Arthur Del Mundo

Due to my working on American cars before, my number of Metric tools is quite limited, and being American like most of us, our knowledge of the metric system is quite limited. I have been retooling for metric, but I would like to know what size Allens do I need to remove the seat bolts as I want to take out my DME. I looked on Robin's P-Car webiste but it didn't mention what sioze was needed. I wopuld like to get the right size tool so I don't have to go back and forth to Sears to get the right one. Thanks!

max911

i think it is 5 or 6mm. Buy a set, use the one that fits!! Next time you do a project that requires a different size, you won't have to drive to Sears.

Jeff 993TT

I second that..

Here's the link to the 6 piece set from Sears:
Craftsman 6 pc. Hex Bit Socket Set, Metric

Sizes 4-8MM and 10MM. $27.99

Useful for other things such as changing oil, changing transmission fluid, etc.

Here are some more useful seat bolt information/tips: <a href="http://www.993faq.com/archives/cat_interior.html#000212" target="_blank">http://www.993faq.com/archives/cat_interior.html#000212</a>

Jeff 993TT

Can't get the link to work.

Just go to <a href="http://www.sears.com" target="_blank">www.sears.com</a> and search for this part # 00934448000

Arthur Del Mundo

Thanks! I didn't realize that had a whole set. I was about to buy them one at a time, but the whole set would be nicer instead for all the other jobs that come up!

swftiii

I second getting the set. You will need it to do many little things on the PCar - like adjusting the headlights.

Also, I have learned that every job is easier and more successful (meaning less breaking) if done with the right tools. If you don't use the correct metric sized allen wrench, you will most likely strip the head of the seat bolts.

Enjoy

Robert Henriksen

Also, don't use allen keys unless it's absolutely necessary; use the 3/8" socket drivers. It's just too easy to strip the bolt head w. a key.

mike cap

Art,
Robert is right, definitely buy the driver allen head for the seat bolts - even if you just buy the one. It is VERY easy to strip the socket head out of these bolts. You get a lot better feel with the ratchet wrench.

Mike Cap
1997 C2
Arena Red

Jim Morton

Having just swapped my seats, I can say that the factory bolts are a 6mm hex socket head caps. If you run the seats all the way up, the 3/8" hex drivers for a rachet wrench work great. However, if you start working with manual seats, you need ball end hexes as there is not enough clearance for the rachet drivers. For the long torso folks working with the "on the floor" rails for Recaro's etc., like myself, I ended up cutting down a hex key by about 1/4 of an inch in order to get more than one flat at a time tightening.

Also, once the seat is loose, tip it back in order to remove the power connector and seat belt receiver electrical pigtail. Note that the power plug pulls out "upward" from its mate.

Enjoy !

Arthur Del Mundo

Thanks for the great advice! I always use Sears Craftsmen tools for all my projects (good quality and lifetime warranty), but the only allen's I had were keys and in SAE sizes. Thanks for the advice on the set for the 3/8" ratchet. Though Sears are a little more expensive, they will last forever or you can always get a new one (broke a 20 year old hammer my dad had and they replaced it no ?'s asked). I'll definately get the allen set for all the other jobs I plan to do eventually, like oil changes, etc. I hear of removing the seat fuse as well when disconnecting the seat plugs as well to avoid shorts. Thanks for the advice guys!

Arthur Del Mundo

UPDATE: Went to Sears yesterday and bought the Craftsman 3/8" ratchet hex tip set ($27.99). Probably one of the best tool investments made for the car, as I've seen some people strip these really soft hex bolts out. The tip set made removal an ease, such that I was able to remove all 6 bolts, take it off enough to see what Bosch number my DME was (sadly it was the one that was not reprogramable ), and replaced the seats with the bolts tight enough to hold the seats but easier to remove next time.

Yes it is a 6mm hex that is needed to remove the seat bolts.

Thanks for the suggestion guys on the hex tip set, as each tip alone is $5.59 and it would have cost me $5 more to get the whole set if purchased separately.

Craftsman tools = cost more = worth every penny

1way2rock

thank you for the info

Chuck W.

You found a posting that was almost 7 years old to assist you. Nice job!

David in LA

and you'll want to replace the seat bolts with harder bolts...the factory pieces are too soft and strip too easily

boulderbobo

I have had the oem seat bolts in and out several times. I have not had any issues with the bolts stripping.



Bob-