Hi Hadrian. Let us know if you won the bid.

Church pews are generally easy to do. But as Eduardo said, don't forget to factor in materials, driving distance, time and labor. Otherwise, it's difficult to help with an estimate without seeing the job or knowing what exactly the church wants.

Good luck on selling your business.

If you decide to liquidate your machines / tools, would be great to see a list of what you have. Other trimmers on the East Coast could be interested in buying them.

Auto upholstery businesses are really difficult to sell, unless you know guys working for other local shops that are wanting to branch out on their own. If you're unable to sell the shop, you could also liquidate your tools / inventory to other local trimmers. This way you're not sitting on rolls on rolls of material.

Do it! It's a great way to learn about new products, meet distributors and network with other shop owners. As we get closer to the show, The Hog Ring will have details on upholstery industry events -- there are usually a few awards, parties and network events just for trimmers on the sidelines.

Not sure if I'll make it out this year, but if I do I'll let you know. Would be great to connect.

Amazing! Thanks very much Roy!

Oh very cool! @John Andrew Corcoran looks like you got your answer!

@John Nisselbeck I've never had to wrap one. Honestly, it looks daunting. But please share your after photos. I'd love to see how it turned out, and hear your insights.

@Ashraf ismail Thanks for your thoughtful response. It's fascinating how the industry is evolving. I agree with you that there will come a time when genuine leather will be exceedingly rare to see in vehicles. In our lifetime, for sure!

Nice work @Dave Jascot! Glad it worked out :cheer:

@David Daigler / @Nick Lupien Yup, Albright's is a great source. Miami Corporation has them too. They're the same size, but about $30 cheaper right now.

Hmmm... Hydes Leather sells woven genuine leather. It's beautiful too! They might have leads on where to find woven faux leather.

Hello @Esteves Franck, I don't speak French but I used Google translate on your post. It appears you're searching for a steering wheel jig. If so, check out our review of the E-ZEE Steering Wheel Jig

Love seeing a French trimmer post in our forum! For non-French speakers, here's a translation:

Hello,
In our workshop, we make a lot of headliners.
After brushing, we clean the substrate with acetone, then we glue them with Bostik 4103N glue sprayed with a paint gun equipped with a 25mm nozzle and a pressure of 60 psi.
After waiting 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the temperature, we apply the fabric to the substrate.

I completely agree @Fred Mattson. The industry is changing by such leaps and bounds that it's become difficult to keep up with all the innovation.

Last year we were debating genuine leather vs faux leather. Now this company steps in to say the debate will soon be irrelevant because we can grow leather in a lab. Mind blowing!

That's smart. Never hurts to make extra sure they won't fall out. Last thing you need is a client coming back over a missing magnet :lol:

I second that! The Seat Shops is awesome: www.theseatshop.com

Anyone interested in using magnets, give this article we wrote in 2021 a read: Magnets are the New Fasteners. Here’s What You Need to Know

In it, Todd Ramsey of Mobile Solutions told us that if you use their Magnet Fitment System, you actually don't need to use additional adhesive because the cut slots are so precise they make for a tight fit. But if you need to, CA glue works great on MDF and soft plastics.

"Since the diameter is so precise, very often there is no need for additional adhesive in the 'pocket' that’s countersunk, although some fabricators may choose to add a small drop of CA glue on applications like MDF or soft plastics. Harder plastics and aluminum have such great rigidity that the fit is very tight."

Eek! I hope it turned out well.

We stopped installing China-made tops years ago. They're such a mixed bag. You never really know how they'll fit (or how long they'll last).

Hey @Andrew McGowan, not sure if you already sold your shop. But I just left this comment on a couple similar posts...

I was listening to NC Shop Talk's latest episode. It was an interview with Cindy Barlow, director of industry relations at WyoTech. She mentioned that they keep an extensive database of students who've graduated and now working in the auto upholstery trade. It might be worth reaching out to her to see if they'd put the word out on your shop. Maybe there's a trimmer out there who's gained some experience and now looking to branch out on his/her own.

Cc: @Mal Maher

If Garett Leather doesn't have left over stock, I know Hydes Leather has a really great color-matching program.

@David Daigler If you found one, can you please let us know where?

Regarding the smell...

Make sure you're spraying in a well ventilated shop. It'll help the smell dissipate quicker. (It's also healthier for you, as these chemicals can cause cancer)

Hey @Char Willis. I just left this same comment on another thread...

I was listening to NC Shop Talk's latest episode. It was an interview with Cindy Barlow, director of industry relations at WyoTech. She mentioned that they keep an extensive database of students who've graduated and now working in the auto upholstery trade. It might be worth reaching out to her to see if they'd put the word out on your shop. Maybe there's a trimmer out there who's gained some experience and now looking to branch out on his/her own.

Cc @Mal Maher

Yes! Fred is spot on. I was going to suggest the same.

Hey @rick burns. I was listening to NC Shop Talk's latest episode. It was an interview with Cindy Barlow, director of industry relations at WyoTech. She mentioned that they keep an extensive database of students who've graduated and now working in the auto upholstery trade. It might be worth reaching out to her to see if they'd put the word out on your shop. Maybe there's a trimmer out there who's gained some experience and now looking to branch out on his/her own.

Cc @Mal Maher