Anyone use the canvas on plywood method

MarkR1951M38 · Post by **MarkR1951M38** » Wed Nov 29, 2017 1:53 pm

Anyone reupholster your seats with canvas on the plywood method? If so, what thickness of foam rubber did you use...2", 3", or 4"? High density foam or regular density?

Thanks in advance...I'm getting to the end of my M38 rebuild and currently at the body tub and inside parts.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Wed Nov 29, 2017 2:54 pm

Mark,
All of the current cover suppliers sell theirs to be mounted onto plywood with
foam instead of springs as a first choice. Several sell the wood cut and with
the t nuts installed.

So, yes.

Post by **wesk** » Wed Nov 29, 2017 3:05 pm

Question Part 2: And what type & thickness foam did you use?

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Wed Nov 29, 2017 3:55 pm

I have not done mine yet but am still leaning towards springs.

Either Beachwood or Weebee, do not remember which, supplies foam in two thicknesses, the thinner ostensibly for those with Dunlap disease.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Wed Nov 29, 2017 4:22 pm

So Beachwood supplies original thickness 5" foam
cushions, or a lower 3" thick cushion.

If I remember the relevant post, the original springs were
4" tall, with 1" of horsehair on top, making 5" total
thickness.

charliebrowndog · Post by **charliebrowndog** » Wed Nov 29, 2017 5:42 pm

I just recovered my seats so I'll share a few photos:

These seats have the original metal bottoms and springs. I was able to reuse the metal claws to secure the canvas but the piping does contain string which would work fine with a plywood bottom. The horsehair was present but badly compressed so it appears the PO used cotton filler under the vinyl for padding.

I removed the original horsehair and replaced it with a synthetic 1" horsehair that is frequently used in antique restoration.

All of this went together nicely and the canvas fit perfectly on all 3 seats and seat backs. I highly recommend WeeBee. That's where I'll be purchasing my canvas top in the spring.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Wed Nov 29, 2017 9:34 pm

Great pics Tripp!

Thanks!

MarkR1951M38 · Post by **MarkR1951M38** » Thu Nov 30, 2017 6:08 am

Yes, Awesome pictures. Thanks. It clears up a lot of questions.

G740 · Post by **G740** » Thu Nov 30, 2017 6:44 am

Midwest Military makes new original style seat pans. The foam can go right on top if it. Canvas is secured the same way as the original with the small fingers on the pan.
John