Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I had a lot of problems with mine when I got the car, when I re-did the interior I put new hinges in and they work like new (mainly 'cause they are).
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82
Just to be specific for anyone who reads this posting that is looking for the fix, here is what you'll need to do - and, make sure you do it if your hinge is sticking - the car is designed for everything to function properly throughout, including the inertial, fold-down seat hinges:
1.) Identify which hinge is catching, the left or right side of the seat. On mine, it was the right. You'll be able to tell which side is sticking by pushing it down
2.) Get a very small, thin blade screw driver or similar thin-metal device and insert it between the slats in the hinge while gently pushing the seat down. You won't have to push it hard - it will know when to go, but be as aggressive as necessary about sliding the screwdriver up into the hinge mechanism and prying it around. You won't hurt anything. It can take 5-10 or more minutes of jostling around, but well worth it when the seat suddenly folds down.
3.) Lubricate it with spray silicone or WD40, etc. Mine has not repeated itself, probably because I lubricated it. I would encourage others who have not experienced the odd hinge binding issue, to spray a dab of preventative lube into the hinge mechanism. I do not agree with a prior poster that the hinges are "crap", at least not with basic maintenance for all moving parts - in fact, I like how tightly toleranced they were designed which helps avoid rattles and operate smoothly when lubed from time to time since they do double duty as seats and "trunk" access.
Good luck. Dave
Lakeside 49