MTFCA Forum

I removed the upholstery from the ‘23 runabout this evening. Throughout the removal I documented everything that would help me in the re-upholstering. Interestingly I found this blue cloth tied in a place that could only be reached during the original assembly of the car. The other thing I noticed was how few tacks were actually used.

Funny, I posted this here on the Forum and on the Model T Facebook group. Got nothing here ... but many comments on the FB group about why this blue cloth might be in the seat springs. One concept was that a rodent brought it there.

Back in my days of working and Company cars, I would usually get a new one every year when the new models came out. It was a real thrill for the kids when I traded, because I would take out the back seat, and they would get all the loose change that would be there. There were times when there would be a few items that had been "salted" by some of my fellows, and I would have a time explaining that to the kids. There are all kinds of tales of stuff found in cars like that, loose Coke bottles in the doors, Ladies underwear and such. The poor Soul that tied the rag there is long gone, but I am sure he had a reason for doing this.

You are fortunate to have such an original car. To me cars like yours are a gold mine of facts. Keep up the good work. Be sure to save the original upholstery for further reference.

Neat find Mark! Did you notice any T factory numbers on the burlap or padding?
I have a 24 T Coupe and discovered the T factory number stamped in black ink on the burlap. If I can find where I put it I will send a picture of it. It was in block lettering about 1-2 inches in size if I remember.

Here’s a pic of one of the front cushions burlap that was in my 24 Coupe. The other cushion padding was long gone.
The T no. is on the side facing up. The spring side of the burlap didn’t have anything. I assume it’s a Ford no. I wonder if your original burlap has any type of number on it or if any other open cars have any kind of no. stenciled on it.