Clamshell owners, please weigh in!! I'm looking at a 72 clamshell GM wagon that's a 2-seater, not the 3-seater I really want. Is it possible to convert it to a 3-seater with the third seat set-up from another clamshell? My hunch say, in theory, that it is possible, that the basic set-up in these wagons makes it possible Anyone know for sure, or am I totally misguided about this? (Obviously, clamshells are rare enough, as would be a donor interior, no doubt). At least I'd be close enough to the wagon I want, minus the modification that'd make it just what I'm looking for. Any thought? Thanks for any and all input.
I think it would be possible....sometimes I wish my 73 Country Sedan had the third seat option...but if that 2 seater wagon is nice,I would go on ahead and snag it anyway.
My reply is biased, because i am one of the few that actually prefers the 6-seater over the 8-seater. In fact, if i am looking at a clamshell and it is a 3-row model, the first thing i am thinking of is how can i change it to a 2-row! Lol! We should pool our efforts! I usually want just about every optional extra a wagon could come with, but not that. The split rear seat bottom is terrible, and renders it good for one rear seat passenger, because the middle and rh passengers are totally screwed, having to contend with a poorly designed cushion and hinge. And who wants to ride in the way back, straddling the diff? I remember miserable rides in the back of a neighbor's '71 KE, with that damned hinge, and then the itchy carpet of the awful wayback. It has obviously scarred me for life! Another benefit of a 6-seater is the huge trunk under the cargo floor. It is almost as big as a regular sedan. Mine has a factory lock on it for securring valuables. Now if i can only find the key... David
Dang, what a whiner i sound like in my last post! Lol! If a 3rd row is what you want, you should have it...just know it will be quite a job. You will need a donor for this. The entire rear seat has to be swapped out, along with all of the cargo decking and bracing. There are various hinges and latches to add. It is a very do-able conversion, so go ahead and get the good 6-seater, and then just wait and search for the right donor to come along (i may have a few leads). The overall condition of a good clamshell wagon is the most important factor. David
David, good input. It's a perspective I hadn't fully considered. But, as you say, finding a good clamshell is the most important thing--and I fear the one I'm looking at just isn't. With 300k miles on her, it's served as a daily driver (though the engine rebuild is relatively new). And a tailgate dent that has been fixed may impact clamshell function). Price is reasonable, but from the pics, she looks tired. I'm noodling on this one, but will continue searching. Thanks for your perspective. Pat
What about the third seat seat belt mounting holes? Would they be there on a car that didn't originally come with a third seat? (assuming one was planning to install seat belts as well)
I will have to look on mine to see if the mounts are already there. I know mine has the shoulder belt mounts for the 2nd row, so probably. David
Keep looking for a nicer one. They are out there, and if you settle for a lesser choice, you can be assured of finding plenty of better ones afterwards. D'oh! David
not sure about the clamshells but i know on the 59's the rear spare tire well and rear floor pan are totally different. check to see where the spare tire is located on the 6 and 8 pass . it may revel what you need to know
Great info! Rob, thanks for taking the time to post this. Great info to have--and tells me what I need to know (...keep looking for that 3-seater!) Cheers, Pat.
