Seat Bottom Zig Zag Springs

[Don Z.]

Because of a broken bracket in one of my seats, I decided to re-do my seat bottoms, new glide springs, plastic inserts etc. My zig zag springs were very weak, twisted etc. I believe Bubba bounced on them for 30 years! Anyway I ordered everything I needed from Long Island. Upon reading their instructions, they say to bend the new zig zag springs to shape of old springs using a zig zag bending tool #16-45E. Their book does not show the tool. MY QUESTIONS: What is this tool ? Does anything really need bent? To what shape? My old springs were bad shape. Any help greatly appreciated, Thank You

[Gerard F.]

Re: Seat Bottom Zig Zag Springs

Don,

Not so sure what the tool is, but the end loops are bend in the opposite direction of the arch in the springs. You could do it in a vise or with some visegrips. Use your originals as a guide to the bend at the ends.

Here are some photos of my 67 project:





Untouched originals above. Redone below:



I think you'll get the idea from the above pictures. Take pictures of your originals before you disassemble for orientation.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Seat Bottom Zig Zag Springs

Because of a broken bracket in one of my seats, I decided to re-do my seat bottoms, new glide springs, plastic inserts etc. My zig zag springs were very weak, twisted etc. I believe Bubba bounced on them for 30 years! Anyway I ordered everything I needed from Long Island. Upon reading their instructions, they say to bend the new zig zag springs to shape of old springs using a zig zag bending tool #16-45E. Their book does not show the tool. MY QUESTIONS: What is this tool ? Does anything really need bent? To what shape? My old springs were bad shape. Any help greatly appreciated, Thank You

The tool, and pic, are on their web site:

[Glenn B.]

Re: Seat Bottom Zig Zag Springs

Don, here is another pic. Mine had been rebuilt some time back - but the springs appeared original.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/gbindley/Seats%20Finished/SNV30841.jpg

You may find that the "clips" are hard to get through and hook when you recover the bottoms. I had to use nylon thread in some places (like you see in the attached before I recovered mineats). Some people feel that thread is better than the clips.