Front spring question

[Rich P. Bingham]

This fabric item was between the front spring and the frame member on my ‘13. It appears to be long grain top material. The 1915 parts book shows an identical item, I’m wondering if anyone knows the purpose of the four small brass rivets ?

[Mike Silbert]

Rich,

The original ones I have seen looked like old leather and the rivets were to hold a 2nd layer out on the ends.
Did not know topping material was ever used.
Maybe it was a transition part between leather and rubber?
Someone's better idea?
"Spurious" parts?

Screenshot 2026-02-05 133837.jpg (12.13 KiB) Viewed 117 times

Very Interesting part
Mike

[jab35]

The pad was doubled at the few inches near the end. Rivets held the two layers together during use. Here's a reproduction replacement image.
https://www.modeltford.com/item/3823L.aspx jb

[Daisy Mae]

Back in the 80's the front spring pad I got from one of the vendors for my TT was like that, a section of top material with two leather pads riveted on each end.
I used Bob's, Mac's, Snyders and another I can't recall now, but, somebody was offering them that way then.
Maybe it was a cheaper 'economy' option over the leather, I was a kid & had little $$$ LOL