1974 and newer Seat Guides, How to Install

[LeeFred]

I need to find two of the springs like the one that is shown in this picture. I bought a kit to replace all of the other components of the pedestal mount but it didn't contain the spring.

[shakers73]

[Windisch]

One possibility is to simply go to your local hardware store and find a replacement spring that seems to match the VW spring, in terms of length and size. I've done this before and you can usually find one that approximates the original in most respects.

As has probably be said before, the VW originals show up from time to time on SAMBA in the classifieds section, but the hardware store might provide a quicker solution in the interim.

It's hard to believe that finding such a simple (but vital) small component like this can cause such frustration but believe me, we've ALL been through this and it always concerns an item like this dinky little spring you'd think would be readily available through just about any after-market VW parts supplier.

Have you tried the EMPI catalogue?
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1973 Standard Beetle, 1974 VW/Porsche 914-4, 1.8 liter
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Der Volkswagen ist ein Ausdruck der deutschen Kultur der Allrad Art ...

[The only irrefutable evidence we have that intelligent life truly exists elsewhere in the Universe is the fact that so far it has NOT contacted humanity...]

[[email protected]]

I have a basket case 76 Convertible I am trying to sort out. What is the part in the red circle? Also does anyone have good pics or a diagram of how the seat pin and everything else under there works?

Thanks!

Anyone?

[Windisch]

I am just now in the process of replacing my 1973 Bug's front L/R seats with two newer ones and in the several years that have elapsed since I installed the earlier set, I had completely forgotten everything I learned about installing the two L/R plastic "anti-chatter" shims that fit on the bottom of the L/R era seat support tubes (that engage the slider U-shaped channels on the car's body). Fortunately, I rememberd that I had discussed this matter earlier on THE SAMBA and was able to return to this thread once again. VOILA! All the information I needed to refresh my memory of the process! THE SAMBA is ever the irreplaceable source for solving trickly little problems like this! Thanks again to everyone who added insights into the irritating little problem of how to fit these necessary end caps on the front seat tubes! [/s]
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1973 Standard Beetle, 1974 VW/Porsche 914-4, 1.8 liter
----------------------
Der Volkswagen ist ein Ausdruck der deutschen Kultur der Allrad Art ...

[The only irrefutable evidence we have that intelligent life truly exists elsewhere in the Universe is the fact that so far it has NOT contacted humanity...]

[Windisch]

Dave[/quote]My 74 Super Beetle has these along with the ones you have shown. They fit inside of the seat guides at the very back of the guide. Part # 311 881 349 for the inner rail and 311 881 347 for the outer rail

[/quote]

My understanding is that the new '73 & '74 Bugs came with those two seat rail "blocker plugs" you mention and that over time they were removed and got lost (on almost all of the 50+ year old Beetles). They definitely help further hold the seat from sliding out of the rear of the seat tracks. The VW Bug Shop Manual section dealing with seat replacement procedures starts off with "Remove the two seat rail plugs at the rear of the seat tracks..." WHODA THUNKIT?!
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1973 Standard Beetle, 1974 VW/Porsche 914-4, 1.8 liter
----------------------
Der Volkswagen ist ein Ausdruck der deutschen Kultur der Allrad Art ...

[The only irrefutable evidence we have that intelligent life truly exists elsewhere in the Universe is the fact that so far it has NOT contacted humanity...]