Passenger seat pivot latch

[Colo Dean]

I am looking for pic's of how the passenger seat was locked down. The PO used a couple bolts and tons of washers to let it pivot on the front mounting bar but there was nothing but the weight to keep it from pivoting. She didn't have the factory seats so I don't have the tilt latch release mechanism. The TSM shows a pic but not very good one.

Is a locking mechanism even needed?

I thought about using a trunk latch from the salvage yard and mounting to the rear frame of the seat assembly and tub to keep it in place. I think I can mount a rod under the seat to release the seat and allow it to pivot forward for access to the tool box area similar to using a blade screw driver to open a trunk that doesn't have a key tumbler (if that makes sense)

Thoughts/opinions??
almost forgot, 74 CJ5

 

[Lumpy Grits]

"Is a locking mechanism even needed?"

HECK YES- It's a safety thing to keep the seat from breaking your back in a crash or roll over.
LG

 

[Torxhead]

I would think your best bet would be to see one first hand. Where you live Jeep CJs should be plentiful along with parts in a local junkyard or even in a 4wd shop. You could probably improve on what you find anyway.

 

[Colo Dean]

"Is a locking mechanism even needed?"

HECK YES- It's a safety thing to keep the seat from breaking your back in a crash or roll over.
LG

So maybe I had a dumb *** moment, (probably not the last one) in my head I saw the seat staying put if in an accident as it would be held down by the passenger as well as the seat belt around the passenger. Does seem different when saying it out loud.

Been looking around for one locally and will keep looking but I think the trunk latch and footman loop piece will be pretty easy to mount and secure the seat if I can't come up with a factory unit.

 

[caveman]

Been looking around for one locally and will keep looking but I think the trunk latch and footman loop piece will be pretty easy to mount and secure the seat if I can't come up with a factory unit.

I say, If you can make it work go ahead and do it. And take some pics.
In some areas, CJ parts are hard to find. Around here about the only used CJ parts are from private junk yards.

 

[Torxhead]

Another option would be to weld it down. The later CJ seat flip type brackets are known for wearing out and getting quite sloppy and a full weld up secures them in place.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Another option would be to weld it down. The later CJ seat flip type brackets are known for wearing out and getting quite sloppy and a full weld up secures them in place.

They do loosen'n up over time. I have had to rebuild mine twice in the last 30 yrs.
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

These are becoming available. Try Barneys. He specializes in '72-'75 CJ's what he calls the "bastard" years. HE sells a lot of stuff on E-bay. After having trouble with E-bay and especially Paypal I bypassed that mess and went directly to him. He's an enthusiastic about Jeeps, he's not cheap, but occasionally he is the only way to go. Also I think the name is Midwest Willys. My local shop, Willys Works has these parts Used in stock. Rob won't sell you junk so if he has them to sell, don't worry about quality.

 

[Colo Dean]

Thanks folks, may have a lead on a 73 that still has the factory seats in it. Hoping the latch is there also.

 

[Hedgehog]

Some latches are just a little lever behind the seat, others are fancier with a pull tab that goes under the seat so you can open it from the front.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

HH-Do you have a link for Barney's.
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

left my card at home. I found it by doing a Google search for a steering column bottom bearing. I think even you gave me the link, which was an E-bay link. Then I went to his E-bat Store which gave his phone number. I bet his E-bay store has most of his parts in it, but don't rely on that, give him a call.

The following is a link to the base bracket, not exactly what you need. I'd call Barney's at (740) 947-7030:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JEEP-CJ5-CJ...-CATCH-LATCH-BRACKET-976213-NEW-/151546621851

 

[Tommy]

Here is a picture of the passenger seat latch on my '81 CJ5 . Number one is the knob that latch number 2 rocks back on to. It is spring loaded so when you lift the latch the seat rocks forward. Hope this helps.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Got it and thanks
Barney Brothers About Us

LG