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Joined: Mar 2011
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 165 |
My seat and backrest spring are in poor shape.
They have surface rust and are not very straight.
I thought I could sandblast lightly, some grey rattle can paint ,a little straightening
And see how they turn out.
Or.......are the springs too old to use?
They seem o.k. But I'm not sure.
Look for new ones?
Stanman
earlychevguy
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ChatMaster - 1,000
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ChatMaster - 1,000
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Mine on my 31 coupe were in bad shape, so I bought new repros from Hampton Coach.
Sal Orlando
Chat Group Region Member
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Joined: Mar 2011
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Posts: 165 |
J.D.
There isn't much to these seat springs.
If the actual springs are available , it looks like a fairly easy build.
With the right size wire, could they be homemade?
Or is it better to buy repros.
Stanman
earlychevguy
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ChatMaster - 15,000
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You would be surprised how much work it is to build a set of springs. You will need to get some "spring" or music wire of the proper strength and diameter for the springs. Then you need something to wind the springs with the correct final diameter and even spacing. Then you will need to finish the ends so they don't dig into the upholstery later. Once you make the number of springs needed or buy them already assembled, you will need at least two different diameter wire types of wire (or clips) and then rails or wire mesh or other structure to tie the springs together and provide the assembly needed. Then you will need something to make the bends in the correct location. Make sure to get extra as some of your bends may not be in the correct place and rebending can be tough.
I have made many smaller springs, repaired several sets of seat springs and would not even seriously consider making a complete seat spring assembly. If you think it is easy then try it. Hope you don't have to buy too many supplies that you lose too much money before buying ready made spring assemblies.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 165
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 165 |
Like I said .......there isn't much to making these things .
Ha ha
I'm already looking for store bought .
I guess I spoke before I really thought about it.
Thanks
Stanman
earlychevguy
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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There isn't much to these seat springs.
If the actual springs are available , it looks like a fairly easy build.
With the right size wire, could they be homemade?
Or is it better to buy repros. Why make things hard on yourself? It is a lot easier to buy the reproduction springs.   
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 165
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 165 |
My backrest spring is trashed. I'll have to buy a new one .
I rebuilt the entire front seat frame assembly, except the cushion base wood frame .
I don't have a complete picture of what it looks like.
Can anyone ,by chance , snap a picture of the underside of the seat cushion so I can study it ?
I know I can buy one but would rather build it.
My seat frame assembly turned out nice , so making the cushion frame shouldn't be to difficult. I just need a picture. Thanks
Stanman
earlychevguy
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Chipper..I know this is old hat , but I took your advise and bought a new backrest spring.
The problem now is that the spring I removed from the car has 9 springs across and 3 high. The store bought one is 9 springs across and 4 high.
Any idea what came from the factory? The larger size does look like it might fit.
The one I pulled from the car also looks crudely made . I'm not so sure Chevrolet at the time had consistent standards when it came to things like seat springs.
Any comments.. This is my 31 coupe with standard interior.
Stanman... I'm trying to avoid some very expensive oversize shipping costs
Last edited by stanman; 04/25/12 04:45 PM.
earlychevguy
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