How to replace 2nd row seat back latch (bucket seats)

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This write up is how to replace the latches on the 2nd row bucket seats (the latches that hold the panels to the back of the seat that make the "load floor" when folded down)


First off, you need to buy new latches like these ones on Amazon.
I needed GM part number 12477414 to match my gray carpet, but I found ones on Amazon for tan and black carpet, also.

To start off, you will need to fold down the seat to work on it.
Whats this? A VCR?
Ignore the old technology if you have a 2000 like mine:


So here is what you see with the seat folded down. I placed the new part next to it.
(remember to keep the top of the latch to the top of the seat as shown)
Old and busted, new hotness:


First, you will need a couple of spudgers (something thin to that can be pried with), and something like a flat bladed screw driver.

First, take your thin spudger and get in the gap at the top of the retaining clip and pry it out:

Next while you have the clip pried out, shove your screw driver into the gap far enough to disengage the clip from the seat back:

 

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Now pry that side of the latch body up to get that side of the clip free:

Now that it is free on that side, we need to start working on the other side:

If you leave the remains of the clip in place, you will need to rotate it out of the way of the retaining clip I'm prying on in the above photo. (When I did the other seat, I just used my pliers and yanked out the remains of the clip, and it make freeing the second retaining clip much easier.)

Again, use the spudger and pry that clip out far enough to shove the screwdriver in there to get it clear of the seat back, then use your spudgers and pry the assembly up and out of the seat back.


Now the seat should look like this:

The back of the seat is metal. I found when I tried to install the new clips, it would not clip into place:

 

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Just take some pliers and gently bend the metal where the clips clip into the back of the seat, and it should snap into place:


You are done!