Nate’s Notes: Repurposed materials create a one-of-a-kind gallery bench.
Nate jumped at the opportunity when a local arts organization invited artists to contribute benches for gallery seating. His idea honed in on the classic cars he enjoys restoring. From classic Corvair to art gallery seating, Nate walks us through his process of creating a bench for “Please Be Seated” at the Noyes Cultural Art Center.
This 1963 Corvair coupe had been stored in a barn since 1969. The owner was getting on, and his daughter and son-in-law were taking over the farm, so they sold the car to clear out the barn. I was looking for a project car, so I purchased it and towed it home. Of course, there was lots of rust and repairs to be made.
The old Corvair suspension was removed and replaced, and, of course, I saved the parts. I thought this rear end could make a bench (or something else cool).
Here, the shocks were removed so human weight could compress the springs. I stood on it to make sure it would work, and it did.
I think we’re on to something.
An old bent spring is welded to the cross member to make a third “leg.” Now, it’s time to audition materials for the seat. 100-year-old lumber meets 60-year-old American auto parts. They seem to get along. I like the color and texture relationship between the two.
Hmm. Those mounting holes could work for a back support.
Time for a test rest.
A backrest is nice! Wood or metal?
A steel bar is welded on for the seat support, and the bench back is mocked up out of scrap to get the height and size correct.
Sad and alone on the ground, this shock was removed to allow the suspension to flex when a person sits on the bench. The twisted design is intriguing, and I think it has a simple beauty.
The back is welded on, and the wood backrest is screwed in. Now, it seems like the bench would like to have an arm.
The cool design of the previously removed shock works well as an armrest for the bench, and reuniting the shock with the old spring felt like the right thing to do.
Mocked up, I like the side with the armrest better than the side without, so let’s go with that!
Artsy close-up to add drama.
Did I do that shot right? I’m not a photographer.
Ready to weld the armrests on.
Once the metal was cleaned and welded, I had to age it to match the look. I used salt water, vinegar, and patience for that.
Boiled linseed oil, cut with mineral spirits, is applied to seal the metal, bring out more of the brown tone, and give it a low sheen. This is a very easy finish to apply. Spray on and rag off. It does take a while to cure, though.
A water-based finish is applied to the wooden components, giving the wood a warmer look. If the finish wears with use, I’m okay with that.
One of the great things about reclaimed wood is that time and use transform it, adding more character to the piece.
Assembled and ready for use.
The wheels on the bottom allow for suspension movement without damaging the floor. A tapered wood disk wedged into the rear spring keeps the metal off the floor to also prevent scratches.
I love the look of old wood and rusty metal, and I like repurposing old materials for new uses. I especially love well-made items created by craftsmen of days past.
Our house was built in the 1920s so lumber mill operators and carpenters put their hands on the lumber used in our house and the barn that preceded it. (Planks from the barn were used in our home.) In 1963, cars were still designed, built, and assembled by hand, so the same is true for car parts. They were drawn on paper, formed, welded, and assembled by people with talent and skill. I like to honor that and, in a way, be a part of it’s second life. Car part decor isn’t everyone’s taste, but everyone can appreciate a place to sit, and if it can rock, that’s a bonus!
The car in the background is a previous project of mine, another 1963 Chevy Corvair with the same rear suspension as I used in this bench.
Nate enjoys his bench before it’s moved to the Noyes Art Gallery.
In the wild: The bench sits ready to give visitors to the Noyes Cultural Art Center a place to rest and reflect.
