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Hi Guys - So I am a new 55 Firedome owner and a pretty big guy. I can already tell in the few times now I have driven it that I am really killing my side of the bench seat, meaning noticing quite a big of sagging. I am not sure if it is original upholstery, but since it looks so nice I am assuming it was re-done at some point but with closely matched fabric. Anyway, all of the foam in the bench seat is hard and I have quite a bit of dust and chuncks breaking off underneath.
My question is really two fold. First, is there anyway to add more springs or replace with newer so that it can handle my large behind better? Second, should I be worrying about the deteriorating foam? Anyway to stop this aside from never driving it of course!
(probably does not help I take my kids to the car show!)
Thanks,
Jay
Hi Jay,
I just had my '59 4 door sedan front seat re-padded. My car has only 24000 miles so only the foam was deteriorating. I removed the complete seat, took it to an automobile upholstery shop, and let them do the rest. My frame, seat springs, reinforcement wires, and burlap were still about like new - the shop owner couldn't believe it.
The shop just replaced the foam with much improved material (different kind of foam) and reassembled the seat. Cost was $150.00.
One thing I did differently though was raise the seat up from the floorboard as high as I could by taking up bolt space with spacers. I hate sitting low in any car and these older MoPars have plenty of headroom so.............
Good luck - hopefully you will achieve satisfactory results.
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
Thanks for the response Fred! Do you happen to be in Southern California? Does anybody on the forum know of a good upholstery person here? I am in Orange County, CA.
Thanks,
Jay
Sorry Jay, I'm not in California so am of no help whatsoever for an upholstery shop. There has to be other members close to you that can help.
I'm right here in Branson, MO hosting this year's National Convention August 22-26. A few California folks are coming but not sure they are bringing their DeSotos.
Good luck in your search for your seat repair - you will be glad you did it for sure.
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
Hey Jay,
If you belong to a local car club of any kind in So Cal there will no doubt be members there that can recommend a good upholstery shop. If you are a not currently a club member, you can ask around at local shows and cruise ins. Other car owners will be eager to give you leads and tell you where not to go.
Good advice from Fred. Your front seat cushion will pop out of the seat frame with a little coaxing and encouragement. The upholstery in your car is not original but as you suspected a close match to what might have been appropriate for the period.
Good luck!
Mark
Hi Jay - I'm also looking for an upholstery shop in Orange County, CA. Did you ever find one that you would recommend?
Thank you!
Paul Wilson
