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LEE T
04-10-2016, 04:48 PM
I don't see much information on seat springs, so after doing a seat, I thought someone else might benefit from my experiences of cutting and bending the springs, laying the foam, and installing new covers.

While working on a car belonging to someone who is near the 300lb mark, it was decided to use new springs because it just seemed like the original bench seat springs were too soft for him. New spring assemblies are available just like the original, but after some experimenting, this is what I came up with. Actually, he is taller than most, but most people today are much heavier than the people these bench seats were designed for. This is what I started with.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/100_2068_zps157e0689.jpg

The original seat bottom springs are 11ga, and the original seat backs are even smaller, so I used 9ga for the new seat bottoms and 11ga for the new seat backs. That feels a lot better, and that will also help to keep the new seats covers from stretching so quickly.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Forum%20photos/57%20seat%20stretch_zps76kehqel.jpg

Some of the tools needed are wire benders, end former, clip pliers, bolt cutters, hog ring pliers, and large scissors. In addition to the wire ga, there are also two different wire sizes, and that is 1" and 2". There is also a 1" and 2" wire bender for the different size wire, and tri-5s use the 2".

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/100_2067_zpsf6be3698.jpg

I ordered two 100 foot rolls of 9ga zig zag spring for the bottom seat and used about 2/3rds of one roll.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/100_2046_zpsc8e91003.jpg

Just like most jobs, it takes awhile to be able to make good bends, even with the proper tools. I found it to be a lot easier to get a good bend with one of the benders in the vice. Even then, the spring and both benders have to be held straight and level during the bend.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/100_2032_zpsuoecx6o4.jpg

It really takes both hands on that one bender.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/100_2037_zps998cdee7.jpg

The original edge wire clips were three prong, but I decided to get these solid clips with a coating on the inside to help limit the squeak.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/100_2086_zps1df0a5fc.jpg

The car and this seat were original with only 112,000 miles, so I used an old seat to practice on and to make the springs that were used for this original seat. I wanted to be able to refer to original seat to get the same static shape. This shows some of the new springs loosely held in, next to the old smaller ga springs.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/100_2065_zps5c96ec5d.jpg

All finished up with the new springs on the original seat, and clips on loosely just to hold everything in place while being cleaned.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/7c5162d0-384a-4318-baad-e0adefe117f6_zpsf57255d8.jpg

I noticed this seat and other one were both torn in the front corner near the same place.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/cd54f084-32ee-4eaf-bd84-fc39253f90a1_zpspudh4bze.jpg

The problem seems to be the sharp edges on this brace, so it was smoothed out.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/2036a99d-601e-4e2a-9875-a32315374bb1_zpsiofjpici.jpg

A little protection will be added to cover that .

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/b51e6f76-9793-4686-b3d1-744a5f0295cf_zpsl2lu7dvq.jpg

The cleaning process was electrolysis, it does a real nice job, and doesn't harm the spring steel. Then it was all covered with a clear epoxy, but the new clips are not on yet.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/533049f6-a22f-484d-a4a1-f1c61102d16d_zps3e6a7104.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/100_2239_zps9gacwpim.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/100_2241_zpsuzujoq8f.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/100_2242_zpsjazidf0e.jpg

The new zinc plated clips went on first, then I used two straight sections of the original seat back springs to spread the weight out by tying the springs together.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/100_2620_zps6e86lwkk.jpg

Next is new burlap with the original wire woven through the burlap and hog ringed in place. It was used to keep the foam from pushing through the springs.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/6df34ff9-8599-4e25-ad89-d9adab23a568_zpsclcuwdos.jpg

Next, is a layer of burlap with plenty of overhang so the foam can roll over the edge and glue down to the burlap---any hog ringing on the foam can show through the seat covers.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/ae5a7219-01b8-4f34-836a-ddd6ef6ffdf7_zpsdb9u1y7d.jpg

I tried the new preformed foam and didn't like it at all, even after numerous attempts.
My seat covers are from CARS INC, but Ciadella Interiors has a nice video on Facebook, and they recommend a layered two inches of foam. So the first layer is this 1/2 inch layer of dense material, and glued down. I didn't want the edges built up too much, so the layer doesn't go over the edge.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/af27e361-50b5-4599-ae3e-2155917ad919_zpsvsalpdir.jpg

Then a 1" layer of high density foam was glued down.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/f1222e8c-594f-4d7f-9f80-b153b8358f20_zpstggohszd.jpg

More glue is applied to the overhang and it was rolled over the edge.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/41654b92-f6e7-455a-9f1b-2a48bafdcd05_zpseofoagyw.jpg

Finally a 1/2" layer of med density foam is glued and rolled over the edge.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/f8ef1471-d1e3-4f42-8a83-a34ce111baca_zpshook4vrw.jpg

The seat cover has been on and off several times while making adjustments, but I couldn't be more happy with it. The rear black flap is not glued yet.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/f19c294d-c262-414d-a293-179a1c870836_zpscl2wncaz.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/100_2782_zpsmacs0hh2.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/f8622970-2012-4e4d-8ab6-477de36418b9_zpskf4czoo6.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/631992bd-5d9b-400c-8b05-d69779397243_zpsqo66gten.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/c3edec27-f390-41b9-bdc8-6781756adaf5_zps5curfdug.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/66bb1f5d-0bd7-4718-9987-aefc68b91321_zps1af2mmy3.jpg

LEE T
04-10-2016, 04:57 PM
The seat backs were done in a similar manner, except its a lot harder to get them to nicely fill the seat cover because its like filling a bag, instead of being able to pull on 4 sides.

The seat shells were stripped, straightened, cleaned, and painted with the same clear epoxy, then a thin layer of foam was glued on. Glue also seemed a better option for the tack strips instead of staples.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/3561957e-4949-4304-a462-70a9626ab7e1_zps2nf3yx9b.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/29665802-abcd-46c3-9d57-6ba3c9041c67_zpshllcnca0.jpg

The vinyl was also glued in order to keep it tight enough to show all the detail lines.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/921d3524-0a2f-4d13-b40e-d5134d0c066d_zpsodzcdwnq.jpg

It takes some stretching to keep the bulges out of the curves.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/25a907d0-8c1d-4250-b90f-0fc54a8ca7dd_zpstjolclbx.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/7d55e41e-9d42-41c9-a263-be4225cc3499_zpsmqfzwnrp.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/aeefeafa-8589-412f-927e-faf023e5a4d8_zpsblefjxor.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/a50b9567-164e-46aa-8f4b-a61a673c6dfa_zpsydoivbcr.jpg

I see a lot of seat shells that don't line up with each other, and also, if too much foam is on the shells it will show up when the screws are installed.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/9a984ecf-0aa1-4399-8939-cf989719e5ff_zpsfqcbdz91.jpg

I'm still waiting to tighten the rear part of the seat bottom cover.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/8615357a-6983-4c64-a28e-45a3295c9185_zpsq1r0ac7j.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/a4f6ba1e-b55f-414c-96d6-a4a914e2fddd_zpsqa0j1rxp.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/6f4b0b8d-2725-4421-8f55-a432f82bfc41_zpslkregvzc.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/c6665ecb-0df5-4c32-978b-f17b893b4e00_zpsgn0xxq6e.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/100_2803_zpsvuksr8hp.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/100_2782_zpsmacs0hh2.jpg

Rick_L
04-10-2016, 05:40 PM
Lee, not something I'll do on my present build - but very good info that most guys don't even know you can do. Good job! :)

5Clint7
04-10-2016, 05:42 PM
Excellent tutorial and a perfect job. I wish that I had this a bout 5 years ago when I did mine. Where did you find the special tools? Again, it looks great.

LEE T
04-10-2016, 07:05 PM
Thanks guys, the tools are made by Osborn and sold by vendors.
http://www.csosborne.com/

WagonCrazy
04-10-2016, 07:12 PM
Well documented Lee. Appreciate that.

chevynut
04-10-2016, 07:22 PM
Nice job and great writeup! I'm sure it will help someone with their rebuild.

carls 56 (RIP 11/24/2021)
04-11-2016, 05:48 AM
very nice, thanks for sharing.

oldschool57
06-10-2016, 09:04 PM
Looks great, what about the seat back buttons?

LEE T
06-11-2016, 02:07 AM
I think the important thing is to get the buttons in the right location. Just find some seats that look right to you, and measure where the buttons are located, I haven't installed these yet.

5Clint7
06-22-2016, 10:30 AM
I think the important thing is to get the buttons in the right location. Just find some seats that look right to you, and measure where the buttons are located, I haven't installed these yet.
Buttons are 5½ in. from the side silver pipping on each side and 6¾ from the silver piping on bottom. This is for the front and back. These measurements were taken from an original cover and transferred to my new covers.
http://www.trifivechevys.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6107&d=1466616285
http://www.trifivechevys.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6106&d=1466616275

LEE T
06-23-2016, 06:23 AM
Thanks for posting Clint, I was a little hesitant to do that because I have so many variants on my collection of seats. One is only 4 1/2" from the side, so I think it is just one of those things that wasn't a priority on mass produced cars. I haven't heard anyone complain about the seat button location on their car, but then everyone isn't as particular as some of us. :D

So I just think it is better to find a car that looks right to you, then get a measurement on it.

LAD41
06-23-2016, 04:27 PM
is it possible to modify 1955 upper seatback frame to conform to 1957 seatback frame?
I would like to use 1957 seat patterns. If so, do you have a photograph to show me what 1957 frame looks like?


Very informative article / great information and photographs



The seat backs were done in a similar manner, except its a lot harder to get them to nicely fill the seat cover because its like filling a bag, instead of being able to pull on 4 sides.

The seat shells were stripped, straightened, cleaned, and painted with the same clear epoxy, then a thin layer of foam was glued on. Glue also seemed a better option for the tack strips instead of staples.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/3561957e-4949-4304-a462-70a9626ab7e1_zps2nf3yx9b.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/29665802-abcd-46c3-9d57-6ba3c9041c67_zpshllcnca0.jpg

The vinyl was also glued in order to keep it tight enough to show all the detail lines.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/921d3524-0a2f-4d13-b40e-d5134d0c066d_zpsodzcdwnq.jpg

It takes some stretching to keep the bulges out of the curves.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/25a907d0-8c1d-4250-b90f-0fc54a8ca7dd_zpstjolclbx.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/7d55e41e-9d42-41c9-a263-be4225cc3499_zpsmqfzwnrp.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/aeefeafa-8589-412f-927e-faf023e5a4d8_zpsblefjxor.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/a50b9567-164e-46aa-8f4b-a61a673c6dfa_zpsydoivbcr.jpg

I see a lot of seat shells that don't line up with each other, and also, if too much foam is on the shells it will show up when the screws are installed.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/9a984ecf-0aa1-4399-8939-cf989719e5ff_zpsfqcbdz91.jpg

I'm still waiting to tighten the rear part of the seat bottom cover.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/8615357a-6983-4c64-a28e-45a3295c9185_zpsq1r0ac7j.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/a4f6ba1e-b55f-414c-96d6-a4a914e2fddd_zpsqa0j1rxp.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/6f4b0b8d-2725-4421-8f55-a432f82bfc41_zpslkregvzc.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/c6665ecb-0df5-4c32-978b-f17b893b4e00_zpsgn0xxq6e.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/100_2803_zpsvuksr8hp.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/front%20bench%20seat%20upholstery/100_2782_zpsmacs0hh2.jpg

LEE T
06-24-2016, 06:53 AM
Here is the seat back after bending and installing some original heavier seat bottom springs for it. The pictures were taken to show the alignment of the springs to the frame and each other, but it should show what you want to know. I think you would have a use 57 seat backs for what you want. JMO

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/833fba96-5d4e-4741-9fe7-b21d76e237c5_zps3770cd3d.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/f240fcc4-e723-4805-bf09-a7bf83f47363_zps375c43ac.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/79457d5a-a68e-47c0-93cd-3a1ca0343dea_zps84204736.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/3c878c3b-ce19-4432-934c-4172f07a4328_zps3cb40189.jpg

The part of the arm that shows was originally painted battleship gray, so I sprayed it on the rest of the frame. Also notice that the original flat piece of sheet metal is now attached on the left side.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/eab2c4c1-4157-4be4-b9a8-a73c7779ec6d_zpsdbe54b10.jpg

The burlap is really not necessary now since I used a very dense material for the first layer of foam, but I did want the fine wire that the factory used to keep the foam from pushing through the springs, so I just used the old burlap.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/1933630c-2cb1-4701-a61b-d03b5c1aebbb_zpsef0bb561.jpg

LAD41
06-24-2016, 12:14 PM
[ thanks for the quick response the pictures will help out a lot . i have a line on a 1957 seat i guess i can just use that instead thanks againUOTE=LEE T;32990]Here is the seat back after bending and installing some original heavier seat bottom springs for it. The pictures were taken to show the alignment of the springs to the frame and each other, but it should show what you want to know. I think you would have a use 57 seat backs for what you want. JMO

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/833fba96-5d4e-4741-9fe7-b21d76e237c5_zps3770cd3d.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/f240fcc4-e723-4805-bf09-a7bf83f47363_zps375c43ac.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/79457d5a-a68e-47c0-93cd-3a1ca0343dea_zps84204736.jpg

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/3c878c3b-ce19-4432-934c-4172f07a4328_zps3cb40189.jpg

The part of the arm that shows was originally painted battleship gray, so I sprayed it on the rest of the frame. Also notice that the original flat piece of sheet metal is now attached on the left side.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/eab2c4c1-4157-4be4-b9a8-a73c7779ec6d_zpsdbe54b10.jpg

The burlap is really not necessary now since I used a very dense material for the first layer of foam, but I did want the fine wire that the factory used to keep the foam from pushing through the springs, so I just used the old burlap.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx119/from7/Rebuilding%20seat%20springs/1933630c-2cb1-4701-a61b-d03b5c1aebbb_zpsef0bb561.jpg[/QUOTE]

Sid
11-11-2016, 01:19 PM
Lee T., Where did you buy the burlap and foam for the upholstering job you did. Excellent by the way! Also, does anybody know a cheaper alternative for seat shells?

Thanks

Sid

JT56
11-11-2016, 01:47 PM
Thanks for sharing Lee

LEE T
11-11-2016, 04:56 PM
Sid, I got the foam at my local foam supplier. There should be one in a major city near you, because the furniture and auto upholstery shops have to have it. They also have burlap. To give you an idea what they offer, here is the web site for my supplier.
http://www.activefoam.com/default.aspx?Page=Home

Rustaddict
11-12-2016, 04:44 AM
Where did you buy the roll of heavier spring ? Thanks a lot for posting this thread.

LEE T
11-12-2016, 08:47 AM
I bought it off ebay but I can't find it now. The vendor was "woodensofalegs" they are in California. I used 2" loop, 9ga.

LEE T
12-05-2016, 02:45 AM
Where did you buy the roll of heavier spring ? Thanks a lot for posting this thread.
I had this supplier saved on my computer, I don't remember for sure, but it may be the one I used---since I had it saved. At any rate they have what is needed at a reasonable price. They also have a forum for info.
http://www.upholster.com/upholstery-springs.html

WagonCrazy
12-05-2016, 07:29 AM
I'm about to redo the seat on my 59 Apache. thanks for that link Lee. I need some foam and other stuff....

Belair-o
12-06-2016, 04:25 PM
Lee,
I sure appreciate your great documentation. I was looking at the front seat I got back from the upholsterer, and noticed the lower seat shells, near the hinges, flop around. I remembered your write-up, and saw the answer in your pictures - I am missing the brackets that attach the ends of the shells to the frame! I found the brackets for sale on ebay, so have them on order. Thanks for your great write-up!
Thanks, Doug

LEE T
12-07-2016, 01:25 AM
Glad to be able to help out guys.

Jake
09-08-2023, 11:49 AM
Sir, I have 55 2 door hard top with bench seat. The car did not have the hangers for the seat shells, I got new hangers for the back of the bench seat.
just having hard time as to were to mount them.
the big question is the front of the bench seat shell hangers for the shell, are they part of the bench seat frame? I don't have them on my frame.
I don't think they're sold separate. if you can. can you send pics of that hanger from under the seat frame, maybe I can make some.

Jim Brennan 860 213 0462 beeshive2013@gail.com
thanks

LEE T
09-09-2023, 12:36 PM
Sorry Jake, I'm not familiar enough with the 55 seat, but I think the bottom of the seat is the same as the 57, but even if that is true the seat shell brackets could be different. I hope someone else can help you out.