1940 Ford bench seat construction

[19Fordy]

"Kube", I did some searching and found these old photos. It's interesting that the seat upholstery fabric is different from what I have seen on restored 40 DeLuxes. This is was the seats were covered with when I bought the car in 1963 from a friend who had bought the car from the original owner. I don't know if the original owner ever had the seats recovered with a cheaper fabric. I know for sure that the second owner did not have the seats recovered. The seat was the same as the headliner and package shelf. I think it was the original as you can see the 'paper tag" on the bottom of the seat spring. Do you know if Ford used headliner material to cover the seats of 40 Fords? Was that an option to save money? If you do have a photo of that "swing arm" that attaches to the seat back and holds the seat cushion up, please do post it. Thanks, JIMn Click on picture to enlarge.

[19Fordy]

Here's a few more photos.I remember when I took the seat apart it still had what appeared to be the original cotton batting and burlap.

[john worden]

This has to be a four door car right?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by john worden

This has to be a four door car right?

Nope...it's a '40 Ford 5 window coupe, model 01A-77B. See the link below for an explanation. DD

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=132586

[Legends47]

19Forty,

New member here, and I have a 5 window coupe.

I will take a picture of my seat support this afternoon and forward it to you.

[Kube]

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Hey ya Jim,
Ford offered Deluxe Broadcloth and Deluxe Mohair for the seats in 1940 Deluxe model Fords. It offered Standard Broadcloth and Standard Mohair in the Ford V8 models. Now, please understand the deluxe versions appeared nothing like the standard versions. You could spot the difference from 20' away.
They (Ford) never offered sidewall cloth nor head lining cloth on the seats. Nor do I believe they would have allowed a "special order" of such. The logistics of installing it would simply not be worth the little that could be charged the consumer plus, the side wall and headliner cloths would wear way too quickly on any seat surface.
If anything, I could consider the possibility that someone could get the standard cloths in a Deluxe model and vice-verse.
My gut tells me that seat you've pictured was in fact recovered when the car was fairly young. As you are well aware, a lot of things happened to these cars through the years. By 1950, these '40 Fords were pretty much worthless and as such, little care was taken to utilize "correct" parts, etc.
It is also a possibility that the seats were simply worn so bad as to appear like headliner material. I've seen this on more than one occasion. A '39 coupe I had restored about six years ago had the factory material in rather beautiful (not torn) condition. However, any signs of a pattern or nap were long eradicated. This happened not only from rubbing against the seat but simply the sunlight, ozone, etc. the interior was exposed to.
I know some guys that have authentic door panels that appear to be some sort of pyroxilyn (sp?) when in fact, the sunlight, etc. has simply removed any signs of the "cloth" feel and appearance.
I have authentic (large) swatches of the factory interior materials offered in 1940. Unfortunately they do not photograph too well.
It took me a bit of searching but I came up with a couple of photos that may help you with the swing arm, etc. Also, the one of the upholstery is an authentic 1940 Ford V8 coupe with the standard mohair.

[bobgrice]

Also, I noted that one of the earlier posts indicated that "...each spring has its own burlap bag...", but, in fact, each ROW of springs is housed within it's own bag, which is sewn to create individual pockets for the springs. I just made new socks for my seat, which I fully restored. This entire front seat restoration was way more work than I thought it would be when I set out, but the end result is a new seat, with new 'insulators' (the burlap) and a very comfortable and attractive seat. Good luck!

[joel]

thanks, 19Fordy and Kube for the great pix and info.

[john worden]

That hinged seat back is novel but awkward I think. It seems like a folding split back seat like in the Tudor would have made more sense.

[19Fordy]

Originally Posted by john worden

That hinged seat back is novel but awkward I think. It seems like a folding split back seat like in the Tudor would have made more sense.

Kube, Thank you ever so much for searching and posting those photos. What you said about my front seat having been reupholstered at some point makes sense. Its interesting that the same cloth was used to cover the package shelf. That swing arm hinge is exactly what I have. Also, thank you for clarifying the broad cloth and mohair seat upholstery questions. I can hardly wait until your book comes out. Keep pressing forward and "THANKS".

[19Fordy]

Originally Posted by john worden

That hinged seat back is novel but awkward I think. It seems like a folding split back seat like in the Tudor would have made more sense.

John, I see what you mean. A split folding seat sure would be easier to operate.

[19Fordy]

Originally Posted by Legends47

19Forty,

New member here, and I have a 5 window coupe.

I will take a picture of my seat support this afternoon and forward it to you.

Thank you. It will be neat to see if the same as the one Kube posted.

[mike42]

Funny to see the price....I'm buying just the front seat from LeBaron and the price is
$ 1,100. The pattern is the same in photo !

Thx...Mike

[Legends47]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Thank you. It will be neat to see if the same as the one Kube posted.

I didn't take a picture after seeing the picture that Kube posted. Mine is the same.