Tom (Honeychrome) wrote this a while back:

"Anyone know of a clever trick or way to rig the stock seats so they'll collapse back? Sure made me choke when I saw what the hardware that was on ebay a while back went for! I've got a trip from NYC to CO in October in the works and it'd sure be nice if at least the passenger seat would recline!"

And others have written similar posts over the past few months I have been on Brockboard.

I don't know of a clever trick to make stock seats recline, but switching them with 140-series seats may work. I bought my car with reclining seats (driver and passenger), headrests, and adjustable lumbar. I think they must be 140 series seats reupholstered to look like 122s. The only issue is that they are wider than stock seats and pulling the emergency brake is a little more difficult. But they are comfortable and the recline is very groovy.

I'll take photos this afternoon after work and give you a look-see. By the way, I got a little tear (1") in the passenger seat and want to do a quick repair. Any advice on repairing the vinyl nicely before it gets worse?

Here are photos of my reclining seats. They are bigger than the orginal but only potential problem is the parking brake though it doesn't bother me.

front seats are bigger than original and a little snug but comfy.

The BMW 2002ti/1802 models use exactly the same recliners as the Volvo 122.

Those were nothing more than 1800E reclining mechanisms. Had a set in my 122 until I put different seats in. Installation was simply a matter of removing 6 bolts per seat and putting in the different mechanisms. Reassembly is the reverse of removal, as they say. I emailed this point to the seller but he neglected to mention that in the auction. The winning bidder, however, went for it hook, line and sinker.

Way to be more resourceful!
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Justin 66 122E
Read vclassics tech!

Ehm, I can not help being a little sturd over this. Yes you emailed me, but I did reply your email in kind words telling that I am aware that the seat recliners are similar (similar!) to the ones in the 1971 and 1972 1800E models.

The ones in the auction are the exact ones sold either as accessorie or factory fitted in the 123 GT.

Still, the 1800 model where sold way more in US than in Europe and the recliners are still very rare here. The buyer emailed that he was very happy for the deal upon receipt of the recliners and the second-place bidder emailed me that he was really sad he didn't win and pledged if I could help him.

May I note that the auction had 12 bids? Winner from UK, other bidders: US, US, Finland, Norway..

As a matter of fact, I even offered YOU to find me some sets similar to the ones listed and that I would pay you in the range of $250-300 per complete set.

That proposal goes out to EVERYONE listening! - As many as you can get! :-)


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/Soren

So the P1800s had the reclining seats? Was it all years? This is a great tip, thanks Justin!

Only the 1800E and perhaps the ES. Knobs are different on the ES. The 1800S has flip forward affairs, same as the 2 door Amazon.

Perhaps I was a bit rude in my earlier reply. I don't think Soren necessarily misled anyone but I do find it amazing that the market for those things was what it was. I sold a set on ebay 2 years ago for $120 and thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Then again, if all buyers were educated then my secret sources for cheap fuel pumps, FI bits and timing gears would be discovered. After all, the fuel pump in my car is the exact one sold on the magnificent BMW E30 M3, even if it's also OEM for a 535e. So what's the point? Do your research!
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Justin 66 122E
Read vclassics tech!

I've got 69 seat hardware in my 122 wagon and it reclines. Did have some
trouble with it collapsing under my brother in law when the trigger spring
gave out. Sure didn't know it was so VALUABLE!!
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George Downs Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!