[crsweet91]

Just checking this now since I posted. Not really sure what the ^above comments are about. Looks like some got deleted. If they were intended toward me sorry if I gave off the impression that upholstery was "easy". Im the last person that will say upholstery is easy, Its very difficult and underappreciated. I know Im trying to teach myself, maybe that makes it seem as if I think its easy. Im no dummy though, I tend to comprehend things better than most people and have skills most people dont have. I take learning and doing this type of work seriously.

I just simply wanted to make sure I was on the right track with estimating out leather. Havent used it much yet. Hides cost a lot of $$$ and its kind of intimidating making sure I get the correct amount ordered. I know its "basic math". I estimated out the sqft in a yard of vinyl and then figured out how much is in say a 55sqft hide. Always nice to double check and get the opinion of someone whos been doing this for years and is a proffessional.

Anyways I always appreciate any answers to questions I have, theyre always helpful.

Heres another one that would help me out. What is good for removing excess adhesive off leather? Doesnt come off as easy as on vinyl.

This is what I just did in leather along with dash pad, visors and door carpets. PVC board as suggested by Dan really helped me out with these. My new favorite material.



What I started with.

[DanTwoLakes]

No, my comments were not directed at you. I had a bad day on Friday and took it out here. Once again I apologize, my comments were wrong.

[crsweet91]

No problem. For removing the excess adhesive off leather what should I use? Should I pick up the 3m adhesive remover?

[DanTwoLakes]

You can use mineral spirits, or Xylol. Xylol is the same thing as mineral spirits, but it costs a lot more. They won't hurt the leather.

[duh57]

Rule of thumb to estimate leather one yard of vinyl 3x4 1/2 feet = 18 sq/ft of leather, hope that helps ya

[DanTwoLakes]

You are correct, vinyl, and all other roll goods, are measured by the running yard, which is 3' by 4 1/2' , but that comes out to 13 1/2 square feet, not 18 square feet.

The rule of thumb is that the average hide is 45 to 55 square feet, which is equivalent to 3 yards of roll goods due to the waste factor when using leather.

[duh57]

Dan that why if you need 1 yard of vinyl you can estimate and order 18 sq/ft of leather due to the waste factor, by the way i have used austrailian hides that average 70 sq/ft. Thnaks for the reply

[DanTwoLakes]

The waste factor for good leather hides used for upholstery is only 10% to 15%. You are figuring 25% waste, which would be a worst case scenario with a lower quality hide.


Yes, I know there are hides larger than 45 to 55 square feet, but 70 square feet is not normal. That's why I said "average".

[John Se]

I know some guys that maintain a Museum of cars, (all very rare) they have cars worth anywhere from $100,000 to 16 Million give or take a few. They will routinely pay 10,000 to do the interior on a restoration. The quality of the work is EVERYTHING, the cost not so much. Your work looks Grade A+, You should charge what the market will bear.

[AFX]

Nicely done. I'd like to ask you a few quick questions if I could.I'm new to this as of Nov and don't have any local instruction. Self teaching and gathering info.
1-What adhesive did you use on your dash pads?
Did you staple the backside or glue?
How is the adhesive holding up?
2-What did you use to fill and plane the speaker hole on the large dash pad?
3- What was your method on fabing the arm rests?

And hats off to everyones compliments toward you. Positivity!