[Boxc@r]

Looking for some upholsterer recommendations for the KY and TN area. Was told of a "class act" guy in Nashville that ran a 1 year wait list...but did not have any specifics. I've got a 28 Tudor sedan that I'm planning to have done up in leather.
Names, locations, links, pics would be great to check out
Thanks

[sedanbob]

A friend of mine in Tennessee is having his '33 Cabriolet done by Ace Custom Upholstery in Fairfield, Ill. I have seen some of their work and know my friend wouldn't be going there if it wasn't first rate. Here's a link to their website: HOME Their shop is in the south eastern corner of Illnois, close to Evansville, Indiana, so not as far as it might sound from KY, TN.

[69 widetrack]

I don't know what your budget is but, you did mention leather...and it ain't priced like vinyl...LOl...here's a link that might help...he's in Alabama so shouldn't be to far?

INTERIORS BY SHANNON .COM** CUSTOM HOT ROD INTERIORS

Hope this helps.

Ray

[sedanbob]

You should check out some of the premium vinyls before locking in on leather. They look and feel just like leather, wear better, and cost a lot less. More consistent coloring too.

[69 widetrack]

Originally Posted by sedanbob

You should check out some of the premium vinyls before locking in on leather. They look and feel just like leather, wear better, and cost a lot less. More consistent coloring too.

Depending on budget...which is usually a concern. Bob is right, vinyls have come a long way from what they where in the early years of automotive upholstery. Everything Bob mentioned is correct and from what I've seen, it's easier to work with.

If you have the resources and cost isn't an issue...for me...I still love the real leather.

[Boxc@r]

I'm really just getting a plan together...thanks all for the input. Any neat ideas with installing radios would be cool to see as well

[69 widetrack]

Are you considering a console? If you are you could run the console right up the center of the dash...I'm thinking have the console mold into the dash but the center be out about an inch or so...making your radio a focal point in your interior...may as well invest in a DVD, GPS, CD, AM, FM radio with a 7 or 8 inch screen...just a bit of bling but not over the top.

[Boxc@r]

This is my donor dash.
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/memb...758-image.html
This is after its cut down
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/memb...759-image.html
I could pull down those lines and make a center console like this one.
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/memb...760-image.html
Credit for the already modified dash goes to a fabricator in Europe.....it is serving as my inspiration.

[69 widetrack]

That is a beautiful console...sorry but I couldn't make out in the pictures what the large circular thing in the middle is.

[Boxc@r]

The round thing is the speedo....you see they gutted the inside area that the Instruments and glovebox would go...kinda wild project. Mine will have a regular cluster....unsure if ill resize the glove box or just weld and finish it off.

Believe their speedo is one of those all n ones

[69 widetrack]

I've done a few custom interiors and I always try and go for the clean but unusual look. I have built an older Chevy product where I welded up the glove box, removed all of the things like starter switch. headlight switch, cigarette lighter, wiper switch, built a center console and moved everything into the console including the emergency brake and power window controls. I then opened up the existing radio space and put in a DVD, CD, radio combo. I went with aftermarket gauges and an Idit steering column. It look pretty good after the upholstery guy got done, I've done upholstery before but I'm way to slow and to be honest...I'm not that good. I will say, I did have more room than you do and moving all of your switches may be a bit difficult but, it sure would look cool.

I'll keep thinking and try and come with some ideas...if you like them great...if you don't, my feelings won't be hurt...LOL

Great looking console, the speedo section is now your focal point and other items need to be blended in around it.

Ray

[DanTwoLakes]

Originally Posted by sedanbob

You should check out some of the premium vinyls before locking in on leather. They look and feel just like leather, wear better, and cost a lot less. More consistent coloring too.

Sorry, but there is no vinyl, premium or not, that will outlast good quality leather or look or feel like good quality leather. That includes Ultraleather type 100% polyurethane faced products, which I have stopped using altogether in cars. They do cost less, but beyond that leather beats leather substitutes hands down.

[69 widetrack]

Originally Posted by DanTwoLakes

Sorry, but there is no vinyl, premium or not, that will outlast good quality leather or look or feel like good quality leather. That includes Ultraleather type 100% polyurethane faced products, which I have stopped using altogether in cars. They do cost less, but beyond that leather beats leather substitutes hands down.

Thanks Dan...This is great information and I do respect your opinion. I've been told by many upholstery people the opposite and always had my doubts. As I said, I respect your opinion and will use leather on my builds whenever the budget allows (sometimes the customer dictates).

Ray

[DanTwoLakes]

I'm not saying vinyl is a bad thing, only that to say it will outwear leather is a very uninformed comment. The new vinyls are head and shoulders better than the crap that was used on the 40's 50's 60's 70's and 80's car seats, and vinyl is infinitely easier to work with. It comes on a roll, is easy to cut, is extremely consistent and looks good when done properly. Leather requires a lot more skill to work with, and if you make a mistake, it can be an extremely expensive mistake.

The pictures are of some seats from a '71 Roadrunner which were done in black automotive grade vinyl. They look great, but they can't compare to real good quality leather.

[69 widetrack]

WOW, exceptional work Dan...if you where closer you'd have my upholstery work...for now I'm just trying to learn and the difficulty I'm having is finding someone in my area that #1) can do the quality of work I'm looking for and #2) if I find that guy, is he willing to take the time to teach me. #3) do I have the time...I'm sure I would make the time.

When it comes to paint and body...I hold my own.

When it comes to engines engines and drive line components like transmission and suspension...I have knowledge but as knowledge goes, things change and what I was good at in the 70's and 80's has evolved into something that I need to learn more and understand the details more of maximizing performance.

When it comes to interior...I would consider myself a lost sheep. I've done it...it looked OK...but it took me to long and for the time and money I spent I knew I needed an education. The difference between gaining the knowledge in your field of expertise compared to the other 2 I mentioned is that there are many more paint, body and mechanical technicians available to absorb the knowledge I crave from...very few with your talent that available to spend the time with someone that wants to learn and for the information you put out on this forum I applaud you.

I realize that I can't get great at everything and stay in touch with all the changes that occur in every field of the automotive aftermarket industry, time wouldn't allow it (we all need to earn a living) but, I can only hope to get more information on interior work so that I can become a better, more well rounded car builder.

Thanks again Dan
Ray