[crsweet91]

Antioch, CA

[crsweet91]

Been doing a lot of Ford Pickup stuff lately, Im starting to get faster at sewing and covering. Its been good practice and Im learning a lot. The best part is knowing that someones putting my hard work into their vehicle, and Im getting payed for it. Usually all my work just goes into my vehicles and Im the only one who appreciates it. Now I just need to find some other work to do that isnt only for Ford Pickups. Haha

[nine4gmc]

i gotta say, those do look great. its hard to get good straight lines all the way across when you first start, you are having no problems

what size thread is that?

[crsweet91]

Thread is 138 polyester. I have some 207 that Im going to play around with. For my interior with the black on black Im going to use 207. Im going to have to redo a couple pieces, but I think it will be worth the time so I can get the stitching the way I want it.

[crsweet91]

I have a question for the guys that have businesses. Whats the best way to advertise your work? most of my work has been shipped to me, and guys find me online. Whats the best way to bring in work?

[jbowling]

Forums are a great way. Especially since just about everyone has access to it and turns to the forums for information. Another way that we get alot of business is by going to cruise ins or car shows. For instance, every friday night they when the weather is decent there is a cruise in at chic-fil-a right by our shop. With a clients permission, we take the car over there and show it off. Talk to people and just let them know who you are. Throw some business cards in the trunk or the windshield and thatll do it!

[nine4gmc]

most of my work is by word of mouth but lately I have found that listing an ad in the craigslist barter section draws lots of interest. I put a list of things I want and would trade work for and mentioned that cash is always accepted, posted some sample pics. I've been answering calls, texts and emails like crazy...

[DanTwoLakes]

The best way to bring in work is to do excellent work, charge fair prices, be scrupulously honest, always do just a little bit more than the customer expects, and stand behind your work. Do all that, and people will find you. Your reputation is everything.

I have people come in my shop all the time and want something sewed. In one case, a guy came in and asked me to sew a seam shut about 4 inches. I sewed it for him and refused to take any money for doing it. (I mean really, what do you charge for 10 seconds of work?) I found out later that he owned a bus service. I've since gotten thousands of dollars worth of business from him, and after he died, from his son. People remember the little things, and satisfied customers are your biggest asset.

[crsweet91]

Just some more stuff Im doing.

[nine4gmc]

you have a good eye for detail you shosuld go far!

[Dk101284]

Nice work.

Question, what do you use to make your steel accent strips on the door panels? Also, where do you purchase the material and how is it attached to the panel?

[crsweet91]

I used aluminum flat bar with rounded edges. This is the only supplier I could find that sells it with rounded edges. http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant...p=2&top_cat=60
I use 1/4" and 3/8" wide. I rip it down the middle so I get two halves and file it smooth. The best way would be to bring it to a machine shop and have them machine it down to the height you want. Im always doing stuff the hard way to save me money, thats why I do it myself.

Or you can buy clayton machine works premade stuff. Just drill your mounting holes. For 1/4" I drill 3/32" and use #4 sheetmetal screws. For 3/8" I drill and tap, I cant remember the size I use. http://www.claytonmachine.com/interior-trim.html

Another option is to buy square bar and have a machine shop round the edges.

[crsweet91]

Im getting better. I think patience is the key to this stuff. Ive noticed when I rush it, I end up ripping everything off and redoing it. I dont think Ive ever been more frustrated either, sometimes I just want to quit and smash everything. haha

[crsweet91]

Finished up a leather wheel steering wheel today. Big thanks to Dan for the tips. How much would a wheel like this go for?

[DanTwoLakes]

Leather and installation about $100 to $150.