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Fred Mattson

Let’s Find Apprentices at the SEMA Show

October 9, 2018 By Fred Mattson

The Hog Ring - Let's Find Apprentices at the SEMA Show

One of the most challenging aspects of our business is finding qualified workers — a problem that's largely due to the lack of available education in our craft. However, the 2018 SEMA Show provides us with an opportunity to start changing that. … [Read more...] about Let’s Find Apprentices at the SEMA Show

Making the Most of SEMA 2013

November 11, 2013 By Fred Mattson

SEMA 2013

In a word – WOW! I must have walked at least 30 miles in the four days that I attended the SEMA expo. If you’ve never attended the expo before, let me take you through the process of how to get the most out of it. … [Read more...] about Making the Most of SEMA 2013

Estimating 101: What You Need to Know

October 27, 2013 By Fred Mattson

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Estimates 101

Giving fair price estimates is one of the most important skills that an independent auto trimmer needs in order to succeed. While over charging isn’t good for customers, under charging isn’t good for shops. In effect, estimates can either make or break an auto upholstery business. … [Read more...] about Estimating 101: What You Need to Know

Botched Jobs Give Trimmers a Bad Name

October 15, 2013 By Fred Mattson

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Vinyl Top Bubble

Customers come to me all the time inquiring about a repair to a project that some other shop worked on. Ultimately, the work that was done on these cars is just not acceptable or professional. They are unhappy with the poor installation of seat covers, wrinkles in tops or just looking for an answer on how to make their car look better after it was ruined by an unqualified … [Read more...] about Botched Jobs Give Trimmers a Bad Name

All Screwed Up: Why Hardware Matters

October 3, 2013 By Fred Mattson

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Fred Mattson

Just about every interior job that comes into my shop has been worked on before. This is no surprise since most of the cars I work on are at least 40 years old. However, what bothers me is other shops’ poor attempt to reassemble the projects. … [Read more...] about All Screwed Up: Why Hardware Matters

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THR Favorites

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Brent Parker Motor Trimming

Lambo Stitching with Brent Parker 4

Over the last two months, we’ve followed … [more] about Lambo Stitching with Brent Parker 4

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Design Studio

Design Studio: 1955-57 Chevy, Pt. 2

Last month, The Hog Ring Design Studio … [more] about Design Studio: 1955-57 Chevy, Pt. 2

Photo: Alligator-Grain Vinyl Top

No this isn’t a wild aftermarket upgrade. In … [more] about Photo: Alligator-Grain Vinyl Top

How Did You Learn Auto Upholstery?

Stories about how individual auto trimmers … [more] about How Did You Learn Auto Upholstery?

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - 1956 Ford F100

Design Studio: 1956 Ford F100 Door Panel

Last year we launched a series of hot rod … [more] about Design Studio: 1956 Ford F100 Door Panel

The Hog Ring - Auto Upholstery News - Roy Keith Powell - Drew's Garage

Shop Profile: Roy Powell of Drew’s Garage

Master trimmer and long-time THR contributor … [more] about Shop Profile: Roy Powell of Drew’s Garage

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