Opinions please: Do you think these seat brackets are welded safely?

Hello folks,

I had these bucket seat conversion brackets TIG welded in yesterday. The welder was of the opinion that the bridge welds required to weld the high side of the bracket would add negligible structural strength, so he didn't do it. He is not really a car guy and has never done something like this before and suggested that I get some opinions from more expert people like you guys ;-). I don't know very much about welding, so I hope I conveyed what he said properly.

He is happy to come back and add welds if that is the recommendation. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

I would add a section of medal to the side not welded to the floor and weld that side so the bracket dont flex.The weld on the other side is fine.

 

That don't look quite right. That bracket shouldn't hang out like that. Its going to flex bend and fatigue. Bracket is not formed like the originals are or its not in the proper location.

 

Good welds, but not enough for proper seat support, and they are very likely in wrong location. When I put mine in, there was contact along both sides which made for strong attachment. Mine were installed on a full replacement floorpan, so maybe there were some differences, but it looked quite similar to the original.

 

The strength in a head one is there now, the problem is like gsgnnut said, the flexing/potential for is a huge problem. A standoff in the two opposite corners of the unsupported side would be perfect, simple as using a nut or similar.

 

Yeh! I love how those brackets come with ZERO directions for the install. The MAIN reason mine are gently rusting in the trunk!
Whut we'uns need is uh YouTube video or pictures if someone has any

 

Thanks for your input gents. Maybe the floor is a different shape on the 67?

I lined up the brackets with the rear threaded hole in the floor and tested the location with the actual seats.

 

Yep good idea Jason. I haven't seen Joe around lately. I will send him a PM.

 

I may have a pic for you. I'll take a look.

 

Thanks Nick. That would be great.

 

There are 67-70 brackets,and there are 71-72 brackets. Can you use them in the opposite cars? Yes. They just had a few different holes/shapes. Those might be a cheaper repop. I have done a lot of bucket seat conversions,and the brackets should fit snug to the floor. Almost as if they are locked in place.

 

Sorry Ed, I don't have a clear shot of the bare floor. The best pic I have of the brackets unfortunately are covered by the factory sound deadener. It probably won't do you much good but, here it is....................

 

Thanks again Nick

 

Thanks for the info Brian.

 

I figured I had better pics, but apparently not. This is a 1969 bracket on the passenger side. (right side is facing forward)

Edit: also added a driver side image. It's somewhat dark, but you can see it a little.

 

If the raised part of the bracket in your car is pointed toward the rear of the car, then it's welded in backwards. If you look at the pic that I posted you will see what i'm referring to. The raised portion is toward the front of the car, which is to the left in the pic.

 

Ed, here are some pics of the originals in my '66.
There isn't a huge area welded, just where it's covered by the sealer.

 

Ok, thanks Stefan, Nick and Walt. Now I know for sure that they are welded in with the proper orientation. I am going to go out and have a look and compare my pan set up with the pics. Without looking, I am thinking that the shape of my brackets is just poorly reproduced in comparison to the originals. (surprise, surprise).