I have been told that as of January 1, all assets of electron were transfered to EZon and Robbins. I Used electron for over 40 years as my primary go to. The last year +/- the quality steady declined with the new ownership. Sad leaving a void in options.

Dont know what you are asking. What type application?

Matt, The part you are looking for is Auveco #7576. Dont know if they are still available, however your request is legitimate, and Fred they are knot broken panel clips. I have installed thousands on older commercial seating and still have a partial box on my shelf.

As you say, We often are our worst critics. We/I have been installing tops since 1972 and a top never leaves the shop with a wrinkle in it. I am appalled watching Mecum or Barrett Jackson and see cars going across the block with wrinkled tops.SMH

Heat is always your friend working with plastic rear Windows, but even heat is a must. We often use a body shop type infared curing light to get even heat across the entire window section, Thus getting an even pull to the bow.

Just curious, What do you mean by large quantity?

Jobs like that we do often and have templates to fab from.Can knock the cover out in about 30 minutes. Many we have prefabbed or molded foams on hand. $125.00 for cover, $125.00 foam, so your $250 is on target.

I use StaSof #10 duck OD green. Softer Feel, easier to work with and looks relatively the same. Has a dry finish waterproofing. doesnt stink and you don't get the wax finish all over everything. Available from trivantage

We require 50% deposit at time of booking from the quote. Also have a disclaimer on the quote stating that their are often many variables and anything not stated in the quote is billed at T&M rates.and they sign that this is understood. Eliminates a lot of questions on completion and get paid for all the extras

What are you trying to do ?

We apply adhesive from a paint gun, set at a narrow fan pattern. low pressure. We pre glue the headliner on the table prior to installation and apply glue to the perimeter of the car during installation.

A shop cannot compete with the internet, So don't even try! Explain to the customer that they are not comparing Apples to Apples and your shop only uses quality materials. Explain to them that they are not only buying a product or service but they are buying your expertise and experience. You are there to give them a face to go to if they have any problems. We politely explain to them that we only install what we sell because our name goes on the job regardless where it was purchased.

As for hourly rate, Aside from direct expenses for the job. Break down all of your overhead expenses into an hourly rate, be thorough don't forget taxes and insurance. Add in a fair rate for what your time is worth. One of the most neglected expenses are misc materials and supplies, sew foam, thread, glue staples, panel board, etc.. And the most forgotten number is Profit Margin.

I don't try to be competitive with other shops. After 40+ years I know what it takes to keep the doors open and offer a good product. Yes we lose some that are looking for price only and we have seen many shops come and go because they have priced themselves out of business.

Good luck in your venture!

Our hourly rate for convertibles is $100 per hour, and we do pad the flat rate for cars that are known to be a pain. Remember, the customer is paying for your expertise and experience comes at a cost. If it was easy they would do it themselves. That said, we only install what we sell. If they buy it off the internet to save a buck, they can install it themselves. Our reputation is at stake so we must stay in control of the quality of materials that we use.

Deal with a manufacturer VS a reseller. Eliminate the middle man if there is a problem. Corvette America owns their own manufacturing company, or Al Knoch

The only Flat rat shop guide I have ever seen was published in the early 90's by ATA Spear headed by Jeff Covel of Amzee Corp. Unfortunatly that guide dealt with upholstery projects prior to that time. It was however a very insite full guide, especially for the newer shops, for breaking down all the steps in the process and assigning a time for each. It also included a chart for logging all of the overhead expenses that are often forgotten to help establish minimum shop rate.
Sadly Trimmers are excellent at there craft, but as a whole we are terrible business men.

To answer your original Question, Time and past experience will be your guide. On larger jobs, I developed a Materials and Labor spreadsheet to breakdown every step of the process. ( and should use it more often on the smaller jobs) After 40+ years owning the business I sometimes still miss the mark.