Reply To: Cost of top and interior

[Edgar Minnie]

Scott…..there are many types of leather, stiching, and padding. Springs, top bows, wood repair, it’s not just put in the interior. Carpets, side curtains, tire covers, visors, hassocks, tool bag, trunk, there is a lot of stuff to do. A @920 off brand car is a lot less work than a Pierce, and a touring car is much less work than a sedan. Upholsterers have to deal with windows, surrounds, ash trays, dome lights, switches, radio antennas, ect,ect,ect. It’s not easy and a good job is difficult. A great job is extremely difficult. Add I fewer people doing it, a good economy, and prices start to climb, David Coco use to do it on the side, and has since retired. Getting stitching straight, windlace, binder, ……..you got to be crazy to do it. Door fit and closure can be very difficult if the restoration wasn’t done correctly to allow for door panels, door insert sills, strikers. It is a very complicated business. Also, many people don’t do their research, and end up with a incorrect style interior, in wrong patterns, with wrong hardware. It’s truly becoming a lost art. Also, if your top bows, irons, and clamps arn’t done by the upholsterer, which they almost never are, the top frame is usually crooked, and fits poorly.