What front seats will fit into a '72 standard?

[trc687]

My resto project is coming nicely. Wiring is done, the stereo is installed, and plenty of little issues have been worked out. Now for the tough one I've been dreading.

My '72 came with front seats from a mid 90s import vehicle and no back seat. I understand that backseats are generic, so I am set to buy a backseat from a '73 tomorrow. I CANNOT find front seats locally though. The guy selling the back seat also has 2 front seats from a '73. Does anyone know if these will fit my '72? I've done research and come up with a lot of conflicting information. Some people say 1971-1972 bugs had different tracks on the floor pan, other people say that any seats from a '68 and up will fit. Does anyone know for sure?

I was considering getting some Empi seats for the front, but my issue with that is that their upholstery will look slightly different from any I can find to recover the back. I don't necessarily need it to look like it was original from 1972, but I do want it to be consistent throughout the car. Any assistance is appreciated. Thanks!

[AlmostHeavenWV_VW]

It all depends on what year your floor pans and/or seat tracks are.

If you look here you can get a feel for what year pans/seats are interchangeable:
http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/wolfsburg_new/interior/seat_pads_bug.cfm?type=1
http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/wolfsburg_new/body_sheet_metal/bug_sheet_metal/floor_pan.cfm

If your pans are year correct, I believe you are looking at anything up to 72 will fit.

In 73 they changed the seat rail/seat slider, so unless you have 73 or later pans, those 73 seats won't fit.
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1973 Standard Beetle
1600DP AK case
Solex 34PICT3 Carb
Bosch DVDA 205AJ Distributor

[trc687]

Good call on that, thank you!

It looks like my rails are definitely '71-'72, so i suppose I will either have to deal with some not-quite-matching seat upholstery with Empi lowback seats, or continue my search for pre-'72 seats.

Thank you so much!

[Chad1376]

PM me. I have seats from my '71 super laying in my yard, and will not use them. The frames are good, but the seats would need to be redone. They are yours for the taking.

I can't remember if I kept the rear seat - I'll check tonight when I get home. Again, if I have it, it's yours.
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My never ending 1302 Autocross Project:
http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=51&a...02b8f83f22

[trc687]

PM sent, thanks brother!