Overhaulin'

Automotive Upholstery Business Idea?

Hi, I work as an upholsterer doing to interior of trucks. We do cab and sleeper doors, cab and sleeper roof, wall paneling etc. but not seats. Over the last few years I've had a couple of mates come to me and ask me too trim up new front door and back paneling. One was a classic Mini and the other an EJ Holden. Both as part of restoration projects, but the panels I did were of my own design. I did both jobs and they were both happy with the results, but the question arose both times and a couple since...Why dont you start you own business doing this? Im now entertaining the idea. Am thinking small, just me and maybe one other person. Basically Im thinking of a bit of a niche business that just makes interior door paneling and back paneling for classic cars (50's - 70's (holdens, mini's, vw beetles, etc)). Just paneling, no seats. I will provide flexibility for customers by allowing them to either choose to restore back to original, choose from a set list of my standard designs or design their own. The customer will have complete flexibility and control in design and color and materials etc. I also know that there are clubs and shows dedicated to cars like the Mini and Classic Holdens in my area, so I know its somewhat popular but just how much I dont know, an I also I figure these would be great places to try and get customers from. If I could show one of my interiors in one of the cars at a show, for example, that would be a great advertisement. Thats it in a nutshell. So is there any merit to the idea? Any aspects that should be changed? Or maybe abandon the idea all together if its not workable. At the most basic level, is this workable? Do you think there would be enough of a market out there for this type of thing? Im based in Melbourne's East but would be willing to relocate anywhere in Australia to find the right market. I have put a lot more detailed thought into certain aspects than the above would indicate but I didnt want to go into too much detail here, Im just floating the general idea because if the general idea doesnt work then the details dont matter. Dont hold back In your reply's. Im a grown up, I can take the criticism....but Im asking a question on the internet, Im sure I dont have to state that, haha.

Public Comments

1. I did that for 20 years, here are the facts. You are doing Automotive Upholstery. That includes seats. So find an old or older upholsterer that does quality work, apply for work with them. Learn. After you realize and learn how rather easy it is to cover or recover a seat, then you will be ready to open a full Automotive Upholstery business. Look at it logically, if the panels are wacked, the upholstery, seats,dash,headliner,visors and most everything else will look like so much junk after the panels have been whipped. In US some people call that Whips or Whipping, old time Upholsterers use to make Buggy Whips from scrap materials as a way to generate more income. Y'all have some very nice autos there, many of them are in dire need of restoration. I can almost guarantee that every stitch and seam in every seat is about to or has already separated from UV damage, age and general use. I can also almost guarantee that every Sun Visor is splitting and needs recovering, the trick or skill here is to get a flow going, the new textile matches the new panels, makes more monies for you and the person that wants to keep or sell the auto. I spent nigh on 10 years learning how to do it right. Any job not done right does not leave the shop. And our motto is, if we can't do it, it cannot be done. We hold true to that and are honest. If a customer/client brings in a rusted out 1950's MG, we survey the car, note all the body work it needs, then tell the client/customer where to go to get that fixed, when the body is straight and the car looks good outside,it can be primer, or paint, as long as the frame and all metal mechanical parts are working and straight. then we go to work. We also do Marine, Military, Aircraft, and Awnings. It takes a skill and knowledge of Textiles and Sewing. Collectors can be a funny group, most want it done once and want it done right, those are the ones we accept. Some people want a quick,cheap cover over so they can sell fast, we send those down the road. We are not cheap, our work is not cheap. I have restored everything from an Amish Buggy, 1914 Model Tee, 1949 Zephyr, and about 450 others that most people do not even know were ever made. It takes skill and love of the finished job. If I do not like the outcome, it does not roll out, it gets done correctly. That does not happen often, but it has happened, yes, I lost much monies on a few jobs that way, I gained a reputation for Quality is Job 1. The market is flexible, so you have to be also. If someone brought a Mini in, you restored it, they are happy then one day they show up in a truck with a sofa that is ripped, well, that is part of the job, either do it right or send it to someone that does. I leaned from a man that had done it 20 years longer than I had, his son is just as good as the father was, see, they both learned as they did, and they both asked a question when something did not look right or would not look right. You just got 55 years of combined experience in that answer, I wish you well and hope that you do the best job, do every job like it is your vehicle and everything will be ok.