I have a 26 model t coupe. These are the seat springs I got with the car. Are these correct? I’m going to get theses seats reupholstered with 3 inches of foam. But the seat and back seem to not match up. Am I missing something or is this the way it’s supposed to look? Thanks Jerry
The zigzag springs are a fairly modern phenomenon i think, but exactly how modern is debatable: those appears to have been around for some time! They can't be original to the seat. Zig zags give a more supple ride than the regular spring type. Springs do wear out with use (& time?) so reusing old ones might be counterproductive. Ymmv. Chris
It might be better to just get a newer seat. I know the 3rd row seats from Chrysler minivans fit in a model A. Dimensions should be close. It may even be easier to reupolstered if necessary.
I saw someone stuff some pool noodles in the sagging springs of his Model A seat and said it really improved them. I think the big coils don't "wear out" so much as the frame edges bend inwards over time and takes tension away. When we were cutting up Model A seats to stuff into my T I found prying the perimeter frame out to put tension back on the springs firmed it up quite a bit.
IMO... you sit on round springs and set in the zig zag style.... i think you want the middle caravan seat... i may be off...
On Model A's they were coil base & back, I'm sure T's were the same style. While if in good shape the coils ride like your sitting on your Lazyboy (good), newer zig zag style ride good too if upholstered properly. Plus they are lower and you sit back a little farther. Happy shopping
I had a 27 coupe a couple years ago. The seat back you have might be right, the bottom is from something else. There's a little frame thing on the floor, that the seat fits onto, and it follows this contour--narrow at the front, very round corners at the front, and it's pretty thick and springy.
If you care to want new, Snyder's in Ohio manufactures their own. Give them a ring for pricing, or a catalog.
The seat parts may have come out of a coupe you have but that looks a lot like a Roadster. On mine i narrowed the back down to about 1 3/4''-2'' including the 1/2'' ply. The plywood is also in the base and both covered with foam. You don't need much on the back as you don't sink into it and it gives you maximum leg room I made a custom set riser to get the base lower than it was when i got it. JW
I agree with all of you that I have the wrong spring. I guess I will have to go junk yard shopping or Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. I want something a little better to sit on while I drive. My wife second that idea. Thanks Jerry
I just looked at Snyders in Ohio. The back springs are correct. The seat springs are totally wrong. Thanks Jerry
What ever you use make sure you will still fit in it, they are not very uncomfortable to drive if your legs are under your chin and the steering wheel is in your ribs. JW
Thanks for all help. I found these on Craigslist. The bench seat is out of a vanogan. What do you think? I’m waiting to see if he will give me width dimensions. He says it’s free. Thanks Jerry
Squash that set of seat. The opening in my 1926 model t will only fit 40 inch or less width seat. I’ll keep looking. Thanks Jerry
The first thing you need in finding a seat is knowing how much room you need not just finding something that will slot in between the the sides and the dash and back. These are small and not much extra room to play with. You need to set up some plywood and foam and move things around till it works and that is the size for you and then you will know what dimensions to look for. JW
Just take it to an upholsterer. They will make the seat suit you. Just tell him the finish you want. He will decide on foam thickness.
For those that don't know,,, Snyder started the biz making seat springs for vintage Fords. As he grew, he took on other goods, and expanded to the supplier he is today. Most likely if you buy springs anywhere else, he made them.
How about the bottom seat from a golf cart? Width might be about right. You’d have to make a riser for it though
Yeah, you put a couple 250 pound golfers in a cart and there is a lot of cheek contact happening. I try not to think about it and I look for a skinny guy to ride with.
Ya know, I was that guy…long ago. On a serious note, the bottom seats are comfortable, seem to wear like iron too. I think they are all foam as well.
You don't need springs anyway. A good base and some modern foam gets you sitting lower AND more comfortable. Notice the webbing on the base?
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