Swapping 86 911 power seats for 81-84 Manual - is it worth it?

[tvickery03]

This post is for those like me who've read that removing your late 80s power seats and swapping them for earlier seats will save you weight. I know there are lots of posts on seat swapping and I read them.

My 86 has the original black factory leather power seats against original meteor gray exterior. I actually like the seats. But I wanted to save weight and add some 81-84 leather manual sport seats. So I bought a pair of freshly recovered 81-84 seats in black leather to match my interior. The originals are going in climate controlled storage - so I can always go back to original or the new owner (unlikely while I breath) can take it back to original.

Here are the questions:

1. After pulling out the original 86 passenger seat and assembling the 81-84 seats, I discovered that the 81-84 weigh about 33.6 pounds each. The original power seat weighs about 51 pounds (although I've only pulled the passenger). For two seats that totals about 35 pounds in weight saving. Is 35 pounds really worth it? I know every pound matters, but I expected more based on other posts.

2. Is the seat belt attachment a direct swap? Can I just remove the bolt from my 86 seat and rebolt it the 81-84 seat?

Other comments related to whether this is really a good idea are welcome. I just expected more in weight savings.

[Flat6pac]

The early seats are bolted to the floor with6mm bolts because the seatbelts are not part of the restraint system. Seat belts lock to the fixture on the tunnel
The chassis is made to hold the later seats with large bars and 8mm heavy duty bolts because the seat belts are attached to the seat
In an accident, what is that 35# worth?
Bruce

[dreichman]

Originally Posted by Flat6pac

The early seats are bolted to the floor with6mm bolts because the seatbelts are not part of the restraint system. Seat belts lock to the fixture on the tunnel
The chassis is made to hold the later seats with large bars and 8mm heavy duty bolts because the seat belts are attached to the seat
In an accident, what is that 35# worth?
Bruce

Good point

[djb25]

Originally Posted by tvickery03

After pulling out the original 86 passenger seat and assembling the 81-84 seats, I discovered that the 81-84 weigh about 33.6 pounds each. The original power seat weighs about 51 pounds (although I've only pulled the passenger).

Do the driver and passenger's seats have the same power features? I don't think the '86 seats I put in my '77 are the same. The driver's seat has more adjustability.

I never actually weighed the seats, but I know the power seats were significantly heavier than my '77 non-sport seats.

At some point those are going to get recovered and go back into the car.

Maybe...

[Tinkerer]

Any chance sport seats weigh more? My factory ‘84 seats seemed less than 33.6 lbs when I took them out for cleaning last year.

[tvickery03]

Originally Posted by Flat6pac

The early seats are bolted to the floor with6mm bolts because the seatbelts are not part of the restraint system. Seat belts lock to the fixture on the tunnel
The chassis is made to hold the later seats with large bars and 8mm heavy duty bolts because the seat belts are attached to the seat
In an accident, what is that 35# worth?
Bruce

Bruce, I think you've got the answer. Safety first. The car moves for an 86. The original engine was internally supped up by the PO at 85k and I added a custom wong chip. Plus, I don't pretend to be the best driver. I just wanted to do the mods justice. But safety first.

I'm still curious to know whether the 86 seatbelt bolt will fit in the 81-84 seat. It sucks to give up on these things. I had to hunt around a bit to find those smaller 6mm bolts and the receiver plates that go under the rails. I guess I'll be selling the seats and all the nice new PITA-to-find hardware locally.

I too wonder whether the driver's seat may be heavier? For some reason I expected to lose at least 40 pounds with the 81-84s.

[MBAtarga]

Those 81-84 seats are just too dangerous! Please keep safe and send them to me instead of using them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[tvickery03]

Haven't given up yet. Pelican and others sell parts to address the difference between 81-84 seat belt receiver and the carrera seats. There are more posts on this, but here are a few on the seat belt receiver issue:

Mounting 911SC seats in a later car

Power to manual seat swap: seatbelt bracket??

Recommendations for New Seats for '87

Odd seat question and other questions - 1986 911's

Seat belt receptacle

Aftermarket seat installation

somewhat relevant:

Where to mount Seatbelt Buckles with Recaros

[911 Rod]

I did the exact same swap and love it!
Ya it was a PITA to mount the belt receptacles to the tunnel, but I figured it out.
The sport seats are way more comfortable and the leather is nicer.
Are you sure the sport seats are 33.5 lbs.? I take mine out to swap my track seat and they don't feel that heavy.

[tvickery03]

911 Rod,

Can you share how you mounted the seatbelt receivers to the tunnel? What parts? Etc. Will PM for same.

[911 Rod]

I had some aluminum and just went at it. Backer plate on the inside.

[HaroldMHedge]

Nice work 911 Rod.

[Unobtanium-inc]

I swapped the power seats in my ‘87 for manual seats. Yes, there was a big weight difference, but after a year or so I put my original seats back in. More adjustment, better support, and as mentioned above, a little safer.
- Matt

[famoroso]

Pole Position ABE Classic (leather / Pepita cloth), with brackets and Recaro sliders: 27.44 lbs.

1987 standard passenger seat, manual*: 39.43 lbs.

1987 standard driver seat, 4-way power*: 49.50 lbs.

1987 sport seat, 4-way power: 50.57 lbs.

Given the above, the weight estimates for the earlier manual sport seats sound accurate.





* Data sourced from 438 lbs gone in 5 days - My Build Story

[tvickery03]

Thanks everyone.