BJ8 Rear Seat Changes, 1964 to Later

[Jerry]

Working on a very early BJ8 and upholstering the rear seats at this time. I also have a 67 BJ8. The 67 has two spring metal pieces that bow the rear panel so the slide has room to fit further back towards the rear. The 64 shows no evidence of those spring metal pieces. Do any of you know if that was a later addition?

You can see the spring metal piece on the left causing the back plate to bend toward the rear of the car.

Jerry

 

[GregW]

On my '67 BJ8 those pieces were flat. No bend and I don't recall them being springy.

 

[Jerry]

That is interesting! I wonder what other owners have in their back seat?

 

[JAV]

I have an early 64 BJ8 and a 66, both have been restored, but both metal pieces are curved.

 

[Jerry]

I ask two members of our club with 65 and 66. They both have the metal and it is curved, but not as much as my 67 in the picture.
I have sent an email to Tahoe Healey as he has an early car like my project. We will see what is on his car.

 

[Jerry]

Tahoe Healey says his car does not have the metal piece either. Maybe we have found another change in the production?

 

[GregW]

Here is my original piece. There appears to be a slight vertical crease at the bottom to the left of the two screw holes. Otherwise flat.

 

[Jerry]

I made new metal pieces yesterday and installed them. STEVE Byers, the registry person for BJ8 is checking with some more early Healeys made in the first production weeks. All but one car has had them so far.

 

[robolab]

Here is a picture of my BJ8 MKIII (HBJ8L 37523) with the bent panels on both sides of the rear panel.

Gerd

 

[Jerry]

Note : the round piece of metal has 4 rivets to hold it. The car I am working on only has two. Minor changes as they moved along in production.