HELP! Bucket Seat Assistance Needed-Can you recognize this part?

[Mrockatansky]

Calling on the best and brightest to help with me something that has me absolutely stumped.

I have most of my interior finished and its almost time to put my front seats back together (Front tall back buckets with the hard shell back).

While disassembling I noted that what I believe to be called plastic shoulder washers which sleeved the T-47 Torx bolts that join the two halves of my seat (back and seat) pretty much disintegrated in my hands.

I salvaged one or two of them thinking I would be able to find replacement parts. Looked everywhere and spent hours trying to find. Even asked my friend if he could 3D print me some-No dice. Banging my head against the wall here.

To anyone who has refinished their bucket seats.

Do these little things serve a vital purpose? Am I okay without them?

Where can I get these bloody infernal things new?

Thanks in advance,

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• Mrockatansky
• Mar 7, 2016

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• Mrockatansky
• Mar 7, 2016

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• Mrockatansky
• Mar 7, 2016

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• Mrockatansky
• Mar 7, 2016

 

[clean8485]

Hi Matt. I have an old GM parts book here that covers the '83-'88 G body cars, and I went through it, to see if there is a listing for that nylon bushing. I can't see anything in the exploded parts view that shows that exact part, but there is a nylon bushing that's listed in the parts text under the GM part number 20041418. I'm not sure if that's exactly what you're looking for though. The other possible issue is that most likely by now, GM has discontinued that part.
Another option, is that some of the spring swap meets will be taking place around the GTA within the next month or so. Usually, there are vendors at most, if not all of the swap meets that specialize in carrying nuts, bolts, clips, and other hardware for situations like the one you're in. I know this doesn't solve your problem immediately, but if you can wait a few weeks, you might be able to find what you're looking for. There are 2 swap meets at the Ancaster Fairgrounds-1 at the end of this month, and another at the end of April, there's a swap meet at the Lindsay Fairgrounds at the end of April, and there's the big spring Barrie swap meet at the beginning of June.
The only other option that I can think of, is to start checking through wreckers and classifieds (Kijiji), to see if you could find something like that. Chances are though, that whatever you might find will be as bad (or possibly worse) than what you have now.
I know its not much, but I hope it helps.

 

[84_SS]

I will check when I get home, I have a stock pile of seat parts and a couple extra bucket seats. Do you have any friends in a machine shop? Worst case scenario maybe have them make some out of nylon round stock or even brass?

 

[clean8485]

Another thought I had, would be to check with an automotive upholstery shop, to see if they might know of a supplier for that kind of part.

 

[Mrockatansky]

Clean8485 THANK YOU soooo much for the assistance.

Have now discovered the part is called a Hinge Pin Washer that is used to ensure bucket seats backs are straight and have no lean to them to either side.

Unable to find this part AT ALL.

BUT

I did find some F body ones-a set of 4 for about $20.

Will see if these will do the trick.. BUT if anyone has any of these little GEMS do let me know.

84SS, the washers apparently have to be made of NYLON to do the trick.. most unfortunate as its a great idea to have someone machine me some. Tried the 3D printing route (which is amazing) but alas, can't 3D print in NYLON yet.

 

[Chevhead78]

If you go to advance auto they used to have door striker nylons in help section those may work or could be milled down on grind wheel while on bolt spinning to fit. I have made bushing from large bushings this way.

 

[84_SS]

Also Home Depot and Lowes have nylon spacers iirc, I'm sure you could make something work in a jam.

 

[clean8485]

Glad to be of assistance. Let us know what you find out, or if the F body parts will work.

 

[Chevhead78]

That 3D printer is a gem someday we will be able to print interior panels etc, The G's will never die or look shabby!

 

[Don57]

Clean8485 THANK YOU soooo much for the assistance.

Have now discovered the part is called a Hinge Pin Washer that is used to ensure bucket seats backs are straight and have no lean to them to either side.

Unable to find this part AT ALL.

BUT

I did find some F body ones-a set of 4 for about $20.

Will see if these will do the trick.. BUT if anyone has any of these little GEMS do let me know.

84SS, the washers apparently have to be made of NYLON to do the trick.. most unfortunate as its a great idea to have someone machine me some. Tried the 3D printing route (which is amazing) but alas, can't 3D print in NYLON yet.

I have read somewhere (may have been on this site) that NAPA Tailgate/Liftgate Striker Bolt Bushing Kit (part #675-5144) has bushings that will work. I've got a kit but have not used it yet. Hope this helps!