I have been using QuickBooks Pro for many years. It allows you to create custom invoices and estimates for our business. The learning curve is steep, but the product is stable and very versatile.

Once you have your chart of accounts and Item list set up, making estimates for clients is relatively simple.

I have always used the SEM sand free as a prep before applying the color coat. It helps the color to "bite" into the surface and makes for a much more durable surface. Prep is the key to a successful dye application.

The vinyl that is available today is mostly marine grade. It is UV and mildew resistant. A better choice than the vinyl we used twenty years ago. Also, the color choices are much better for modern applications.
I with that the vintage vinyl that I work with had these properties.

Back in the day, mechanics would "pad" the bill with added charges for services that the customer did not need or ask for. This led to the 10% allowable overage that became a standard for the repair business.

I believe that most shops are honest and want to do right by their customer. There are a few shops that I know of personally that partake in the practice of overcharging the customer. It just becomes common operating procedure for them and they continue to "steel' from their customers.

I have been in business for a long time and I strive to always give true and accurate estimates that are within pennies of the final bill. If an unforeseen expense comes up, as they occasionally do, I will call the customer and explain to them what I found and exactly what the added cost will be before I proceed with their project. This will eliminate any dispute with the customer when they come to settle the bill.
After all, honesty IS the best policy.

If you print out the design you can then put transfer paper under the design and use a tracing wheel to transfer the image to your material.
They are available at just about any sewing store for under $4.

Baking soda will neutralize the battery acid but it will need to be flushed with clean clear water to remove any residual residue. After a thorough cleaning a repair should last and be as strong as the original material.
Also treat the underlying materials at the same time to insure that any cross contamination is eliminated. You would not want to make a repair just to have it fail in a few weeks because of other possible contamination.

Local car clubs are always looking for activities for their meetings. The seat demo is easy and only takes about 45 minutes. The members remember you and will call you with help on their next project.

If any one is interested, I would be happy to help outline what goes into a demo and how to schedule one with a local car club. Just message me and I will get back to you.

It's your shop, your business and you should set the rules. Customers today expect things instantly due to what they see on TV. I have at least a six month lead time for a customer to get their work done. It sometimes takes me over a week just to write up an estimate depending on the amount of research I have to do to locate and price materials for their project.

Unless you have several employees that can handle the workload, your customer should me patient and respect you for what you are doing for him.
I also have this sign in my shop for customers that are a little anxious about their project.

Several years ago, I did a hands on demo of stripping down a seat and installing a seat cover for the Classic Corvette Club in Minneapolis.
A husband and wife watched very intensely from the front row and through out the demonstration the wife kept asking her husband if he had that tool, did he understand what I was doing and so on. After I had the new seat cover on and everyone applauded at the result of my effort the wife turned to her husband and asked him what he thought. His reply was " I think that I am going to have him install the seat covers."
As some people may be able to do the work themselves, It is important to remember that many just do not have the skill to accomplish the job on their own.
This will be a great opportunity for you. I wish you well and support your efforts.

I bought a singer 144 as my first sewing machine. Although it was a workhorse in it's day, it just would not hold a stitch to save its life. After several attempts to have it repaired, I replaced it with a brand new Consew 206rb. I never looked back.

I also owned a 30 inch Singer long arm and used it for many projects. (Yes it can actually sew through 1/4 inch plywood) I used it to make portable fish houses and it never missed a stitch. Good luck with the Singer.

I will stop by and say hello. I haven't missed a SEMA expo in twelve years now and I encourage others to attend and support the industry too.
Thank you Mal for the industry support!

I am very fortunate to have Pyramid Trim in my back yard. I have done business with them for over 35 years and I can honestly say that they will do everything within their power to correct any problem that comes up.

I have spent hours trying to find the exact material for the restoration work that I do and Jeff, Peter and Ken treat me right. They also treat everyone else right.That is why I trust Pyramid Trim to deliver the best product that they can.

When it comes to the end of the roll, vinyl will develop creases and they are almost impossible to remove. Steaming the vinyl from the back side to remove or lift the lines will work most of the time. The steam will reach under the surface without hurting the vinyl. Flaws are also found in first quality goods all the time and it takes a sharp eye to catch them before they leave the supplier. Working around flaws in vinyl is no different than working with real leather. It is all part of what we do.

Do a search on Google for "pressure spray glue pot". There are several there to choose from depending on your particular needs. Cost is not necessarily a barometer for quality.

The big factor with a spray pot is that it works well for large jobs and does not tip over like a cup gun will. The down side is the maintenance. One thing to keep in mind when using a glue pot is how easy is it to clean the supply hose when it gums up.

Please let us know what you decide on.

I have found that 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner # 8984 will remove almost any stain without harming vinyl or fabric. It is probably the best product 3M makes.

I should also add that the rear deck seal that is available for this vintage of Corvette was a Mohair covered rubber seal. The rubber is extremely hard and will give you trouble since it will not yield to the deck lid.

58 - 59 Corvettes are very temperamental and require a lot of finesse. They are crude at best and can be a challenge. My experience is that if you do not have the frame operating at its utmost perfection, you will not be satisfied with the final fit with the top.

I have installed dozens of these tops and they are all problematic. They are definitely not a project for a Do It Yourself-er. Seasoned professionals find these tops most challenging.

A trade association is nothing more than tradesmen (generic term. Women are also encouraged) gathering together to discuss and possibly solve industry issues and maybe break bread to share ideas. Not that much more than posting on the Hog Ring forum.

With this in mind, meeting face to face and holding an occasional convention with like minded people to share ideas and experiences, meet with industry vendors and other professionals. No one is an island and we all have customer issues, supplier issues and I hate to say . . . issues with each other.

Nothing will be settled here in the short term, but rather the continuing of sharing of ideas and concerns.

Ok. I did a search and found that TMI makes a kit. I cannot endorse the product or the fit, I also found these images on the web.

The kits are available through CJ Pony.

I am not sure of any repro seat covers available. I did a '69 Mach 1 from scratch about twelve years ago. Original materials were obtained from a local source and do not know of anyone that has real comfort weave on the shelf.

SMS does not have the correct material. Al Knoch does not have the real material. Reproduction comfort weave vinyl is embossed to look like the original, but it is not breathable and is a close substitute at best. I will try to find some pictures of an original interior, but I can not promise results

The seats originally came with comfort weave vinyl in the inserts which is no longer available. The reproduction vinyl does not look correct, but it is all that is available. The '69 and '70 Mach 1 interiors are the same.

Networking and training are key elements to a successful industry. SEMA just hasn't figured how important the upholstery industry is yet.
It is almost impossible to find and keep an auto trim apprentice. The dedication it takes to learn this trade makes it tough for most people to want a career and not just a job. Training for this industry involves a lot more than uTube can offer and most people are just not willing to pay for any knowledge.

This will be a hard nut to crack, but I believe that it will bust open soon. count me in Jim!