39 seat springs
 

My seat springs on driver side are worn/weak. I know, maybe I need lose a couple pounds.

You guys have a way to beef them up. One friend said roll newspaper and insert into spring.

Re: 39 seat springs
 

Hate to say it but, best thing to do is remove the seat cover and stuffing to see if seat springs are sting upright and in their pockets with sufficient padding on top.
Is it a bench seat or a split seat? Here's a 40 seat.

Re: 39 seat springs
 

Bench thanks

Re: 39 seat springs
 

Andy, You do not have to remove the upholstery to make your cushion have the feel of a nice - new couch. Old upholstery is not too agreeable to removing and reinstalling.
Remove the seat cushion and flip it over on your workbench.
Acquire some carpet padding - the foam rubber stuff.
For a '39 coupe seat, cut 12" lengths of the padding in 7" widths.
Roll up a length (tightly as you are able) and stuff it in each individual spring. Once you "let go" of the padding it will "swell" in place.
You will find it easier when stuffing to twist the padding as you press it in.
You will be AMAZED at how nice the seat is when done.

Oh, you may have to cut the burlap bags that surround each coil.

Re: 39 seat springs
 

Mike, thanks thats a perfect solution!

Re: 39 seat springs
 

Holy Mackeral Mike! That's a great idea. I had my wife sew up new individual burlap "pockets" for each spring back in 1988. That was a tough job on a Sear's Best home sewing machine,

Re: 39 seat springs
 

Reviving and old thread but thanks for the tip. I was going to tear into my front bench now that it’s out and sitting on the shop floor. Cover is very nice but the support is not.

Re: 39 seat springs
 

Finished stuffing my sear springs yesterday. Some of the rolls fit loser than others so I took a piece of hardware cloth I had and made a bottom for the seat to help retain the rolls of carpet padding. What a mouse condo all those bagged springs made.Looks like they had a good supply of hazelnuts.

Re: 39 seat springs
 

If all else fails remember Snyder's makes new spring assemblies for antique and vintage cars at a reasonable price.

Re: 39 seat springs
 

If the other solutions don’t work to your satisfaction you might consider replacing the old springs with new. I repaired one of my front seats with springs from “Galaxy Supply Inc. Upholstery Coil Springs”. You can find them on Amazon, of course.

Re: 39 seat springs
 

Thanks all for the suggestions

Re: 39 seat springs
 

I had similar issues with the stock bench seat bottom in my '40. The spring coverings were removed, springs thoroughly cleaned and checked for damage, but still ended up with a seat that was too soft and unsupportive.


The shop that did my interior finally talked me into pitching the complete bottom spring assembly after questionable quality and cost concerns of new springs were discussed, along with no guarantee of any improvement.


The alternative was simply replacing the spring assembly with 2 pieces of plywood, diagonally cut 2x4 risers, some wood screws, glue. and 2 or more layers of foam. The result is a firm, supportive and very comfortable seat that can be adjusted if needed by simply changing the foam(s) density.

Re: 39 seat springs
 

Thanks V8 Bob,
I thought of rebuilding the seat either with springs or with a platform and foam but as this started out with replacing the headliner and has since grown I’m pushing the boundary of my budget. I was also reluctant to pull off the old but very nice upholstery on the seat. If this cheaper fix doesn’t work out I can later do it different.

Re: 39 seat springs
 

If you change your mind, I have several pictures that may help with the build.


Bob

Re: 39 seat springs
 

Thanks