MTFCA Forum

I'm getting ready to install a Classtique upholstery kit in my 1917 Touring. I've removed the old interior and am making some repairs and just got around to taking the covers off the old seats. The bottom spring for the front seat is in great shape but the rear seat is another story. The bottom frame is missing from the spring assembly with the coils instead wired to a piece of plywood on that side. Also, the top frame has been welded and repaired in a couple of places.

As I see it, my options are to A) buy a reproduction set of seat springs or B) replace the springs with foam. I'm not too concerned about authenticity, I just want something that will do the job. I plan to mount the springs or foam to a board regardless, despite the fact they were not done that way originally. One less place for critters to make a home.

If I should choose to go with the springs, can anyone point me to who manufactures them for the vendors? I've found that by getting closer to the source on some items I not only get a better price but more timely delivery.

Your comments are appreciated.

The yellow arrows point to where the springs are wired to the plywood board

Tim

Snyder's makes all the cushion springs, you can order direct and get the best.

Once had them make a custom spring for an aftermarket body, higher coils, and wider. No problem for Snyder's.

As for comfort, springs are better than block of foam. Have on occasion 're-plumbed' a worn backrest spring by cutting rectangles of foam from a block, and stuffing those rectangles of foam inside each of the coils, giving the coils more 'support'. Worked ok. Kinda like 'air-lift' shocks

I bought new seat springs from Snyder’s for my 21 rebuild as I didn’t have any. Well made and fit just right. Like Dan says Snyder’s makes all the reproduction T seat springs. If I remember making seat springs is what put Snyder’s in business. They make a good product.

Thanks for the advice. I ordered a set from Snyders today.

Restoration Supply sells individual spring coils so you can replace just the damaged ones. That is if buying a complete spring assembly is out of budget.

The current rear spring is missing the top frame and is a mix of coils as it is. I think someone cobbled it together many years ago. Looking at it more closely I think the top frame is missing and the previous owner flipped it upside down and wired the top of the coils to a board. It worked but there is no way I can justify covering it with new upholstery and putting it back in the car.