Looks the same but no catch to release and fold forward?

 

Yeah, I just noticed I have a bolt hole but it doesn't look like anything has ever been installed there. Wonder if I can find the catch/release assembly. Wouldn't mind adding that if it's just installing that part.

 

You could put one in. They used the same design through the 80s and into the early 90s. Ford changed the catch to be on a lever just up the seat a little bit in the later years but the frames basically the same. The catch is on both ends and theres a, approx, 7/16” rod welded to both so you can open from either side. The easiest way to get it out of the seat is to separate the back from the bottom. You have to bend either the rod or the arms a little bit to get it out. Adding the catch may present some clearance issues with the tank like OP said. He as to move the seat forward to tilt the back.

 

Heres mine from the passenger side. The drivers is same. Original 1977 ford pieces

 

I have the catch/release assembly if your interested. Purchased one awhile back for my seat but ended up with a Lariat seat that had one instead.

 

Can anyone help me with my seat. I haven't been able to fold the back. I just took a picture and wondering if my seat doesn't fold?
Mine doesn't seem to have a latch that will release it. Any information is appreciated.

 

Your driver's side is missing the latch that holds it in place. Does the passenger side have a latch?

 

No the Passenger side is identical to the drivers side. From the other seat pictures I've seen that have a latch it wouldn't work
on this seat because the "U" shaped Metal piece goes through the "O" ring of metal which is bolted to the seat bracket by the bolt in the picture.

 

Remove the bolt and the hold down ring.

This seat is originally the front seat of a 4 door. the latch we've been discussing is attached to a rod that has another latch on the other side. The rod would go through the holes that the bolts are currently in. If you are running a Crew Cab, leave it alone, there's no real reason to fold the seat, unless of course you want to.

 

Also, you could notch the ring and loosen the bolt to make a latch on one side, remove the other. The early cabs with an in cab tank did not have the locking mechanism so you can run that way if so desired.

 

Yeah as others have said yours is locked into place. If you look at my post you'll see I don't have that bolt or "o" ring bracket. You can take it off if you want or like someone suggested, notch it and then you can make a jury-rigged match.

 

My '76 high boy has the cardboard backing panel. but it doesn't have the lock.

 

Well I wouldn't have guessed the seat was not original to the truck but since my F150 is not a 4-door it must not me the original seat.
At least now I'll stop trying to figure out why it didn't fold. Thanks for all the information.