FYI FORD - MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum
The Internet's Most Knowledgeable Classic Mustang Information
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CLASSIC FORD MUSTANGS, YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
MustangSteve has over 30 years of Mustang experience, having owned 30 of them and restored several others. With the help of other Mustangers, this site is dedicated to helping anyone wanting to restore or modify their Mustang.... THERE ARE NO DUMB QUESTIONS!!!!!
Visit MustangSteve's web site to view some of my work and find details for:
FYIFORD Contributors' PICTURES - Power Brake Retrofit Kits for 65-66 Stangs - Classic Mustang FAQ's by MustangSteve - How to wire in a Duraspark Ignition - Mustang Ride Height Pictures and Descriptions - Steel Bushings to fit Granada Spindles to Mustang Tie Rods - Visit my EBAY store MustangSteve Performance - How to Install Granada Disc Brakes MustangSteve's Disc Brake Swap Page - FYIFORD Acronyms for guide to all the acronyms used on this page - FYIFORD Important information and upcoming events

You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?

12/29/2020 7:59 AM  #1


1965 through 1969 mustang seat UPHOLSTERY

Hi all, unused to own a mach 1 and knew everything about that model, seemed easier cause it was a very specific set of options and trim package, no variance....

I now own a 68 fastback and would like new seat upholstery.....I found a very, VERY nice deal on a full set TMI (rear included) but it's listed as 1966.
I have standard interior, is there a difference? Can I get away with it!?

 

12/29/2020 8:20 AM  #2


Re: 1965 through 1969 mustang seat UPHOLSTERY

The front seat frames are different '65-'67 vs. '68.  Starting in '68 Ford used a locking mechanism for the seat back, which required the frame be changed to accommodate it.  This was a crash safety feature like the collapsible column and side markers which also started in '68. 

The rear seat frames are the same '65-'70.

The upholstery changed year to year, and with certain options (pony vs. standard, deluxe vs. standard).

The rear seat upholstery will definitely work.  The front upholstery MAY work.  I can't say exactly how different the frames are, and whether or not this actually effects the upholstery beyond some holes you'd have to cut in it for latches, etc.  That said, the style is not the same '66 vs. '68, so you would have to decide if that matters to you.  Personally I special ordered my TMI front seats to get the correct for '67 horizontal ribbing vs. the vertical ribbing every aftermarket seat seemed to have.  That way the fronts match the rear and the door panels.

 

12/29/2020 9:06 AM  #3


Re: 1965 through 1969 mustang seat UPHOLSTERY

To comment on the Ribbing, I agree with what you did.
I actually prefer horizontal over the Vertical.

For some reason, when I think mustang I think Horizontal, much like the earlier 60s style and the 69-70 mach 1's.

Just looks better. The standard vertical is caca

     Thread Starter
 

12/29/2020 11:31 AM  #4


Re: 1965 through 1969 mustang seat UPHOLSTERY

Can anyone confirm if 66 standard skins will fit 68 standard seats?

     Thread Starter
 

12/29/2020 4:39 PM  #5


Re: 1965 through 1969 mustang seat UPHOLSTERY

They will fit if you use 66 seat foam. The 68 foam is a bit different.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

12/29/2020 5:03 PM  #6


Re: 1965 through 1969 mustang seat UPHOLSTERY

I found a pair of '70 Mach 1 high back seats in a junk yard many years ago. The side windows had been removed (probably some guy with '69 glue-in glass swapping to '70 bolt-in glass) and the carpet and seat foam was soaking wet. The seat bottom frames were completely rusted to junk. I soon discovered that my '65 seat bottoms were exactly the same as the '70 seat bottoms except for the latching mechanism. I bought foam and covers for the '70 M1 seats. They fit perfectly on the '65 bottoms. I simply removed the latching mechanism from the seat backs and the seat covers were not cut for the latch handle shaft to stick through. So now I have '70 M1 seat backs installed on '65 seat bottoms and other than the missing latch nobody can tell the difference.

 

12/29/2020 7:04 PM  #7


Re: 1965 through 1969 mustang seat UPHOLSTERY

Thanks guys!

MS I knew you would know, I wasn't planning on changing the seat foams, that would totally take away from the price advantage.

Well I guess follow up to that now, if I buy TMI Pony Seats or some other design they off, does it require buying foams too, or do they have ones that will snap right in and fit, which are not the OEM look?

     Thread Starter
 

12/30/2020 8:11 AM  #8


Re: 1965 through 1969 mustang seat UPHOLSTERY

Not sure, I would call TMI.  That's what I did when ordering my seats.  They are a good company.  My gut says even if they don't have a "stock" solution like what you want they can probably make it for you.  A lot of their stuff is made to order anyway.  Typically their custom upholstery is designed around their foam, which is designed to allow you to use the stock seat frames while adding side bolsters, etc.  Basically its cheaper than a full seat or custom upholstery.  Personally, I'd really think about how you use the car.  For years I drove my '02 WRX which has seats with good bolstering and support.  Going back to my '67 I realized how much I was sliding around in the seat when I pushed the car.  The new TMI seats are much more comfortable than stock and provide much better support when hammering through twisty roads.  I couldn't imagine taking a long car trip with the stockers.  The lack of support just didn't jive with the way my spine is configured. 

 

Board footera


REMEMBER!!! When posting a question about your Mustang or other Ford on this forum, BE SURE to tell us what it is, what year, engine, etc so we have enough information to go on.