I deal with Dura Plas in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Really great pricing and a huge range of custom embossing http://www.duraplas.com/en/quilting.aspx

My business has been open for 4 years, so not nearly as much experience as many people here! But for me, small to medium jobs are where I make the most money. I'm getting really quick and efficient at those jobs, and they aren't taking up real estate in the shop for long.

The bigger jobs, like full interiors, are more rewarding. They are more of an artistic challenge, I love the process and creativity. But there's a lot more time in planning, consulting with the customer, etc. If there is any kind of delay, my main work bay is tied up.

The bigger jobs are while I love the business, but the smaller jobs are what make my business profitable. I usually take on a handful of complete interiors/large projects a year, and then fill in the rest of the time with small/medium jobs. It will all depend on your workspace, how big your team is, etc. I work by myself most of the time, with occasional part-time help and I find this works the best for me!

Thanks for the advice! Hopefully i can pick up one of those materials in Canada!

@anthony simpson I'm in Canada here, they sell it at just about any hardware store

I buy the majority of my tops from EZ-On. I really like the company, customer service is great, pricing is very competitive. Kits are well made, usually include installation instructions, any rivets needed, moleskin protective pieces for the bows of the top. Really great company to deal with!

Your door panels look incredible, thanks for sharing the info!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone else's answers!

For vinyl, I regularly use Spray Nine. It works miracles, I've even been able to remove fresh pen marks on white vinyl.

Okay shoot, I'm leaning more now towards calling him and turning down the job. The top really is in decent shape and it's only opened up about 8 inches, but I see everyone's point and I don't want this job to come back to haunt me. Thanks for all the advice!!

Thanks Jesse! I was hoping to avoid urethane, i just have to look at the tube and I'm covered in it haha. But seems like a good option

Robert, yes the heat seal is what I mean! I didn't think to snap a picture of it before my customer left

Thanks a lot Steven!! I really appreciate the pictures and the sample you made up, it really helps to clarify. I'll give this a shot tomorrow, makes a lot of sense, should solve my problem!

Anxious to hear everyone's answers on this one too!

Sorry I'm slow to answer, thanks Clinton that's a good point on keeping it thin. My customer supplied the metal insert, so it should be a straightforward job! Appreciate everyone's advice!

@Karen Ethridge I just got in some round ones! I'm going to try them in 2 different ways.

1) I'm using them on door panels made of panel board. I inlaid them in the panel board and stuck them in place with urethane. Hopefully that's strong enough to hold them!

2) I'm going to use them to hold down the carpet in a rat rod. They don't want any carpet underlay so I'm just going to sew them to the back of the carpet to hold it in place.

I'll let you know how it turns out!

Awesome thanks for the advice! I'll post a pic of how it turns out :)

I'm 2 years behind on this post, just coming across it now. This is such a cool idea! Anyone have any pictures/description/ideas of how they would attach the magnets to door panels or carpets? Really cool idea!

Hi Steve! I'm in Canada too. I don't know about the velour, but Dura Plastics in Montreal is a company I deal with and they can custom press vinyls in these patterns:

http://www.duraplas.com/en/quilting.aspx

If you're interested, I can put you in touch with my sales rep there.

I'm in Canada - but if you set up an account with Distribution DNR they carry just about everything and they will sometimes sell 1/4 or 1/2 yards.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I was worried about using rivets in case the backs might interfere but seems like it works!

I never heard of tiger seal. Thanks chris that sounds a lot easier!

Hey Mike,
I'm in Ontario as well and I can say that World Upholstery are really good to deal with! They are very knowledgeable and helpful. Let them know you have an upholstery shop when you call to get better pricing.

I've got a little shelf recessed into the wall

thanks chris! If i can't find anything closer, i'll definitely go for that :)

"Dan Ulrich" I order basically all of my ACC carpet kits from Rock Auto. I have an account directly with ACC, and it still works out a fair bit cheaper to order and have it shipped from rock auto.

Gorgeous work !!

@Jens Jesberg Thank you that's very helpful! Where do you get that piping from?