Upholsterer?

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browning
Posts: 171
Joined: Wed Jan 22, 2020 4:34 pm
First Name: David
Last Name: Kahle
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '26 coupe, '26 touring, ‘14 Staude tractor conversion, '27 coupe, '19 roadster, ’15 speedster, '14 touring
Location: Leeper, Pa.

Upholsterer?

Post by browning » Tue Feb 17, 2026 11:27 am

So, I bought a 1919 roadster from a fellow who, sadly, was in a very serious battle with cancer. He had rebuilt much of the car and was never able to complete it so it came with many boxes of parts which included a top kit of unknown origin. I have spent the winter re-wooding the body and reassembling the car and it is now nearly ready to drive except for the top and the seat back upholstery. I bought an interior kit from Classtique and have the seat bottom covered but obviously don't have the skill or patience to do a good job on the back. I am wondering if there is anyone in the Western Pennsylvania or Eastern Ohio area that would/could do a good job of completing the top and interior. Obviously I don't want to spend a fortune but on the other hand the car is turning out well and I would rather spend whatever is needed than to compromise the quality at the end of the project. Any recommendations?
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BRENT in 10-uh-C
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First Name: Brent
Last Name: Terry
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1909 Tourabout, 1914 Runabout, 1914 Touring, 1916 Speedster, 1925 Speedster, 1926 Hack
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Re: Upholsterer?

Post by BRENT in 10-uh-C » Tue Feb 17, 2026 1:15 pm

Two or three names come to mind. Joe Swann (717) 252-3014 in Pennsylvania does HCCA type vehicles, -and Gene Fletcher (828) 413-2456 is in N. Carolina. David Coco may be another one. He is in Virginia. My shop is in Tennessee which is even further away from you.

My only response to your 'not wanting to spend a fortune' comment is that labor (-which is basically what you are wanting) is expensive these days. If you are expecting a really nice job, then in reality you should expect to pay for that craftsman's experience and overhead. If you can live with middle of the road or less quality, then you can likely find someone that can do it for average money.
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Dan Hatch
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Location: Alabama

Re: Upholsterer?

Post by Dan Hatch » Tue Feb 17, 2026 3:11 pm

Find some of the video from JV Group and do it yourself. Not rocket science. Just need a good hot day or heated shop. Dan
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Allan
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Last Name: Bennett
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1912 van, 1917 shooting brake, 1929 roadster buckboard, 1924 tourer, 1925 barn find buckboard, 1925 D &F wide body roadster, 1927LHD Tudor sedan.
Location: Gawler, Australia

Re: Upholsterer?

Post by Allan » Wed Feb 18, 2026 2:21 am

The key to any top job is the foundations, ie. the hood bows.If you can set them up yourself, you will save the top fitter a deal of time. The reverse of this is if he/she has to rework what you have done to be able to do a nice job.
The top and the upholstery are the obvious finishing touches, so some expertise will go a long way in making a presentable car.

Allan from down under.
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Upholstery Mike
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Last Name: FRANCIS
Location: Lindstrom, MN
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Re: Upholsterer?

Post by Upholstery Mike » Wed Feb 18, 2026 11:11 am

Gene Fletcher does a great job installing Classtique kits.

Mike Francis
Classtique Upholstery
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