Removing a hide a bed from a couch

[Chris H.]

I have a customer who likes her couch, however it has a hide a bed inside it and she no longer wishes to have that part. So my question is has anyone removed one then rebuilt the insides with springs or anything any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated on this since ive never done something like this. thanks Chris

[Buck]

Hello Chris,
 You're not the first person here with this inquiry. I aint saying it can't be done but I sure wouldn't encourage making the change. Hide-a-beds have wide open framing to fit the bed mechanism. Fitting rails for springing could run into lots of frustration. The outer back is usually an open space with nothing much to build against... Factor in the hours to alter the frame, and then add in springing, then you're running into a very expensive couch before you even get to the reupholstery. Unless you have woodworking tools and experience you shouldn't consider it.
  My polite opinion. "Buck"

[sofadoc]

Hey Chris. I did that once. To me, there is not a price for that undertaking that is fair to both you, and the customer. If you charge what it is worth, the customer may as well replace the sofa. I built a seperate frame, sprung it, and covered it with decking. Then I slid it in from the bottom, and attached it to the arms and front rail with screws. I had to use such heavy wood, that when I finished, it actually weighed MORE than before, which defeated the purpose, because the customer wanted to be able to move it easily. The same customer also had an "L" shaped sectional with the arm on the left side of the 3 seat section, and the right side of the 2 seat section. Guess what? She wanted them switched.
I have been a frequent user of other discussion boards, this is my first visit to this one. I hope to enjoy this one as much as the others.

[kmealy]

Welcome, Sofadoc!

I like your approach to this.  I see a lot of new sofas that are made this way -- the back, the deck, and both arms are made and upholstered separately, then screwed or bolted together.  

At least the bed won't fold out when it's halfway down the steps and trying to turn the landing. 

I have been a frequent user of other discussion boards, this is my first visit to this one. I hope to enjoy this one as much as the others.

[Chris H.]

I think you guys are right this project is best left alone, its not for lack of ability but i could see this getting costly in the end.