What value would you put on these sports?

[Discseven]

Looking for input on the value of these things. They're '74 - '80 model sports with good outsides, good foam, and shot mechanicals. That includes rusted rails, broken cables, and frozen tilt mechanisms. Has anyone taken these things completely apart down to the frame?

[javadog]

Ordinarily I'd say a couple grand, maybe a little higher, less what it would cost to buy the parts to fix them. The problem is, a lot of those parts are probably NLA. Taking them apart isn't easy, but it is doable. The bottoms come apart fairly readily, the backs take a lot more work. You may just need to separate the bottoms from the backs to fix most of the issues.

You'll have to get a little more specific about the problems.

JR

[Jmorski]

Cores are $2-3k and have gotten very hard to find. If all of the parts are there and can be repaired they are desireable. It's easier to replace the foam and vinyl/leather than to fix the mechanicals on these. If you need parts you may have to find another seat which won't be cheap. I've got a set being restored at Autobahn Interiors in San Diego at the moment. Call or email Tony.

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by javadog

Ordinarily I'd say a couple grand, maybe a little higher, less what it would cost to buy the parts to fix them. The problem is, a lot of those parts are probably NLA. Taking them apart isn't easy, but it is doable. The bottoms come apart fairly readily, the backs take a lot more work. You may just need to separate the bottoms from the backs to fix most of the issues.

You'll have to get a little more specific about the problems.

JR

JR... rails are rusted to extinction---how hard is it to find rails? Tilt mechanisms are frozen. Am thinking since seats have been sitting in storage for years without being operated/lubricated, the tilt parts have frozen up. I believe the release cables are disconnected but need to go back and see if the hooks are swinging or not to confirm. All bracket screws are matching and in place as are the pivot bolts and their outside washers. Release levers are in place and move easily. Bottom support strapping is disconnecting from seat. Hogs are rusting.

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by Jmorski

Cores are $2-3k and have gotten very hard to find. If all of the parts are there and can be repaired they are desireable. It's easier to replace the foam and vinyl/leather than to fix the mechanicals on these. If you need parts you may have to find another seat which won't be cheap. I've got a set being restored at Autobahn Interiors in San Diego at the moment. Call or email Tony.

JM... I've looked around and agree that sports are increasingly hard to come by. $2-3k seems correct to me. Am mulling over doing a resto (while also offering them for sale.) Appreciate Autobahn recommend. Will speak with Tony to see where they're coming from in terms of price & schedule. I don't mind diving into these myself but first... some Pelican input before choosing a direction (and potentially sticking my nose into a new project.) TY for your input.

If I'm not prying to excess, how much is AutoBahn charging you? If you don't want to say... privacy respected / no worries.

Was missing a black tilt lever cap but think friend has one. What's missing then is a plastic cap & rubber grommet that goes over the sync rod in one of the seats. I know seat will work without that trim cap so is not a critical part. Definitely need rails. Have not yet looked for them. Are rails seat specific or will non-sport seat rails work? Have yet to confirm status of cables.

[Jmorski]

Sent you a pm

[javadog]

Rails aren't that haqrd to find. $100 should buy a decent used set.

YOu should probably separate the seats into pieces and clean/lubricate the mechanisms. That would allow you to see if the cables are hooked up. My guess is that a couple hours labor would get them working again. Maybe you wouldn't need any parts.

Hog rings do rust, so that's not a big deal. Take the bottoms into an upholstery shop and get the straps fixed and new hog rings installed.

I recently sold a pair of these for around $2,200 in useable. No rips or tears, some hardness to the leather in the middle sections. I think cores would be closer to $1k. If you got yours fixed, and if the leather is good, I'd say yours might be worth $2,500 or so.

JR

[Racerbvd]

Can you send me some better pictures?
Are you open to any trades?