Take a behind-the-scenes look at how hot rod trimmer Tim Amanns of Pro Auto Custom Interiors builds a one-off center console for a 1968 Pontiac Firebird.
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Archive for the ‘How-to’ Category
Danny Gray Motorcycle Seat Build Pictorial
Forty years ago, Danny Gray started out in this business with a typical upholstery shop working on cars, boats, golf carts and everything in between.
However, it was the beauty and comfort of his custom motorcycle seats that attracted iconic chopper builders like Arlen Ness, Dave Perewitz and Don Hotop to his shop – eventually allowing him to focus on this niche.
Pictorial: Install a Folding-Glass Rear Window
I’ve always been a fan of classic cars with modern upgrades. Fortunately, in our field, there’s no shortage of aftermarket parts that we can install to enhance the look, feel and function of retro cars.
In the past, we’ve written about modern car seats and consoles made to fit in old-school cabins, but virtually any aspect of a car’s trim can be upgraded – including its convertible top and window.
Repair Dashboards by Thermo Vacuum Forming
Most auto upholstery shops repair vehicle dashboards by either installing a replacement dash pad or covering the old one in new foam and vinyl. However, there is a third option that’s all too often overlooked – sending out your customer’s dashboard for thermo vacuum forming.
How to Hand Stitch a Steering Wheel Cover
Interested in learning how to hand stitch a steering-wheel cover? John Hunt Upholstery – a full-service interior repair shop in the U.K. – has published three short videos to help you master the skill.
Make Custom Headliners like Ron Mangus
Want to learn how to make custom headliners? Ron Mangus is offering a special two-day extended seminar in October on how he does it. Believe us, if there’s one person you want to learn from, it’s this guy. His award-winning designs have been featured in magazines from Street Rodder to Super Chevy, and he’s even written a couple books.
Sharing Auto Upholstery How-to Guides
Members of our Auto Upholstery Forum recently requested a subsection dedicated solely to how-to guides. We thought the idea was a great one, so we added one titled “Auto Upholstery Tutorials“. This subsection will be a place for industry professionals to post or request pictorials, videos and other helpful instructions.
How to Sew Hexagon Pleats
Last month there was a lot of talk within our Auto Upholstery Forum about unique pleat designs for insert panels on car seats. The one design that seemed to have everyone scratching their heads over how to sew was the hexagon tiling pattern (a.k.a. the hextille) found in the new Aston Martin Cygnet (pictured above).
Sid Chavers ’32 Ford Interior Build Pictorial
Sid Chavers is one of the most respected names in auto upholstery. His hot rod interiors have donned the pages of car magazines for over three decades and won too many awards to count.
In 2007, Sid built the interior of a ‘32 Ford Coupe for Street Rodder Magazine that was turned into a pictorial. If you haven’t already, follow Sid as he crafts this traditional-style interior from scratch. Remember to pay close attention to the tricks of the trade he shares along the way.
Create Award-Winning Car Interiors with Fiberglass
Fabricating interior panels from fiberglass is a skill that auto trimmers often overlook or underutilize. The benefits, however, should not be ignored – as working with this medium allows you to create shapes and structures that cannot be easily done with wood and panel board alone.
