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Interesting Read

RIP – The Front Bench Seat

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The Detroit Free Press recently published an interesting article about the approaching demise of the six-passenger sedan. As it stands now, the Chevrolet Impala is the last American sedan to feature a front bench seat. Every other sedan sports two buckets. According to the article, a change in consumer taste and interior innovations are to blame. The Detroit Free Press warns, … [Read more...] about RIP – The Front Bench Seat

The Art of Faking Real Leather

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Speaking of leather hides, Plastics Today recently published an insightful article about synthetic leather, and the level of research and development that goes into manufacturing fabrics that look and feel like the real thing. Give the article a quick read - you'll be surprised to learn about the level of detail researchers put into getting imitation leather just right, as well … [Read more...] about The Art of Faking Real Leather

The History of the Convertible Cars

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It's only May and many upholstery shops are already knee-deep in convertible tops. Before you find yourself drowning in a pile of worn canvas and rotted tacking strips, why not brush up on the history of the product you'll spend most of the summer stripping and installing? In 2001, Autos.ca published a great article titled "Motoring Memories: The History of the Convertible." … [Read more...] about The History of the Convertible Cars

How the Sun Can Ruin Car Upholstery

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Well, it's summer and you know what that means – headliners will fall, leather will crack and upholstery will fade. And, invariably, customers will ask, " Why?" Auto upholsterers, of course, already know the answer to that question. It's the sun. Explaining that to customers, however, can prove quite difficult. Thankfully, The Financial Express does a great job of explaining … [Read more...] about How the Sun Can Ruin Car Upholstery

How Americans Came to Have Cup Holders

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In 2004, Slate published an article titled "Drink Me: How Americans Came to Have Cup Holders in Their Cars." Though the article is seven years old, it still makes a great read - especially if you geek out on the history of cars as much as I do. But even if you don't, it's chock full of interesting tidbits that you can use to impress customers. For instance, did you know that … [Read more...] about How Americans Came to Have Cup Holders