sport seat restoration question

[brocky146]

I am looking to strip down my 1972 recaro sport seats reclining mechanisms in order to restore. I have searched the forums but only find information on the comfort seat mechanisms. Can anybody offer advice on how to dissemble and restore these sport seat mechanisms?
Many thanks and Happy Thanksgiving

[Dpmulvan]

https://youtu.be/--YyzE7vfV8?si=bQScIKM_BdKqN7sl

[brocky146]

thanks for your quick response - I had seen this video from Mike's Restorations, great information for the Recaro comfort seat, but I was trying to get something specifically on the sport seat mechanism

[colingreene]

for mine
I removed the springs and blasted them because they were in mediocre shape. but not quite as bad as yours.
Once they were apart i re applied the texture via a worth stoneguard. took a bit of trial and error to replicate the texture.
Then I built a tool to re install the spring.
Where are you located?

[brocky146]

Originally Posted by colingreene

for mine
I removed the springs and blasted them because they were in mediocre shape. but not quite as bad as yours.
Once they were apart i re applied the texture via a worth stoneguard. took a bit of trial and error to replicate the texture.
Then I built a tool to re install the spring.
Where are you located?

Thanks for your information - I am located in Chapel Hill, NC

[colingreene]

I could potentially build you a tool if you want.
the springs are pretty agressive. Ill see if i have other pictures of doing the restoration.

[brocky146]

Originally Posted by colingreene

I could potentially build you a tool if you want.
the springs are pretty agressive. Ill see if i have other pictures of doing the restoration.

Any information and/or pics that you have would be gratefully accepted - not too much detail available on stripping and rebuilding these items - thanks again for any help

[PeteKz]

After I sandblasted my hinges, I used a spray can of truck bed liner to repaint them. It's holding up well and looks pretty close to the original spatter finish.

[brocky146]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

After I sandblasted my hinges, I used a spray can of truck bed liner to repaint them. It's holding up well and looks pretty close to the original spatter finish.

Thanks for the advice - I will looking into that as a solution

[Mocker]

Most people use VHT wrinkle coat rattle can paint, but technically, it's a spatter finish like Pete says...

[brocky146]

Originally Posted by Mocker

Most people use VHT wrinkle coat rattle can paint, but technically, it's a spatter finish like Pete says...

Thanks - I will check it out as my hinge mechanisms are going to need completely refinishing

[eastbay]

Looks like pretty light rust. I would recommend picking up a gallon or two of Evapo-rust or what ever similar brand is locally available. Stuff really works and then you don't have to disassemble.

I used to glass bead all that stuff and found the rust remover chemicals work better and don't change the surface of the metal.

[brocky146]

Originally Posted by eastbay

Looks like pretty light rust. I would recommend picking up a gallon or two of Evapo-rust or what ever similar brand is locally available. Stuff really works and then you don't have to disassemble.

I used to glass bead all that stuff and found the rust remover chemicals work better and don't change the surface of the metal.

I can get that locally. I will buy a gallon and try it out - thanks for the tip

[brocky146]

Quick update and thanks to all that have posted. With plenty of penetrating oil and some gentle persuasion, I split the most corroded of my reclining mechanisms. See attached.
I have now to decide whether this mech is too far gone to restore - but also have to bear in mind that these are fairly rare to replace - comments and suggestions are always welcome :-)

[PeteKz]

That was submerged in water for a long time, probably salt water. Possible salvage from a flood car. Where did you get the seat? if the hinges are like that the internal frame is probably toast too.

[brocky146]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

That was submerged in water for a long time, probably salt water. Possible salvage from a flood car. Where did you get the seat? if the hinges are like that the internal frame is probably toast too.

Seat frame is okay - some rust to replace - I think the mechanism sat on dirt for a long period - note only the bottom portion of the mechanism is badly corroded