Problem removing driver seat in 1972 911T

[Silvertip]

I am getting ready to install new carpeting and ran into a real problem removing the driver’s seat. Trying to slide the seat forward to remove the rear Allen head bolts, and the seat will not go forward far enough to expose the bolt heads. Very strong metal to metal contact at the rear of the interior seat rail. I have eliminated all of the possible causes I can think of and the seat position lock works perfectly. I’m down to thinking one of the aforementioned Allen head bolts has backed out and is contacting one from the rail mounting.
I just can’t think of any way to access the problem in a non-destructive manner. Have any of you heard of this happening before and/or have a solution or suggested plan of action?

Thanks!

[Fab64]

Have you removed the front bolts yet? IIRC they must come out first to allow the seat to come forward a bit further, allowing access to the rear bolts.

[T6andT]

On 71’ I had a similar problem, seemed one of the bolts that mounts rail to seat had backed out and limited travel. It was a not fun destructive solution. You should be able to view with a focused light.

[Silvertip]

Thanks Fab64 and T6andT
I believe the rear bolts are supposed to be removed first but the fronts are not the problem in this case. I just checked to see if the bolt holes went through for access from under the car - of course not. Unless someone can provide some kinda trick solution it looks like the only way to solve this is a thin hacksaw blade to cut them both off. The rail is replaceable but I really don’t want to mollyhock the floorboard and it is softer steel than the rail.

[T6andT]

The left side has a separate frame that is bolted to the tub, I wonder if removing this frame would give you the ability to remove the seat, especially if the issue is one the right rail. Just a thought.

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Do ‘72 models have the same anti-whiplash “safety stop” riveted in the seat rails as the ‘70-‘71 models? When this safety feature fails removing the seats becomes very challenging.

[Silvertip]

The problem is on the right side. If t was the left, I could see where you could unbolt it and just slide the right side out but the reverse doesn’t look like it would be possible.

[Silvertip]

Hi_Fi_Guy -
My 72 has the stops welded in. I thought this might be the problem so I flattened the catch, but it turned out to not be the culprit. I will bend it back when I (hopefully) reinstall the seat.