Automotive Upholstery & Interior Restoration
Develop the skills to give your vehicle’s worn-out interior new life!
Starting with a list of necessary tools, author Fred Mattson guides you through all the required tasks, including seat restoration; door panel removal, patterning, assembly, and installation; headliner removal and installation; carpet cutting; and even convertible top restoration. The easy-to-follow, step-by-step presentation allows for a thorough understanding of all the processes. Every photo provides a hands-on approach that shows you how to repair and restore a car’s interior to concours, show-quality specifications.
After disassembling and gutting your car, it is easy to feel that you're in over your head when it comes to the upholstery. This is why so many do-it-yourself restorers outsource the work, at considerable expense, to an experienced upholstery shop. Taking the time to acquire the skills for upholstery restoration may feel like a daunting task, but what if an experienced upholsterer presented every skill you needed to restore upholstery yourself?
Other restoration books may show you beautifully restored interiors, but they don't show you how to produce them. This book helps you learn the skills needed with instruction from a professional upholsterer, saving you thousands of dollars over outsourcing the restoration. If you are interested in saving money, doing a complete restoration yourself, or simply want to know how it's done, this book is a handy addition to your automotive library.
Develop the skills to give your vehicle’s worn-out interior new life!
Starting with a list of necessary tools, author Fred Mattson guides you through all the required tasks, including seat restoration; door panel removal, patterning, assembly, and installation; headliner removal and installation; carpet cutting; and even convertible top restoration. The easy-to-follow, step-by-step presentation allows for a thorough understanding of all the processes. Every photo provides a hands-on approach that shows you how to repair and restore a car’s interior to concours, show-quality specifications.
After disassembling and gutting your car, it is easy to feel that you're in over your head when it comes to the upholstery. This is why so many do-it-yourself restorers outsource the work, at considerable expense, to an experienced upholstery shop. Taking the time to acquire the skills for upholstery restoration may feel like a daunting task, but what if an experienced upholsterer presented every skill you needed to restore upholstery yourself?
Other restoration books may show you beautifully restored interiors, but they don't show you how to produce them. This book helps you learn the skills needed with instruction from a professional upholsterer, saving you thousands of dollars over outsourcing the restoration. If you are interested in saving money, doing a complete restoration yourself, or simply want to know how it's done, this book is a handy addition to your automotive library.
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
Chapter 1: Tools of the Trade
Pres-N-Snap Setter
Hog-Ring Pliers
Steamer
Door-Clip Tool
Window- and Door-Crank Tool
Headliner Tuck Tool
Regulator
Scissors
Staple Lifter
Hammer
Pegboard
Workbench
Supply Sources
Shop Supplies
OEM Materials
Chapter 2: Seat Restoration
Seat Cover Panels
Seat Removal
Disassembly
Coil Springs
Seatback Supports
Zigzag Springs
Trim Panels and Seat Skirts
Seatback Panels
Robe Cords
Patterning
Material Orientation
Panel Inserts
Rear Apron Panel
Welt Cord
Listings
Seat Cover
Seat Cushion
Seat Cover Installation
Outside Backs
Final Assembly
Seat Cover Build Without a Pattern
Pleated Seat Cover Alignment
Chapter 3: Door Panels
Material Choices
Deconstruction
Door Panel Cleat Fabrication
Creating a New Door Panel
Door Panel Assembly
Door Panel Installation
Planning and Layout
Panel Construction
Installation
Chapter 4: Armrests
Armrest Replacement
Console Restoration
Fabrication
Chapter 5: Headliner
Inspection
Create a Headliner
Bow Measurement
Headliner Prep
Windlace
Headliner Installation
Dome Light
Sun Visor
Package Tray
Chapter 6: Carpet
Project Assessment
The Pad
Carpet Measurements
Sewing
Carpet Installation
Chapter 7: Convertible Top
Inspection and Evaluation
Removal and Adjustment
Header Bow Servicing
Frame Servicing
Frame Painting
Pad Installation
Rear Tack Rail
Well Liner
Rear Curtain
Top Fitment
Prior Damage Repair
Hydraulic System Servicing
Tack Rail Reconditioning
Double-Blank Curtain
Source Guide