micktroup2

My daughter is thinking of expanding into the auto upholstery business- she is a fashion designer. I know, I know, but she designs and makes her own line, so she has the experience to at least design and fab seat covers. I am trying to see what kind of work she could get from the 3rd genners. Can you PM me with what you need, so we can gauge if it is worth her time. Sorry if I am not doing this the right way, moderators...

diy_zman

any idea what her labor costs will be ?

Gisys

Are we talking slip on or a full on you have the seat re-do-thing?

david84

i need my seats rear and front re-covered, not just seat covers, what is her charge?

david84

i am looking for interior parts for my 84 camaro, i need a new dash, lhead liner, carpeting, ect.... any ideas where to find this stuff? thanks

torque_is_good

has she ever removed old upholstery and installed new? Or, would she simply make new upholstery based upon measurements that you took from your own vehicle?

FWIW, I bought a brand new leather interior for my 3rd gen. I removed the old nasty cloth and installed the leather. I got the leather upholstery for all 4 seats for $260. I was fortunate to find such a good deal because the market is more around $600.

Another alternative is the coverking covers on Amazon. They are vinyl and slip on snug and look like the actual seat upholstery. I did the front seats of my 4th gen for $170

that's a little market data for you


I'd suggest a sponsorship on this site and see what it gets you.

micktroup2

Sounds interesting... I would think the most economical way would be for you to strip off your seat covers and send them in to be used as patterns. I can't see anyone coughing up the Benjamins to ship seats across the country and back to have them remanufactured. I might have here help me redo my seats and see how everyone likes it...thanks for the help guys!

torque_is_good

I understand why you would suggest that because it minimizes the need to go out and try and find dimensions of different seats. But, unless someone can have their car off the road for an extended period of time, shipping the seat fabric is not very convenient for the consumer. Also, it's an added expense and it costs about $20 to ship.

If she's serious, then she should try an ad in the local craigslist and have people bring the car to her. She could then take measurements, discuss fabrics, write a contract and take a deposit.

But, I would first have her remove the fabric from all 4 seats and then re-skin the seats including using the metal rods that pull tight the fabric.

See if she enjoys doing it

haroanarchist

what state do you live in?

cuisinartvette

Good post torque is good. She should def. try a pair or two. More to it than sewing. If the foam needs working, or replacing it can change things.

has she considered working for an upholsterer to learn all the tricks then maybe getting some onesie twosie clients on her own til she can float away and do her own thing comfortably?

one thing about car people...most are deal hunters and somewhat picky

Best of luck on the venture though.

micktroup2

You mean most of us are tightwads!! LOL! We live in CA...

torque_is_good

yup, but, if you set aside $500 to do a mod, and were able to do it for $400, you'd end up spending the $100 on something else for the car.

It's just how we are, but we don't like overpaying.

aaronirocgilson

Got my carpet at Classic Industries and my headliners, sail panels, and sun visors at Hawks Third Generation Parts.

Mailman818

have you guys considered going to a local salvage yard or junk yard and finding some decent looking seats and working on those to see how work turns out because if anything bad may happen... knock on wood, you now suddenly dont have seats lol. just throwing the idea out there. it might cost a bit to get a set of seats but it could put her skills to the test also. and on the upside if work turns out great you now have a set of seats for sale and profit on those. you get me??