MTFCA Forum

I'm looking for someone that has done it not an opinion the seat springs have a channel that you stick the upholstery in and prep it tight but it looks like it takes a special tool. Does anyone know where I can get this tool? It is not a hog ring pliers

I used this type of sheet metal crimping pliers. Others will have an opinion I’m sure of what to use. I also used some slip joint pliers in the tight places.

I used channel locks.
It helps to knell on a piece of plywood To compress the springs.

I tried a similar plier, but it was not compound as the tool pictured. I couldnt get enough squeeze with my tool.

You can get a nice firm fit if you compress the spring before crimping. I used a series of clamps to compress the seat spring about 2 inches. Then tied it off temporarily with zip ties spaced all through the center portion. Then fit the material and crimped the edges. Channel Locks work good. Once done just cut and remove the zip ties. The seat will have a nice tight fit.

Regarding John's post, here is a home-made seat cushion compressor in action on my Flanders 20 seat. I made it from a piece of plywood, a board, and some all-thread I had lying around.

Clastique suggests the same seat compressor as suggested here, but with two lengthwise boards and all thread. Works very well.

I taught Elizabeth how to do it. I use two 1X4's, and a 3/4" piece of plywood is a must. You must sew a piece of welting to the skirts for this to work. I'm sure that MIke's kits come that way.

Today, we worked on installing the cushion onto the seat spring for my 1927 coupe. We used a compression table. Here are photos. We still have to finish the corners.