Inspired by Faurecia's flat-seam stitch, Ryan Nettleton of Exact Art Fabrications in Maple Shade, NJ has been experimenting with some innovative stitch designs of his own. Recently he showed off a few of his designs in The Hog Ring’s “Auto Upholstery Forum.” This spiral-stitched French seam stood out to me the most. … [Read more...] about Photo: Spiral-Stitch French Seam
Car Interior
Estimating 101: What You Need to Know
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
Photo: Six-Shooter Motorcycle Seat
I've seen motorcycle seats decked out in skulls, flames, dragons, snakes — you name it. But this elegantly handcrafted saddle seat is by far the most bad ass of all. If John Wayne rode a steel horse, it would definitely have one of these. … [Read more...] about Photo: Six-Shooter Motorcycle Seat
Levi’s Gremlin: With Seats of the Pants
Here on The Hog Ring, we've written a lot about the fusion of auto upholstery with fashion, but it's certainly not a new concept. In 1973, the AMC Gremlin was offered with an optional Levi's interior. Real jeans weren't used though. Because fire-safety regulations prohibited the use of denim, the automaker spun nylon to look like the genuine article. … [Read more...] about Levi’s Gremlin: With Seats of the Pants
Paying Staff Hourly, Salary or Commission?
What follows is a touching personal account by Marc Fisher of Auto Trim by Fisher in Lubbock, TX on how he got his start in auto upholstery, as well as a few of the lessons he learned along the way about how to compensate employees. These are the types of stories and life lessons that only true veterans of the craft could share... … [Read more...] about Paying Staff Hourly, Salary or Commission?
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