So I know several sources of coil springs and can readily get wire to the top surrounding edge but how about the neat steel channels used for the base of spring assemblies? Does anyone know of a source?
I just spent a lot of time learning to build seat and back seat springs. It was a very frustrating experience. The original seats Appear to use strap springs ... springs that were fastened to a metal strap. Those can be found. They look like the ones on the spring seats. They usually use 9 gauge springs and they are usually conical springs. I have not found a source for the strap that wraps and connects these straps together. Also, The original springs on the seats seem to be hourglass springs. You can buy those but not in a strap. I think the strap springs are now used to build seats with wooden frame.
The seat backs are a nightmare..... the original springs were conical springs but you can’t find them. Also, they are too stiff to use. I even tried using a tall hourglass spring and cutting it in half.... doesn’t work.... too stiff. I didn’t try that for the seat. I also needed the edge wire and spring connectors to hold the springs together. It all needs to be spring Steel otherwise they just bend and won’t spring back. Also, buying that stuff online costs a bunch just for the shipping.
My solution ... thanks to my neighbor.... is to use a interspring mattress. It has everything you need. Padding, springs, edge wire, connecting wire..... and if they are junking it, it’s all free. Just be careful of what it was used for..... As to the base, you can buy the strap springs that will work for the seat but not the back. You are going to fabricate the outer rims of the base out of sheetmetal....
Thank you Rabaut for the info. I have many salvaged coils and wire for the top edge. Biggest need is the steel wrapped wire for the bottoms. I could use wire only but it would be nice if the right material was available.
I find it interesting that mattress springs are strong enough for seat bottom springs. There is much more needed to support a sitting person in a dynamic situation like a bouncing car than prone on flat surface. However some of that "load" can be distributed by adding different stiffness to the pads covering the spring assembly and foam or material under to upholstery cover.
I will need to salvage some mattress spring assemblies to see if I can save a few $$$$ on my next projects. Paying $ 400-$600 for a set of springs thins my wallet more than I like. Hopefully will love the challenge and learning experience as well.
Just to clarify, I didn’t use the bed springs for the seat, just the back. Individual coil Seat springs are available if you Want. They are about 9 gauge and come in a variety of heights. I couldn’t find them in anything but 9 gauge which i believe is too stiff for a seat back. That’s why I went with the bed springs...... plus all the extra parts ...
