Convert bench seat from spring to full foam type.

[leftylou]

I am thinking about converting the seat in my ‘70 c10 to full foam. From pictures I have seen it looks like the frames are the same for both types but the springs are different. The foam type is basically flat across the base while the spring type is raise several inches.I want to cut out the existing springs and build a base out of something like a grid spring attached to the frame with coil springs. Has anyone tried this type of conversion? Do you think it would work?
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[leftylou]

Originally Posted by leftylou

I am thinking about converting the seat in my ‘70 c10 to full foam. From pictures I have seen it looks like the frames are the same for both types but the springs are different. The foam type is basically flat across the base while the spring type is raise several inches.I want to cut out the existing springs and build a base out of something like a grid spring attached to the frame with coil springs. Has anyone tried this type of conversion? Do you think it would work?
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[leftylou]

The photo above shows a Tahoe seat, this is kind of what I am going for. While filling in the cut outs at the ends with either more foam or leaving the existing springs on the ends.
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[Grumpy old man]

The flex-O-Lator springs come in different widths and can be found here . Along with the tension springs .

https://www.albrightssupply.com/springs

The seat frames of the 70 model are close , You will need to use a barrier type material between the foam and springs to protect the foam from getting cut thru . Rather than using an aftermarket foam you may be better served by just buying a block of foam and using a cheap turkey carving knife to cut and shape the foam .https://www.amazon.com/Proctor-Silex...53328878&psc=1

But yes given some time and creative effort it can be done .

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by leftylou

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This grid and spring kit is for a 81-87 bench seat. It’s going to take a lot of work, because the size of the frame is different from the earlier seat frames to this seat frame. And the grid & springs were made specifically for this frame, 1981-1987. Plus the foam that is used is a different size.

[leftylou]

I should have been more clear. The photo is just an illustration of the general idea. I would buy a grid spring that is larger than needed and cut to size.
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[Grumpy old man]

Originally Posted by TKCR

This grid and spring kit is for a 81-87 bench seat. It’s going to take a lot of work, because the size of the frame is different from the earlier seat frames to this seat frame. And the grid & springs were made specifically for this frame, 1981-1987. Plus the foam that is used is a different size.

He only posted a picture of the 81-87 seat frame as visual of what type of seat suspension he wanted to use not the seat frame itself . The Flex-O-Lator seat suspension sold thu Albrights is generic widths and lengths used to build custom seats not a kit .

[leftylou]

Thanks for the link Grumpy. It looks like the outside edge of the flex-o-later springs is rope of some kind. Do you know if this is correct? I didn’t see a description on the website. Any opinion on which would be better between that and the zigzag springs?
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[TKCR]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

He only posted a picture of the 81-87 seat frame as visual of what type of seat suspension he wanted to use not the seat frame itself . The Flex-O-Lator seat suspension sold thu Albrights is generic widths and lengths used to build custom seats not a kit .

Yes, I’m aware of that. I have gotten the Flex-O-Laters grids also. But the generic photo he used is a kit from USA1 Industries, specifically the correct length & width for the 81-87 bench seat. They already have the correct size springs. So in this particular case, there’s no quessing on the size needed.

[Getter-Done]

I have a seat I bought at a swap meet that has that type of system on it.
It is a 68-72 seat frame.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by leftylou

Thanks for the link Grumpy. It looks like the outside edge of the flex-o-later springs is rope of some kind. Do you know if this is correct? I didn’t see a description on the website. Any opinion on which would be better between that and the zigzag springs?
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They are a rubber coated wire. The original ones were a wrapped wire. They are very sturdy. But as Grumpy stated, you will want to use something between the grid and foam. The wires on the grid tend to cut into the foam. I use a piece of jute on my seats.

[Grumpy old man]

The edges of the Flex-O-Lator are pressed cardboard wrapped wire . Using zig zag springs would be a lot more work and you would have to tie them together to work as a system similar to the Flex-O-Lator , I have a couple seat frames in the garage I'll take a look today and give you the path I would take to build a custom seat .

[leftylou]

Originally Posted by TKCR

They are a rubber coated wire. The original ones were a wrapped wire. They are very sturdy. But as Grumpy stated, you will want to use something between the grid and foam. The wires on the grid tend to cut into the foam. I use a piece of jute on my seats.

Thanks for the info. Are those pictures of a 67-72 seat frame? How thick is the jute you used?
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[TKCR]

Originally Posted by leftylou

Thanks for the info. Are those pictures of a 67-72 seat frame? How thick is the jute you used?
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That picture is of a 81-87 seat, which is mostly the seats I do, 73-87. The just is 1/2” thick.
Here is the 67-68 seat frame. The only one I have ever had. And it’s a full foam seat.