This is going to be a first timers walk through doing a hot rod interior with no experience, but plenty of determination. If you look back at my 28 coupe build thread you’ll see I am willing to take a stab at most anything and really enjoy the learning experience. So let’s start off with getting a machine and getting a work area figured out. A pair of 8 foot folding tables was cheap and worked out well. I had been looking at used machines but bit the bullet on a Sailrite Fabricator when they had a big sale going on. Figured where I was going to need to learn from scratch, I’d like to make it a operator error only type of situation. I watched a bunch of YouTube videos from “Chechaflo” and “The Lucky Needle” , looked at tons of pictures mostly 50’s style interiors and got myself going. Bought some supplies to practice on as seen above. Tuck and Roll, hand stuffed pleats, top stitch stuff etc. just trying to get my feet wet with it. After a couple weeks of messing around, I just needed to start on something permanent for the coupe. Pulled the trans cover out, made a pattern and just went for it. Far from perfect but man it felt good to get going.
Having a dedicated work area is a big plus. My wife does quilting and she took over the entire upstairs room that I created. There is an upholstery group on here if you want to check it out. Happy Sewing, Carp.
Next up I bought some 1/8” foam board from a local plastic supplier. It’s cheap at about $30 for a 4’ x 8’ sheet, cuts with a razor and can be heated and formed into corners etc. With the advice of stanlow69 on here, I bought some Chrysler style door clips. I had to drill out the original holes to 5/16” and they push in snug. Laid out a basic pattern using my clear vinyl template and stitched up a tuck and roll style insert. I glued some 3/8” thick foam to the panel only behind the white part, stretched and stapled till it was stuck down. Clipped it on the door and was really digging the look so got right to work on the passenger side.
Your doing great ! I did a tech back 2011,when I also jumped into doing my own sewing. Could be some of my tips will help; https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/tech-sew-at-home-upholsrety-hot-rod.604077/ I did mine with used yard sale $5 house wife Kenmore/Sears.
Man, you and I are on the same wavelengths! I am far from interior work but thinking ahead. Used machines are high and what are you getting? Full speed ahead!
Looks great, very neat ya got it right I’ve done upholstery in the past, no biggie once you get the hang of it
Mr. VANDENPLAS , your an inspiration I might even be able to do that eventually. Like your lines. Durable too.
Hell yeah! Just when you think skilled people are a thing of the past.... it kills me that nobody is picking up these trades and carrying them on! Nobody was born running a sewing machine, but they can learn. I stay busy in my body shop because i work and see my jobs through, unlike most. People just don't want to work but rather complain about not having anything. Every, and i mean every, upholstery shop in my area has closed. They all got older and retired, with nobody to carry the torch. Kudos to you. Keep up the great work and best of luck to you!
A couple kick panels came next. Ended up keeping it very simple with just 1/4” foam because foot room is tight as is on the drivers side. The carpet I got from Albright’s Supply, it’s a square weave I think it was called true black.
Thanks for the positive words guys, this is pretty much where I’m at. Working on the firewall piece now. Will keep this updated as I make progress.
Wow! Some people are born with the ability to do “IT”. Some people can be taught to do “IT”. Others will never be able to do “IT”. You sir were born with “IT”! Very cool skills.
That's quite good but to really make it look pro I'd run a strip of your upholstery material around the perimeter. Would be easy and it wouldn't let you challenge all the well known guys like Syd Cheesers!
That looks killer!!! Been playing with the idea of doing this same type of thing in my 39. Time to buy a machine! Subscribed!!!
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