Yeah we’re in Worcester

Hi David, Where are you based?

Just pre ordered mine Fred, looking forward to it's arrival!

could try these guys?? >>>>> lakewell<<<<<<<

Hi Eric its going to be covered in leather when finished.

Thank for the reply Eric, what do you do about the lead getting to hot and dripping out? also there's over 6 meters that i need to shape and one section in nearly 2 meters long it goes round the entire door edge, is there any otherway?

Ive had them all over at my shop mate, chamber of commerce, local council advisers and loads of apprenticeship agencies all have know answers, i would set up my own apprenticeship but i just don't know how.

I did start getting involved with the FBHVC and Biscester heritage site because they were building the frame work for a restoration apprenticeship and needed advise and guidance on the trimming side of things but they stopped contacting me and i think dropped the trim section from the course.

Something seriously needs to be done so that we can all benefit by taking on the next generation passing down our skills....I just don't know how to the the ball rolling, maybe if a few of us could get together we could form our own frame work specific to trimming then some how figure out how to get GOV funding.

Welcome John

Fred you are a massive inspiration to me i have your book, Thank you for the advice i will strip the frames that i have done and start again using your method. I'm definitely going to need to adjust two of the covers as i no they wont fit no matter what i do, i was just unsure an thought they might be for another vehicle.

If you do end up coming to the UK to do a course i would definitely attend.

Same here Chris i'm desperate for an apprentice but know luck :sad:

Thanks Steve i will drop them a email now see if they can help me out. :up:

Hahahah amazing seems like a lot of effort... keep him going for as long as possible :rofl:

Seen as the heat from the steamer reactivates the glue do you guys have any trouble with heat from the sun or other sources re-activating the glue causing the leather to start to peel away from the dash?

Thanks for all the advise guys, its really appreciated, I just figured it out and guess what...... it was me causing it, when i put a needle in i'm pushing up to far which in a way effects the timing of the hook catching the tread loop :blush:

its definitely a possibility but might be something else to as i was just sewing a gear knob edge and it did it on every tight turn i hope nothing it bent...

Hi Clinton, yeah i've often thought bike seats could be profitable i don't get many but maybe its something i could look into.

Thanks.

Thanks Andy

Hi Keith,m sounds like you guys do all general trimming but have been dragged into the Camper stuff... its ok if you like campers but im really not that keen on them.

The work you do for making things for people to sell on sounds different though, i don't think i've spoken with another trimmer that does that.

Sounds like you've got a lot to get on with i'm not sure i would be able to get it all done in a couple of weeks do you all work on the same projects so that the turn over is quicker or have set jobs to get on with?

Hi Fred thanks for the reply I’ve got your book and have read it cover to cover more than once I love it thanks for putting it out!

I can’t wait for the next one there is so little in the way of coach trimming techniques that has been recorded.
Being booked up for all that time is amazing but it’s also a double edged sword I guess because if you fall behind it holds all the other work up. Have you ever employed anyone or have you always worked alone?

I’m based in the UK an generally do classic and vintage work I find it very interesting and the most demanding work compared to modern stuff I have been trimming for 14 years but only running my shop for 4 years and always wonder if specialising is the right way to go?

I guess know one thinks much of them

yeah I might have to get one, I was cutting some foam his week thinking about it, if I buy one I will post a review

Fred you are a top bloke, I'm so glad that the majority of members on this forum think this way, i always help as much as possible if any trimmers contact me for advise or help and hope that they would do the same.
I think holding back information and skills slows the growth of the industry massively and only in resent years have trimmers started to realise it, a huge amount of skills and techniques have been lost to time because they weren't passed on through books or passing on the information to the younger generation of craftsmen.
I know of trimmers that have asked for help and been turned away by more experienced trimmers which i find infuriating.

Keep up the good work mate.

Sounds interesting, where do you use them the most?

Merry Christmas Diana :D

So after doing 4 Jag headliners one with a sunroof and 2 Daimler headliners i can honestly say that the only way to guarantee no creases is to have the windscreen taken out.

I tried taking them out the rear drivers door after removing the door card which gave more room but they still creased going back in, on long door models it was easier but still creased going back in. I tried removing the front passenger door completely and the passenger seat but still creased.

In my opinion if the customer is warned that there might be a slight crease in the headliner and there ok with it then that's the best option to save the customer money because if they don't want any creases then they will have to pay to have the windscreen taken out