Interior guys - got a question about doing old seats

[Boones]

Got two different sets of seats for my wagon. the factory bench with a big tear and hole were I would sit (can see the spings) and a pair of early 60's GM buckets with the chrome surround over the top (like an impala or pontiac) but the padding is rotting away (crumbling) and the metal bottom support (flat springs? - S shaped metal) are all broken so I am almost sitting on the floor (and they are uncomfortable on the back and ass on anything but local rides).

Not sure which seats I want to keep but leaning towards the buckets.. If I go with the buckets can an upholstery shop replace the seat bottom metal support/spring or are the seats scrapped or is there another solution.. either way I have to get a set into the shop real soon

[Kustm52]

Don't know how much it would cost...but all the parts for the seats are available reproduction...

seat parts (http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?cat=9)

If you shop around you can probably find it cheaper...that was just the first place I looked.

Brian

[delaware george]

my buddy just had seats done in his 69 rambler and they replaced some of that stuff

[fatluckys]

Those buckets sound like trash. Better just box 'em up and send 'em to me. I'll make sure they're disposed of properly. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Seriously though, a good upholstery guy should be able to rebuild those no problem.

[Low]

Any upholstery shop thats good, can rebuild all of the seat components at the shop. Its quite simple you could probably do it yourself. It might be better though just to buy the repop parts because of price.

[Boones]

kustom thanks for the link, looks like I may be able to set the lower spring set.

Now I have to ask if this is something a novice could install? Interior guys, any input

Also, can anyone identify what model or year seat these are (they still have the factory interior pattern on them

[daddylama]

a few years back i had a similar situation...
now, im no interior guy... but here's what i did:
took 3/8th inch plywood, cut to sit where the springs under the rotted out foam once resided.
Got some kinda-dense foam cushion stuff from the local fabric store, that was 6" thick. Trimmed the top (part you'd sit on) to match the contours of the factory seat... put the stock uphulstery back on...
Really comfortable (i like supportive seats, rather than soft springy ones), held up really well, and cost under $30.

[flt-blk]

Ol 55,
I did that to the bench seat in my A but I removed the springs to get the seat lower for interior room.

It was OK until I took a long trip, then it became very uncomfortable. I ended up putting the springs back in so I wasn't bouncing on the floor over every bump. Those springs do serve a purpose.
TZ

[fatluckys]

Don't worry, the springs are easy to install. You'll feel silly that you even asked. Those definitely look like erly 60's GM seats, but they don't look like an Impala pattern.

I've done a few projects where I tossed out the springs and used all foam. It gives the seats a new car kinda feel. I personally like the old car springy feelin'.

[Boones]

Well it looks like I have my next project... Think I will tear out the seats this week and start the disassembly process. Would really like to find out what car the seats came out of as I like the pattern and would not mind buying aftermarket replacement (I am sure it exist since almost anything GM from that period does)..

[roadstar]

[ QUOTE ]
Ol 55,
I did that to the bench seat in my A but I removed the springs to get the seat lower for interior room.

It was OK until I took a long trip, then it became very uncomfortable. I ended up putting the springs back in so I wasn't bouncing on the floor over every bump. Those springs do serve a purpose.
TZ

[/ QUOTE ]

When I first built the seat in my roadster It was uncomfortable on a long trip too.(plywood and foam seat).
What I did ws cut the bottom seat area out where your butt is and laced it with a viynal webbing. Using a basketweave pattern,(just like an old lawn chair. Man what a differance.

Now when the foam compresses it still has some give. It improved the ride comfort about 500%.

[Boones]

man I thought some one on this board would recognize the pattern and could provde some insite into the year/model

btt

[Kustm52]

Boones, I've got a friend who knows what all years/ models interchange on these buckets...I send the pic to him and see what he says they came from.

Brian

[daddylama]

[ QUOTE ]
Ol 55,
I did that to the bench seat in my A but I removed the springs to get the seat lower for interior room.

It was OK until I took a long trip, then it became very uncomfortable. I ended up putting the springs back in so I wasn't bouncing on the floor over every bump. Those springs do serve a purpose.
TZ

[/ QUOTE ]

Think it depends on the foam... the one i got was pretty dense. Plus i really like firm seats, rather than springy ones.
Although, the ride was somewhat plush on that car... if it was on something with a harsh ride, i'd imagine it would do a number on your ass...