Question about rebuilding a bench seat...

[Duck]

I am planning on having the seats recovered in my '58 Chevy in the next few months. The front seat is totally worn down, so it needs new spring and everything to be done right (instead of just being stuffed with foam).

My question: Does anyone know where to get the springs or some type of kit to do this, or will a "good" upholsterer already have everything to do it?

Thanks in advance,

Duck

[seldom scene]

A good trimmer should have the tools and knowledge to fix your seat..part of the job.

[fatluckys]

A "good" upholsterer shouldn't have a problem fixing springs 'n' stuff. Unfortunately, your average upholstery shop will probably just stuff some foam/ cotton in there and call it a day. Shop around.

[DrJ]

[ QUOTE ]
A "good" upholsterer shouldn't have a problem fixing springs 'n' stuff. Unfortunately, your average upholstery shop will probably just stuff some foam/ cotton in there and call it a day. Shop around.

[/ QUOTE ]
Just walking in the door,
How can you tell the difference?
Really? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Duck]

Thanks for the advice guys. I guess I will stop by some places and talk to them face-to-face and tell them exactly what I need done.

Thanks again,

Duck

[Brad54]

I think Classic Chevy International has the new springs.
They also have brand new seat foam.
If you want to go totally overboard...

Between the springs and the foam, there is a layer of burlap. The burlap runs the length of the seat bottom, and the seat backs.
Now, this burlap has two features: a cord sewn around the perimeter, and thin wires running length ways (side-to-side) across it.

The cord gives the hog rings something to bite when fastening the burlap to the springs.
The wires running from side-to-side help distribute the load (your ass) across a bunch of springs, not just the ones you're sitting over.

The wires go through the burlap and fold over the cord as well.

The burlap is cheap-cheap at any fabric store.
Plastic laundry line from the hardware store works nicely
for the cord.

For the tiny wire, call a piano tuner and buy a spool of wire from him. I don't remember what it mic'd out at, but it was TINY. .008-inch maybe? Smaller than guitar wires. Anyway, the wire is pretty cheap too. Has to be piano wire--spring steel. Stainless, bailing or any other wire won't work.

I cut the burlap, took it to a seamstress and she hemmed the cord around the edge, then I folded it up like an acordian and ran the wires through the folds before flattening the burlap and crimping the wires over the cord. Hog ring the burlap mat to your new seat springs, install the new foam, and viola! Brand new, good for another 40 years seats. Concours results, low-buck cost.

It's striking how good these seats were when they were brand new--problem is, nobody restores them to "brand new." That burlap with the wires tying the springs together to distribute the weight makes a big difference.
If you haven't thrown away the old covers, etc., look at the burlap closely, and use it as a pattern.
Oh, and no way in hell a shop is going to do all this for you.
-Brad