Ripley Make-A-Bed

Way back when I found a little sales folder for the Ripley Make-A-Bed which converted a 51 or later Kaiser into a bed by allowing the front seat to fold down. I mentioned it in my Editor's Pages in the KFOCI Quarterly back in 1987 (Vol 23 No 3) and asked if anyone had any information about the item. One of the Canadian members replied that indeed he had a 1953 Kaiser his dad bought new that was still fitted with the device. I published his letter and some photos showing the item in the Collector's Corner column in 1988 (Vol 24 No 1).

The folder is described on my literature site.

Recently I learned more about the origins of the bed device on ebay. A literature dealer listed an issue of the Dealer News that I had never seen and it had a feature on the availability of it from the K-F dealer who perfected it. I am quoting the article below to complete the story on the Make-A-Bed.

Twist of a Wrist Turns Kaiser Sedan Into Bed Compartment with
Dealer Ripley's 'Make-A-Bed' Device

Ithaca, N. Y.---Sleepy?
Just draw up a Kaiser and take a nap.

That's what scores of motorists are doing in Ithaca, thanks to the new patented "Make-A-Bed" device the Ripley Motor Co. is offering Kaiser customers as optional equipment.

With a twist of the wrist a Kaiser owner can convert his car interior into a bedroom--equipped with one of the softest beds made.

K-F Dealer M. H. Ripley inaugurated the "Make-A-Bed" feature to meet customer demand for a smartly styled, powerful automobile which could double for sleeping quarters on long trips.

The "Make-A-Bed" accessory, which fits any 1951 or 1952 Kaiser 4-door sedan, is installed in two hours and permits the car seats to be converted into a double bed in just 10 seconds.

A lever similar to the seat adjustment rod--well out of site--permits the back of the front seat to recline until it fits snugly with the rear seat.

The seat can also be adjusted in a reclining position.

Ripley is wholesaling the kits, priced either in single units or in lots of six, to other K-F dealers.

His address is 602 W. Seneca Street, Ithaca, N. Y.

The Dealer News appears to be the issue for September 30 1952. (I saved the pics from the ebay ad but neglected to note the date.)