets. As a result, the original 4 bolt holes (2 per side) are really far on the edge of the floor pan and are not an option.

I drilled 8 new holes (4 per seat) in the floor and located the seat bracket where I want it. What is the best way to secure the new brackets to the floor board?

I purchased 1/2" grade 8 bolts, nuts and lock washers, but worry that they might pull through the floor board in an accident. I'm thinking about adding some large diameter washers on both sides of where I drilled the floor to give it a greater clamping surface area.

Any better ideas?
 
Criscobath said:
My 73 Dart Swinger came w/ a bench, not buckets. As a result, the original 4 bolt holes (2 per side) are really far on the edge of the floor pan and are not an option.

I drilled 8 new holes (4 per seat) in the floor and located the seat bracket where I want it. What is the best way to secure the new brackets to the floor board?

I purchased 1/2" grade 8 bolts, nuts and lock washers, but worry that they might pull through the floor board in an accident. I'm thinking about adding some large diameter washers on both sides of where I drilled the floor to give it a greater clamping surface area.

Any better ideas?
Click to expand...

Yes, add reinforcement plates like the factory did.
 
Thanks for the reply.

A couple of the holes (closest to door openings) pass close to the inside edge of the reinforcement plates. and don't allow room for further reinforcement.

The holes closer to the trans/drive shaft tunnel have lots of room for a plate. What dimensions and thickness would prove sufficient?
 
I found a welding shop nearby that can make me some 3" x 3" plates made of 1/8" steel w/ rounded edges, predrilled for 1/2" bolts.

Think that would be sufficient?
 
I haven't actually looked at what is needed, I have to do the same to mine when I do the swap. Spreading the reinforcement out over a larger area is obviously better, I just don't know for sure how much.
 
I'll take measurements tonight and see how much room I have for reinforcement plates. I'll report my findings, based on my own application.
 
Dropped my plate measurements off at the welder this morning. Eight 3/16" steel plates being made and should be done by the end of the day.
 
My plates are made (w/ the exception of one that needs to be recut) and going on the car next week. One is missing from the photo, that I need to recut.



The plates will be bolted in for now and welded in at a later date.
 
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