Broken Drivers side seat mount on body

[floatinghead]

hi there,

I have some other bigger questions about my car ( '82 320is), but this happened when running an errand yesterday so probably need to address this first. Good thing I've been practicing up on my welding so hopefully I can knock it out this weekend. it would be my first actual project!

Does anyone know the thickness of sheet metal here? want to pick up some sheetmetal and to have on hand to dial in the mig settings.

thanks,

BaronE21 Drivers side mount.jpg

[floatinghead]

( I don't have access to my car for a few days, so thats why I'm asking). and if there are any other means of reinforcing this area, I'd appreciate any tips or advice. thanks

[Thecatmilton]

I just booger welded it back together with the Fisher Price (harbor freight) My First Welder. It was really easy to burn through.

[OLD MAN]

I welded one of mine also.

On another I cut steel about 1.5" bigger all around and formed it to fit. Cleaned off the paint, put a body adhesive and pop riveted into place.

[pofo]

I'm going to say it's 18 gauge or 20 gauge. I'm going to inspect mine this winter when I go threw and build a cage to see if I have any signs a failure. Don't need a loose seat on the track.

[mxl556]

If you do not want/can't to weld a patch, get some reinforcement plate from the hardware store, screw it into the metal that is still intact, drill a hole for a seat mount screw and call it a day. I did it 15 years ago and it is holding up fine.

Something like this- has to be thick enough steel, maybe 1/4 inch or so. https://www.homedepot.com/b/Building...2679,2670,2681

Max

[320iAman]

Mine Pulled up too I used an L bracket for shelves with holes on both ends, screwed in one hole on the side and used the little bolt that holds the seat to the frame, I'll eventually weld it back together. a couple of bucks for a half dozen of them.


Randy

[OLD MAN]

When it comes to welding - be ready with water to put the fire out. The body sealer inside and outside the shell will catch on fire.

Well welding on the track car's body my son had a couple of squirt bottles of water to put the fires out, floor and tranny tunnel was the worst.

[pofo]

It's the worst smell also

[320iAman]

When it comes to welding - be ready with water to put the fire out. The body sealer inside and outside the shell will catch on fire.

Well welding on the track car's body my son had a couple of squirt bottles of water to put the fires out, floor and tranny tunnel was the worst.

Good to know

Randy

[epmedia]

I recently laid angle iron on the tops of those seat rail perches. 1/8" x 1.5" angle iron. Drill holes where sheet metal is good and where the seat-slider-mechanism is secured, use fender washers too. Mine were all messed-up on the outer perches, also used 1/4" rivets on the perch to car-body where the tack-welds broke. Next time I go out to tinker, I'll take some pics.

[floatinghead]

I like the idea of a thicker plate or angle iron to run down the length. I ended up constructing a piece to cap off the top of the corner and will try and weld it in tomorrow. I may regret it, but it’s a small piece and there should be plenty of metal left to go the angle iron route. Here’s a shot of the piece. Fits nice. I’ll keep water handy just in case too




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[floatinghead]

I ended up remaking a larger version of the piece i made earlier and bolted it to the perch in 3 places. Didn't feel comfortable welding it and it was pretty tight spots to get in. Plus i'm still learning to weld and didn't want to make things worse. Seems pretty solid and I might consider building the angle iron support as well...

IMG_6464.jpg

[Barnsmell]

Misery loves company! I also have this problem. Photos on how you all have solved this using the L-bracket method or Max' HomeDepot back up plate without welding will be much appreciated. My metal working skills stop at bolt or rivet - no welding. Thank you so much!

[epmedia]

Wish I took a couple more pictures, was in a rush to get as far as I did with the seat project.

I used a Dorman 743-100 Rivet Gun (Huge and inexpensive) for the big 1/4" rivets.

The 1/4" rivets from the seat perch to body.

Click to enlarge
e21-seat-rail-rivets.jpg

Side view of the angle iron between the seat perch and seat rail. I only had to work with the 'outsides' of the seat perches. I'm expecting the 1/8" height difference on the outer rails to be minimally noticeable, seats project on hold.

Click to enlarge
e21-seat-rail-angle-iron.jpg