Replacement pilot seat for a PA 39

[Paul Cissel]

I am sure this has been covered, but i a have searched for a few hours and found nothing? I have just bought a 1970 PA 39 and the pilot seat leans too far back and I am looking for something more upright. Are there other Piper seats or an stc that will replace this?

[Kristin Winter]

There are two bolts on the seat back where they contact the three position cam that sets the amount of recline. Those bolts can be screwed in or out to change the angle of the seat back. All you need to do is back both bolt, one on either side, out until you obtain a back angle more to your liking. Make sure both bolt contact their respective cam at the same time, or you will put stressing into the seat back that may eventually crack the steel tubes that form the support.

[N3322G]

Paul,

You probably gathered from Kristin's post that the seat back is adjustable - since you are new to your 39, assuming you have stock seats, there is a handle at the seat back and seat juncture on the inside that you push back (IIRC) and then pull the seat back forward - hopefully this fixes the reclining angle for you - if not, you are on to Kirstin's fix ... fyi I have PA39-10 for 45 years now - 19 years as 2nd gen owner and still enjoy flying it!

[Clarence Beintema]

Further to Kristin's comments the seat recline cam is on a shaft which is turned by 2 springs, which will return the seat back to the most up right position, sometimes the springs break.

Clarence

[Paul Cissel]

Thanks to all. Something is definitely broken. The inside cam is not lining up with the adjustment bolt. I will check it out and post back

[Paul Cissel]

Took the seat out and bottom tubes where broken. One completely through. Having there welded and the spring in the top section checked. Thanks!