Fixing the Foundation: Replacing Broken Front Seat Floor Nut Plates
After decades of exposure to the elements, the seat mounting bolts in many 1963–1985 Avantis eventually rust and snap off. Because the original Part #1351038 nut plates are sandwiched inside reinforced fiberglass, a simple extraction is often impossible.
In this comprehensive restoration guide, Dan Booth walks you through the professional method for replacing these hidden plates to original factory specs. Learn the "Specialist's Secrets"—from using a small magnet to navigate the new plate into position, to Dan’s signature "masking tape" method for a smooth fiberglass finish. This article also includes a vital tip for 1963 owners on using foam padding to hide rivet heads for a seamless factory-vinyl look. Restore the safety and integrity of your Avanti’s seating with this field-tested technical walkthrough.