Re: 1956 Clipper Power Seats

Posted by HH56 On 2016/5/23 16:40:37

Finding a decent trim panel may be challenging and in a specific color even more so. The panels crack and split so many people have been looking for some in good condition. There have been attempts to repair them with varied success and some have managed to recolor a decent or repaired item to match their trim code. Recoloring to black would probably be one of the easier to do if you can find a decent piece. There is a difference between manual and power because of the size of the cutout for the switch vs lever. Mounting brackets are used to hold the trim pieces but are the same power vs manual.

You will need the correct seat frame for whatever movement system you have. Not sure the cutout for the lever vs switch size is different but there is extra reinforcement and mounts for the actuator assys that are welded to the power seat frame. The manual frame doesn't have those mounts but I believe the manual frame has a support and attachment point for a large assist spring that the power seat doesn't use. That spring connects between the seat frame and tunnel .

Seats have their own harness. Just a short piece -- maybe 12 -18 inches -- between the switch and motors. The components are the same Clipper vs Packard. The only connection to the rest of car is a single wire power lead from the seat harness to the window relay area on firewall in front of driver.

Some of the ball part of actuator comes apart and may be cleaned or repaired. The actual housing cover tube and connection to mounts are mostly crimped together and some areas may be more difficult to disassemble.