• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Flashback: When Reclining Seats Were Big

November 21, 2016 By Nadeem

The Hog Ring - Flashback When Reclining Seats Were Big

Forget seat heaters, rearview cameras and smart fabrics. In the 1930s, a reclining car seat was the height of in-cabin technology. And the way people talked about it is pretty amusing!

Check out this short article titled “Car Seat Folds Back to Make Lounge,” which was published in a 1931 issue of Popular Science magazine. It lists every possible use for the reclining seat, except for what most people probably used it for…

Overnight comfort for auto tourists is provided in a recent body style supplied with a popular make of light motor car. The back rest of the front seat folds back until it connects with the rear seat, making a comfortable bed or lounge. This novel body design is expected to prove a convenience to motorists who have to make long drives through regions where hotel accommodations or tourist camps are scarce.

It can also be used by an invalid who needs a daily ride, and in an emergency would serve as an ambulance in rushing an injured person to the hospital.

No one used it for a little “boom boom” at Make Out Point? Alas, those were more innocent times.

Here’s the original article:

The Hog Ring - Flashback When Reclining Seats Were Big

Isn’t it amazing to see how far in-cabin technology has advanced?

[Source: Modern Mechanix]

Filed Under: Archive, Industry History Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • Albright's Supply
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • Keyston Bros
  • MasterTech Expo 2026
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Hyde Leather

THR Favorites

Auto Upholstery - Sid Chavers

10 Questions for Trimmer Sid Chavers

Our quest to bring you exclusive interviews … [more] about 10 Questions for Trimmer Sid Chavers

5 Ways to Handle Difficult Customers

  We’ve all experienced difficult … [more] about 5 Ways to Handle Difficult Customers

The Hog Ring - How To Get Your Trim Shop in the News

Here’s How To Get Your Auto Upholstery Shop in the News

Ever wonder why some auto upholstery shops … [more] about Here’s How To Get Your Auto Upholstery Shop in the News

Warning: Do Not Resew This Cover

For many years, there has been confusion … [more] about Warning: Do Not Resew This Cover

Watch Tim Amanns Build a Console

Take a behind-the-scenes look at how hot rod … [more] about Watch Tim Amanns Build a Console

The Hog Ring - How to Sew Aston Martin Rapide Diamonds A

How to Sew Aston Martin Rapide Diamonds

Traditional diamond pleats too easy? Try … [more] about How to Sew Aston Martin Rapide Diamonds

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Keyston Bros Drops 10 New Carbon Fiber Vinyl Colors and They Pop
  • Trimmer Michael Andrew Piccolo Dies at 67
  • 2026 SEMA Show Registration Opens May 4
  • Nexus Fastening Co. Introduces Solid Gold Hog Rings for Luxury Cars
  • Everything We Covered in March 2026

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in