57 Thunderbird seats

[Sid]

Does anyone know if on the T-Bird seats if when all the way back if the manual seat offers more leg room. We have 2 57 Birds,one with manual seat and one with power which of course the power motors are non working. I have removed the arm from the bracket and adjusted to max tilt back on the power seat car. It appears it does not lean back as far as the manual seat car. As far as the fo and back I can't even see that motor. Looks like the seat needs to be pulled to get to the other motor and probably Gumby as I can't even think about getting my hand under this seat. I don't care about making seat work,would just like to put for max leg room and call it good. The manual seat car is much more comfortable to drive.

 

[slumlord44]

Not sure if the manual seat gives you more room but the only way to get to the motor and gear drive under the seat is to remove the seat. Only 4 bolts and you still have to reach under to unhook the jack shaft from the mount on the floor.

 

[dmsfrr]

Does anyone know if on the T-Bird seats if when all the way back if the manual seat offers more leg room. We have 2 57 Birds,one with manual seat and one with power which of course the power motors are non working. I have removed the arm from the bracket and adjusted to max tilt back on the power seat car. It appears it does not lean back as far as the manual seat car. As far as the fo and back I can't even see that motor. Looks like the seat needs to be pulled to get to the other motor and probably Gumby as I can't even think about getting my hand under this seat. I don't care about making seat work,would just like to put for max leg room and call it good. The manual seat car is much more comfortable to drive.

I've heard this before, I believe the power seat rack/hardware takes up a bit more of the rearward seat travel.
To remove the seat from it's tracks there is a bolt at each corner. The rear 2 are easy, the front 2 are hidden inside the very front end of the seat track. The seat has to be all the way forward to get to them. If the motor isn't working you'll need to remove one of it's 2 mounting bolts to slide the seat forward. See the 1st photo below. The front/rear motor is under the seat next to the driver's side of the driveshaft hump. It's front mounting bolt is at the bottom front edge of the seat. Skinny hands and a mirror will be helpful but it's do-able. If you need more room to get under the seat unbolt the rack from the floor.
To have less to wrestle with, pull the seat back pivot pins off of the seat bottom and remove the seat back first.
I don't know if it's possible for the seat to move farther backward on the existing power seat rack,
but I hope so. I have the same problem in this '55 Bird.
.

 

[miker98038]

I have the same problem in my bird, just another inch would be nice. It may not apply to you, but if you have a soft top it becomes the limiting deal in either seat travel or backrest angle when down. Living in the Pacific Northwest, best not go anywhere without either the soft top or a tonneau cover and a poncho.

I had the whole interior and engine out years ago, and did some major modifications. With power brakes and a Centerforce clutch (both lower effort) I both shortened the clutch and brake pedal, and lowered them with shorter rods. Gave me some more effective leg room when driving.