Any info on how to upholster a Rootlieb Speedster seat?
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules
-
Topic author - Posts: 2826
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 1:30 pm
- First Name: Dave
- Last Name: Hjortnaes
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 Speedster, 20 touring
- Location: Men Falls, WI
Any info on how to upholster a Rootlieb Speedster seat?
Are there any instructions anywhere? Who to contact? How to cut and sew the fabric? Thank you.
-
Topic author - Posts: 2826
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 1:30 pm
- First Name: Dave
- Last Name: Hjortnaes
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 Speedster, 20 touring
- Location: Men Falls, WI
Re: Any info on how to upholster a Rootlieb Speedster seat?
No one? Even after 111 views.
-
- Posts: 1357
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2019 5:47 pm
- First Name: Les
- Last Name: Schubert
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 27 roadster 13 touring
- Location: Calgary
Re: Any info on how to upholster a Rootlieb Speedster seat?
I use a local professional service
-
- Posts: 1014
- Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 10:18 pm
- First Name: Mark
- Last Name: Osterman
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 runabout
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Contact:
Re: Any info on how to upholster a Rootlieb Speedster seat?
From what I’ve seen in vintage seats there are two basic options: either screw a wood tacking strip along the edges or affix snap receivers along the edge that hold snaps in the seat covering.
-
- Posts: 3813
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:56 am
- First Name: Dan
- Last Name: Treace
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘12 open express,'23 cutoff, '27 touring
- Location: North Central FL
- Board Member Since: 2000
- Contact:
Re: Any info on how to upholster a Rootlieb Speedster seat?
Or, among other options, just do a slip cover to fit over the metal sides.
Just so many options depending on how you want to finish your seating.
My speedster used old time racer seats, the base was wood, and the metal sides with bead reinforcement were nailed to the base.
The seat cushion is horsehair, no springs, and the upholstery shop covered that, and made a 'slip cover' type backrest upholstery, the edges of the upholstery just lapped over the sides of the curved backrest. No snaps, just formed over, but no padding either for the back. Speedster Style, forget about comfort
Just so many options depending on how you want to finish your seating.
My speedster used old time racer seats, the base was wood, and the metal sides with bead reinforcement were nailed to the base.
The seat cushion is horsehair, no springs, and the upholstery shop covered that, and made a 'slip cover' type backrest upholstery, the edges of the upholstery just lapped over the sides of the curved backrest. No snaps, just formed over, but no padding either for the back. Speedster Style, forget about comfort

The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
-
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:58 am
- First Name: Kurt
- Last Name: Baltrusch
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Roadster Pickup, 1918 Touring, 1922 Sedan
- Location: Great Falls, MT
Re: Any info on how to upholster a Rootlieb Speedster seat?
I called Rootlieb recently to find if there was anyone making a kit and they said no. Mine are now at the local upholstery shop and I will send photos if I can get them. This shop does excellent work but they are pricey.