The Ford Barn

Desi · 12-17-2018, 08:28 PM

I'm at the point in my restoration where it's time to reupholster the seats in my Model A. The seat springs that I have look to be in good shape (for 90 years) in that there are no obvious broken springs. After looking at new springs, it appears to be the same design so I'm wondering if it is worth the money to spend on new springs. I don't want to spend that kind of money and have the new springs feel and act like the old ones.

I'm a novice to the hobby, so any advice would be of assistance.

J Franklin · 12-17-2018, 09:28 PM

The new spring may feel a bit stiffer but most likely closer to the feel of new factory seats.

Terry, NJ · 12-17-2018, 11:35 PM

FWIW, I made my own spring from a mattress spring! (See in my pics) However I can weld small wires. If this is beyond your capabilities, don't bother. I lucked out and found a mattress That was exactly the width and thickness of the Mod. A seat spring. Next, I noticed that that instead of the 3 " coil springs, it had 2" coils, and of course more of them. This made the spring more firmer. It's not as simple as just whacking off a piece of spring like a piece of baloney. Although, that in effect is what your'e doing. There are reinforcement and "Outrigger" frames that must be made, fitted and welded or otherwise attached to the body of coils. One thing you will need are Aveco, Cushion Spring Clips, ( 100 to a box, around $7.00) You're gonna have some time and a little money into it! But it turned out well and I'm glad I made it! Just remember to duplicate what's there and don't try to get creative!
Terry

whirnot · 12-18-2018, 11:10 PM

If it ain't fixed don't broke it.

WHN · 12-19-2018, 08:13 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have used the old original spring, adding fluffy stuffing around springs for added stiffness.

This has worked great, and has lasted many years.

Seat is level, full, looks great, and feels good driving.

12-17-2018, 08:28 PM	#1
Desi Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Joliet,Illinois Posts: 51	Seat spring question I'm at the point in my restoration where it's time to reupholster the seats in my Model A. The seat springs that I have look to be in good shape (for 90 years) in that there are no obvious broken springs. After looking at new springs, it appears to be the same design so I'm wondering if it is worth the money to spend on new springs. I don't want to spend that kind of money and have the new springs feel and act like the old ones. I'm a novice to the hobby, so any advice would be of assistance.

12-17-2018, 09:28 PM	#2
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,959	Re: Seat spring question The new spring may feel a bit stiffer but most likely closer to the feel of new factory seats.

12-17-2018, 11:35 PM	#3
Terry, NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks Co, Pa Posts: 3,740	Re: Seat spring question FWIW, I made my own spring from a mattress spring! (See in my pics) However I can weld small wires. If this is beyond your capabilities, don't bother. I lucked out and found a mattress That was exactly the width and thickness of the Mod. A seat spring. Next, I noticed that that instead of the 3 " coil springs, it had 2" coils, and of course more of them. This made the spring more firmer. It's not as simple as just whacking off a piece of spring like a piece of baloney. Although, that in effect is what your'e doing. There are reinforcement and "Outrigger" frames that must be made, fitted and welded or otherwise attached to the body of coils. One thing you will need are Aveco, Cushion Spring Clips, ( 100 to a box, around $7.00) You're gonna have some time and a little money into it! But it turned out well and I'm glad I made it! Just remember to duplicate what's there and don't try to get creative! Terry

12-18-2018, 11:10 PM	#4
whirnot Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Bend Or. Posts: 1,056	Re: Seat spring question If it ain't fixed don't broke it. __________________ Bill Worden 1929 Roadster 1929 Briggs Town Sedan 1930 Closed Cab pickup Smith Motor Compressor 1951 Ford F1 High Desert Model A's

12-19-2018, 08:13 AM	#5
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,821	Re: Seat spring question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have used the old original spring, adding fluffy stuffing around springs for added stiffness. This has worked great, and has lasted many years. Seat is level, full, looks great, and feels good driving.