Abstract: An elongate spring pad for a sheet ironing machine includes an elongate backing strip, coil springs, and top plates. The backing strip encircles a roller of a sheet ironing machine. The coil springs are longitudinally spaced along the backing strip. Each coil spring has a connecting portion at a first end engaging the backing strip and a fixing portion at a second, opposite end that transverses the coil spring. Each of the top plates is provided on the second end of the respective coil spring. Positioning means on each top plate engage the respective coil spring. A claw projects outwardly from the top plate for releasably engaging a felt cover. Each top plate contacts an adjacent top plate so that there are no spaces therebetween.