Cut/modify sill to fit aftermarket bucket seats in’67 camaro

[Bullrider]

I bought E46 BMW Vader bucket seats for my ‘67 camaro project. They are just a touch to wide and not centered on the steering column (too far inward). I would like to cut and trim the sill about 1-1.5”. Has anyone done this before? It will allow for a more aligned set-up. https://www.pro-touring.com/blob:https://www.pro-touring.com/ddf234c2-ce40-4341-b849-aede4fb5a8dd

[cdrod]

I had similar issues installing a pair of E46 M3 convertible seats into an A-body, Olds convertible. In my case, not only were the seats off-center but they were also too low. I fabricated some seat support rails from 1/8" steel plate that lifted the seats up about 1-1/2" and shifted them outboard almost 2". The A-body has a full frame so I couldn't notch the sill much without getting into the frame rail. You may not have the same issues with F-body and sub-frame connections. Here's some pics of the supports I made:

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[slimjim]

Here's what I did to fit 5th gen seats, reinforced it as it's structural.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/04/FMhGhRK-1.jpg

[Bullrider]

Thanks for the photo. This is exactly what I had in mine. How thick is your steel where you did the modification? 1/8”??

[slimjim]

we used 1/8" on the flat piece and 1/4" for the side reinforcement

[Bullrider]

It looks like not only did you cut into the sill, but you removed the top piece of metal of the seat pan, allowing you to mount the seat lower in the car for more headroom. Is this correct? I may need to do the same so we are not looking out at the top of the windshield when driving.

[slimjim]

It looks like not only did you cut into the sill, but you removed the top piece of metal of the seat pan, allowing you to mount the seat lower in the car for more headroom. Is this correct? I may need to do the same so we are not looking out at the top of the windshield when driving.

That is correct yes, we removed the original seat pan altogether, reinforced the floor at all seat mounting locations(important), and made new mounting locations, I'm 6'1" and have plenty of room in there now.
I don't have many pictures of this modification and I'm currently away from my car, but on this picture you can just barely see what we did on the 2 inside mounting locations.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2019/04/HUdA1kH-1.jpg

[Bullrider]

Thank you very much. This is exactly what I needed.

[robert worl]

James, or any one else who has installed 5th Gen Camaro seats in their car I’m curious how difficult the wiring is for the power seats. And also for heated and vented seats.
I have been looking at Mustang seats as I understand they not only fit comfortably in the first gen Camaro without any still or floor pan modifications, and the wiring is very simple for the power controls as it’s just a hot and a ground connection. I’m not sure about the wiring for the heat and ventilation on the mustang seats.
I know the 5th gen Camaro seats are a bit more work to fit properly but I’m at that stage of my build that this is an option to consider.
Any feed back is greatly appreciated.
thanks, Robert