The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors 1953 Chevy 3/4 ton bench seat spring repair

5 months ago I began the long process of learning how to repair the floorboard as well as level the front right cab that was crushing in.
I recently had an MI & 5 stents placed. I’m doing good now & the temperatures has cooled off so I can work on it again
The cab is level & it now has a new floorboard!
I positioned the old bench seat today. The driver side seat’s coil springs are bad (broken & crushed).
I have some spare springs & an old Ford seat’s springs.
I’d say 7 springs need much work.
I’m looking for advice on how to do this? I’ll post pictures.
Thank you.

Google upholstery springs and you can find any size coil spring you need to replace the broken, worn out, bent ones.

Glenn - Just my $.02 worth, but the seats you have are going to need a lot of repairs. Not just replacement of a few springs. The amount of time and effort might be better spent locating better seat pieces. They are frequently offered for sale in various want ads, with conditions ranging from restored to at least solid spring assemblies ready to be recovered.

Unless you really want to go the hard route, try putting an ad up in Truck Parts Wanted. We'd be glad to try and help you locate some if you like.

I can certainly consider finding a seat that is ready for upholstery. Help is appreciated!
I began the meticulous process of removing non repairable springs. I have several old springs & a 48 Ford rumble seat I can get parts from.
I was going to use ferrules and attempt to repair others.
After sitting on that broke down seat for a long time & previous partial fixes, it can’t end up much worse.
I also have the seat upholstery materials & seat cover.

Keep an eye out on your local craigslist, etc. Too many times people store them and then find them "in the way"

I replaced a few springs on '37 seat bottom, a local shop had a some used ones on hand he let me have. I used wire ties to hold it all together, I couldn't find any metal retainers that would stay in position. The wire ties worked pretty good, just put the "knot" towards the inside of the seat. Mine also had short pre-bent wires ( spring steel ) linking all the springs together, I used heavy twine to replace the missing links. The links make one spring pull on the others so it all moves as one. I have since added thick foam along the front edge, I just shoved a couple pieces up between the rows of springs. Mine would sag at the front edge giving no support, felt like I was always sliding forward. The heavy foam is rigid enough to keep the front up so its somewhat like setting in a bucket seat as the rear is still pretty soft. Before adding the first layer of padding, I secured a layer of vinyl over the springs, this kinda leveled out the old springs and keeps the padding from falling into the springs. I'am pretty happy with the ride.
I talked with a shop about changing over to all foam but still keeping the same shape and fit. It was going to be expensive, they would use 3 different foam densities glued together and hand carved where needed, then covered. Thats when I shoved foam into my old frame and springs, a much cheaper option !

Put a layer of burlap or canvas over the springs and then put the foam on top it . It will keep the foam from being destroyed by the springs.

Yes for burlap then top with the foam, then the cover. Did this 10+ years ago and still going strong.

I my have posted this on my other post but this one seems appropriate. Replaced/ repaired, painted springs. I used burlap cloth, carpet squares on that, then foam followed by the cover.
It’s just testing inside of the truck for now.

I swapped my broken drivers side springs with the springs in the middle of the seat. I did a few repairs to the broken spring the best I could. It worked in my case & didn't need to shop the internet. I think my seat was in a bit better shape though. Good luck!