Jump seat

[ederm]

I am currently restoring a 1939 LaSalle convertible coupe with series 50 body. I am looking for any information about finishing the back jump seats. The seat portion is completed but I have no photos or information on how to finish the backrest portion of the seats. I believe it is one continuous cushion but not sure if it is just padded or has springs and padding and if it extends to the top of the seat or to the floor. Any info or references would be much appreciated.  Thanks, Mike

[Steve Passmore]

A quick look on the internet found this one. Its heavily modified but should give you some idea. All the portions of the seats would have had springs but for the back rest they would be really thin because of room constraints.

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

As I recall, they were also smooth with no seat buttons. They also were not leather but what was used before vinyl came along.

[Steve Passmore]

Yes, I agree they were smooth Barry. I did say the ones in the picture were heavily modified. Mike wanted to know more about size than pattern though I think and that should give him a clue. unless the backs were individual in 39??

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Guys...
He's asking about the back rest. It's a combination of foam & heavy cotton. Or... maybe one or the other. Memory is fuzzy. There are NO springs.
HTH, Bob

[Steve Passmore]

There are NO springs.
HTH, Bob

Even easier to make a replacement then Bob

[ederm]

Thanks to all for your thoughts and interest.  I was able to find a 39' chevy coupe with jump seats that were very similar. The back had small springs, burlap and cotton padding. So I think I will be able to reproduce a back from that with some slight size modifications. Mike

[amolnayak]

Hi I have a 1940 Lasalle 52 coupe with Jump seats still in their original upholstery. There are no buttons. The upholstery is black leather paneled flat with vertical seams running from top to bottom. I do not know if this is relevant for a 1939. My car was a Special order!

[amolnayak]

Here are some pictures of an original jump seat from my car hope it helps. This is a 1940 lasalle series 52 with a SO build sheet

[Steve Passmore]

That SO must mean the rear seats then Amol as 1940 was the first rear to have a bottom cushion the full width of the rear compartment. First time buyer of your car obviously wanted to keep the folding type.

[amolnayak]

That SO must mean the rear seats then Amol as 1940 was the first rear to have a bottom cushion the full width of the rear compartment. First time buyer of your car obviously wanted to keep the folding type.

Yes but there seems to be no mention of this in the build sheet. I did a lot of research on the internet and from the Lasalle book. However i could not find any other example besides this one that does not have a Bench seat at the back. Do you know of any other Opera coupes in the club or otherwise from 1940.

[Steve Passmore]

I don't think Cadillac / LaSalle ever listed them as Opera Coupes. They were coupes for 2 or 4 passengers. I personally have never seen a 1940 still with the 'Jump' seats.  My 1940 coupe never had them.

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Guys,
Does anyone have a copy of the SPECIAL FEATURES book for 1940. It will  answer the question about Amols jump seats. 
Thanks,Bob

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

A copy of the 1940 LaSalle Special Features list is in the Class 5 Authenticity Manual (39 and 40 LaSalle).  No special feature listed for the back seat area.  The one seat special feature listed is a folding center arm rest for the front seat but this is in 4 door cars only.  The cost was $75 which was not a small amount at the time.

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Brad,
What does 40-268 show?? The 8 may be a 6. Maybe we need the SF for Cadillac & not LaSalle???

Bob

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

LaSalle special features stop at 40-48 in the copy I have.  The Cadillac one stops at 40-54.  That one happens to be auxiliary seats omitted for styles 7233 and 7223, $25.

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Brad,
I've seen his invoice. It shows 40-268 or 6 like I said. I feel very sure that the jump seats were factory installed. I've seen a 40 cpe. with a single 75 series seat & a 41 conv.  with one of the 39 style. They made them.
Bob