Tudor front seat question

Super88

Super88

Senior Member
Since it's not practical to work in the garage now, I decided to bring one of the front seats from my 1930 Tudor in to remove the old upholstery and get everything prepared to install the new.

When I removed the old covering I found the bottom cushion springs were covered in a wire mesh material. I don't recall ever hearing or seeing this type of mesh in articles or posts about seats.

Was this a factory item, or a prior owner trying to get more life out of some worn springs?
 

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That is original factory spring covering and you are lucky to still have it. I think most upholstery places now use burlap to replace the missing wire.
 
I know that the wire mesh was on Tudor and Coupe seats. It is pretty hard to find any that is still intact. It was a spring steel and gets pretty brittle with age. If yours is in good shape, I'd use it but be careful that there are no broken or loose ends that will stick you in the rear when you sit down. I agree with Tom. If yours is shot, remove and replace with a good burlap.
 
Now that I have the seat this far apart, I'm debating as to whether I should replace the springs or not. I don't know how firm they were when newer and with the condition of the orginal covering and a vinyl cover placed over that, it was hard to determine a comfort level before I took it apart.

I would hate to go through the time, effort and expense to recover the seat and have it be too soft.
 
Super88 said:
Now that I have the seat this far apart, I'm debating as to whether I should replace the springs or not. I don't know how firm they were when newer and with the condition of the orginal covering and a vinyl cover placed over that, it was hard to determine a comfort level before I took it apart.

I would hate to go through the time, effort and expense to recover the seat and have it be too soft.
Click to expand...

Your picture shows excellent original springs, and I'd use them with new covers.:)
From what I've read most of the repro springs are stiffer and taller.:mad:
 
I restored mine t2 years ago in the same manner you are. I was amused to see the wire spring covering, and the pieces of long grain roofing material that covered the holes for the legs and also provided a modicum of anti squeaking from the springs above. I was also surprised to see that the metal fittings all appeared to have been mounted to the wood frame before being painted. I removed the few broken or sprung springs, ordered individual springs from Snyders and reinstalled them. I then ran a rag over all the metal surfaces with a rag soaked in a solution that I made up of naval jelly and then a wipe with lacquer thinner. I then sprayed all springs with a rust inhibitor and then a coat of black enamel paint. I reinstalled the springs as they had been originally and mounted the upholstery that I had made to match the original in every respect. I will post some photographs tomorrow when I have access to the server where they are stored. Good luck.
 
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