So the seat back lever mechanism was completely broken... We got a replacement lever from IPD, and even that trim ring from eBay.. Now though, upon further inspection, there's a white plastic piece that is broken just enough to make it a tougher job.. The white plastic piece fits into the new black lever via two pegs. those pegs are broken a bit, but look like they still function.

So, I tried putting the pieces together. The new black lever into the somewhat broken white plastic "catch" piece. Got it screwed in, and nothing... It wouldn't release the back seat, once installed and latched back. So, now though it seems like there's something loose or unconnected behind the carpet of the seat itself.. Maybe a wire that you use to pull the latch free.

What's the logical next step?... Try and locate this white plastic piece at a dealer or junk yard, take off the carpet, and visually inspect the parts?.. Replacing any of the metal wires that connect the two sides doesn't seem like a fun task, but I don't know what else to do...

In it's current state, it still functions. I've put a couple of zip ties on the end of the wire, as a "poor man's" latch that you pull when you want to release the seat back, but it looks bad visually.

The only other thing I can think of is getting lucky enough to find a junkyard seatback in the same upholstery color/style and rehabbing that to a proper state and installing it. I've heard that there is a wider range of years that fit all models... Anyways, it looks like another one of those jobs that may never get accomplished. Any thoughts or encouragement would be helpful. Thanks.