C172 seat question

[4RNB]

The copilot or RH seat in my 74 C172 M is not very adjustable. My main passenger would likely prefer an adjustable seat compared to sitting on a cushion. So I am considering buying a salvage infinitely adjustable seat to replace the current one. How do I know which seats will work?
What model years if a 172?
Will a seat from a 177 or a 182 work?
Any pointers on who or where to buy from?
What about then who to replace the padding and cover so it best matches current scheme of darkish gray?

Thank you.

 

[Bell206]

So I am considering buying a salvage infinitely adjustable seat to replace the current one. How do I know which seats will work?

It depends on who and where you buy it from. The bigger salvage yards are usually good about explaining the condition of their parts. But It's always good to have your APIA involved in this process for a 2nd opinion.

What model years if a 172?

Depends on your serial number.

Will a seat from a 177 or a 182 work?

Best to stick with your model to keep things simple. But there are ways.

Any pointers on who or where to buy from?

The bigger yards: Wentworth, Dallas Air, Atlanta Air, etc. Look on TAP for other options. Ebay is a good route as well but you're better to get someone with experience if you go this route. But do your research 1st. There are various revisions of parts manuals online for free. Once you have the correct P/Ns then start your search.

What about then who to replace the padding and cover so it best matches current scheme of darkish gray?

I've done matching seat covers when had to replace seats. Then in the future if you want to have both seats recovered you can get things matched at that point.

 

[Dan Thomas]

Sticky question. There are a whole bunch of different seats depending on options and aircraft serial numbers. The parts manual will show what Cessna listed as appropriate for your airplane. I am not sure about using something that isn't listed. Bell206 might have answers there.

What you want is the infinitely-adjustable seat. It's also heavier so you'd need a W&B amendment. Reupholstering can be done by a shop that abides by FAR 43 and uses fabrics and foams that meet FAA specs.

Here's the parts catalog for your airplane. http://www.aeroelectric.com/Reference_Docs/Cessna/cessna-maintenance-manuals/Cessna 172 Parts Catalog (1963-1974).pdf

The seats start on page 297 of the .pdf, with Figure 87, and run on for many pages. You need your airplane's serial number. The first few figures are for older airplanes.

You need to know that parts for seats are expensive, and that the infinitely-adjustable seat has many, many parts, and not all seats have been maintained as they should be.