1913 runabout seat springs

Post by **Oakknoll** » Tue Jan 22, 2019 4:16 pm

the new springs do not have the S shaped aluminum channel to receive the bead on the upholstery like later years.
the new covering kit I received does not have the bead either.
The spring does have an aluminum U shaped edge that only opens toward the spring coils and is smooth on the outside.
Question,, is this edge supposed to be on top or bottom?
Also another thing, others have commented on the metal edge nailed on the front of the seat frame not holding the seat spring in place.
I am working with a very basket case of original wood and sheet metal.
The angle bracket on both sides from the seat wood to the door post keeps the seat spring from sitting flat on the wood.
This would cause the seat spring to ride forward over the metal lip.
My possible solution would be a wood spacer (3/8 plywood) with the front corners cut out to clear the angle brackets.
Were the original springs made with the front corners shaped to clear those brackets?
I know there were 4 body manufactures.
Just wondering how others have done this on a 1913.

Post by **John Haynes** » Tue Jan 22, 2019 6:22 pm

Hello William,
I have a1913 Touring, I don't know if they would be identical to a Roadster regarding the front seat. I would be happy to take some photos of my and email them to you if you think this would help. Just let me know.
Regards,
John Haynes

Post by **Oakknoll** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 11:26 am

: asize.jpg (37.68 KiB) Viewed 3461 times

can trade more photos if this works on new forum

Post by **John Haynes** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 1:17 pm

Hello William,
I have attached two photos of my 1913 front seat and springs. It is hard to see, but there is a notch in the plywood on which the springs rest.

Post by **Original Smith** » Wed Jan 23, 2019 4:27 pm

I just did the front seat a few months back for my '13 runabout, and as far as I remember the seat springs just rest on those L brackets, although it appears the cushion is raised slightly in that area. Note, the upper slat across the back of the body has six very weak coil springs threaded onto the slat. The body on my car was made by Fisher.

Post by **Oakknoll** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 7:37 pm

I checked the original wood from the seat back and found no sign of springs.
Does the shape of the L brackets help identify the body manufacture?
There are no markings on the metal panel under the seat front and the seat wood was too far gone to tell.
Anybody know what else to look for to ID manufacture?

Post by **KWTownsend** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 8:01 pm

Look on the bottom side of the doors for a body number.
My late 1911 and cars through 1912 used hardboard covered artificial leather on the underside of the springs. The whole assembly was stitched together. Instead of hardboard I used 1/8" plywood and cut reliefs for the body irons. The originals just sat of the irons and brackets.
Here are some pics of originals...