I saw a post that someone is putting fiero seats in their c3. My dad and I were just talking about changing his seats this weekend. I suggested C5 seats since I know that has been done before. I vaguely remember hearing about the fiero seats, but after some research it looks like a good option. Plus you can pick them up used for $100 on CL.

So who has non-C3 seats in their C3? We are not looking for corbeau or racing seats, so let me know what's out there. Also, if you have any personal experience. Seats that would fit a guy with a larger frame are ideal.

Examples:

http://corvettec3.ca/fiero.htm

http://www.mrmikes.com/fierovetter.htm

Matthew

I’ve been meaning to do a short write-up about my C5 seat conversion, so here you go …


I got this pair of well-used C5 standard seats from a friend’s ’99. With over 120k on 'em, they were shot.


After checking out the differences, I chose to stick with the manual C3 tracks. I didn’t want to modify my floorpans to the extent it would have required to except the C5 tracks, not to mention figuring out the wiring harness.


After removing the C5 tracks, I ground off and knocked out the outer rivets in the rear of the seat frame. Luckily, they are at the perfect locations for the tracks. I also ground flush the foremost rivet heads.


I then threaded the two rear holes. The rivets were ¼”, so the holes were already a good size for a 5/16-18 tap.



Next I attached the C3 tracks in order to locate the forward holes. I used some socket head cap screws from the hardware store.



Then drilled and tapped the front holes. Here you can see why I ground down the forward rivets.



With the C3 tracks mounted, in order to avoid interference between the track mechanism and seat frame, I used spacers at the bolts – large hex nuts temporarily, which I’ve since replaced with machined aluminum spacers.



Here’s one mounted in the car, along with one of the originals.


And here’s what they look like with new foam and covers.



Pros:
Much more comfortable.
Bolster support, which is really nice in the twisties.
Lightweight aluminum and fiberglass frame.
Nice availability and options for covers and foam, which are easy to install.
And they look really dang nice.

Cons:
Relatively pricey.
They sit higher, especially with new foam. I’m 5’11”, and I’ve only got a couple of inches of headroom with the fiberglass t-tops in. Glass tops would give a little more room. I’ve heard of mounting them directly to the floor, with no tracks, which would gain back those couple inches, but that wasn’t an option for me.


That's about it - I'd certainly do it again.

I have 2001 Toyota Celica GT black cloth seats in my Corvette. LOVE THEM !!! Seriously, find a used car dealership with a 2001 Celica and sit in the seats.

They were $100 after shipping off of Ebay back when I bought them.

Not direct bolt ins. I had to grind off the rear feet, I had to grind off the tabs that hold the rear side panels to the transmission tunnel, and I had to grind the alignment pins off the front feet.

I had to drill a new mounting hole per front foot as the tracks are wider than stock C3.

I lost track adjustment...seats are slid full back all the time which is fine because I am not short. LOL.

Since the seat belt buckles are not removable I had to make my own custom seat belts to bolt into the car that used Camry buckle tabs.

I would consider them difficult to install, but well worth the effort taking into consideration price and extreme comfort on even long drives.

Stock image for reference...not in my Corvette.

Thanks guys, those look good! I'd like to keep the tracks adjustable, though, if possible. I think I can do that with the fiero seats?

Matthew

you may also want to consider the Recaro seats made for the 1980s FBodies.

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I don't personally know anyone with Fiero seats, but maybe this will help:

Corvette C3 Fiero Seat Swap

Looks like you would need to fab some adaptor brackets, but it looks pretty simple.

And they do look nice.

How do C4 and C6 seats stack up for comfort and ease of mounting in a C3?

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Well comfort is very subjective, but about anything is more comfortable than early C3 seats. I've heard the later clam shell seats are much better.

As far as mounting, I know that both C4 seats and C6 seats have been installed in C3s, but I haven’t personally talked with anyone who has done that. My guess is they will each require about the same degree of fab work as the C5 seats I installed, unless you want to keep the power tracks, which would probably require some floor pan modifications as well.

I have heard the fiero seats are the same as the late c3 seats

Welcome bobmcc!

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Hmm, interesting. Same as in framework, or comfort?

I love the Fiero seats in my 69. These are out of an 85 but any will work. I kept the fiero tracks and modified them to fit the original seat bolt holes. Also added the speakers in the headrest and a single seatbelt pass thru slot per seat. Mr Mikes did the seat covers and I installed them. My car is also posted on his web site.
[IMG]http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e323/c69vete/100_0544-1.jpg[/IMG]

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Don't know how I missed this post.

c69vete, those look really nice!