broken springs

[65Buick]

Here I have a small atomic age chair. They used coils springs on the bottom, which are fastened together using metal rods.

Some of the small gauge rods on top have broken as well as a larger one on the bottom. My question is: What is your opinion on fixing the spring suspension versus webbing the bottom and installing a quality piece of foam?

The back was simply burlap and and around 2" of cotton. There, perhaps some elastic webbing and a little foam for better comfort?

http://gdurl.com/Lmv2

http://gdurl.com/FImS
http://gdurl.com/4nQC

[SteveA]

A drop in style seat  ? - I would repair that existing spring set up and add webbing to the bottom to add strength + re-enforce everything
SA

[65Buick]

10-4 on fixing existing springs..after all that is what makes is comfortable.
Fixing the smaller gauge wires up top seems doable without too much trouble.
fixing the larger gauge below that serves as the base or support for the coils seems to be troublesome. There is one main that is broken right on the side.. would it be acceptable to hand tie it with some strong twine? Then web underneath as you suggested. Otherwise I fear I would open a can of worms that I don't want to, that isn't necessary, and isn't worth the trouble.

[MinUph]

If you have a piece of leather place it between the spring and the webbing so the spring wont rub through the webbing. Good redline webbing will do the trick.

[kodydog]

Ripping out the unit and replacing with webbing and coil springs (8-way tied) would be an option. But likely too costly. It all depends on your budget. Webbing the seat and filling the cavity with foam will work but comfort level is unknown till you try.  For the back, web with burlap and add soft foam.

[65Buick]

I had another older piece (chair) I was working on and it obviously had coil springs at one time. Someone had taken the springs out, webbed the bottom and installed foam. When I reupholstered it, I did the same thing, and it was actually quite comfortable.

I would prefer to stick with the springs, but given that some of the tie rods had fatigue, I can only assume that the rest are in similar shape. Yes, replacing with all new springs is probably cost-prohibitive.


Thanks for all the replies.

[SteveA]

The cost of new springs is actually very little - it's the labor and time required -
Fix and add to the existing set up

SA

[Darren Henry]

What is your opinion on fixing the spring suspension versus webbing the bottom and installing a quality piece of foam?

I would repair the springs. yes a foam build up will  be comfortable---but not the same "feel" as the original. I still kick myself letting my boss talk me into "modernizing" my favourite chair when I redid it as a training exercise all those years ago. [including most of time I spent watching a documentary last night].

From what I see in your photos I would just weld/or crimp a piece of edge wire over the break(s) in the  large wire. The small broken wires I would replace with jute twine.

[65Buick]

Thanks for all the input. Because of my asking price this piece I may just completely replace the spring unit.