Finding a good auto upholstery shop is critical for an auto restoration or a custom interior. Most shops offer upholstery services on cars, trucks, boats, and motorcycles. You can also find places that do more then leather car seat repair, but also do convertible tops, embroidery, and seat covers. In this article, I will discuss how these places operate, pricing, quality of service, and share my experience with the auto upholstery shops near me.
Auto Upholstery Shops Near Me
If you are searching for “auto upholstery shops near me” or “leather car and seat cover repair near me”, see the map below…
How Do the Auto Upholstery Shops Near Me Operate?
Upholstery shops all have different specialties and provide upholstery services. Some do leather only while others will do a range of upholstery services too. This includes convertible tops, vinyl work, carpets, mats, seat covers, and more.
In my experience, the auto upholstery shops near me are locally owned and operated. This typically translates to better customer service and possibly speaking with the business owner directly. This industry has been highly commercialized and I would tend to guide towards the smaller shops (while possibly costing a bit more).
When you need any type of upholstery work done a phone call is the best place to start, but don’t expect an accurate price quote. You will get asked a bunch of questions about your auto such as year, make, model, the condition of the interior, and any specific issues you want worked on. If you are doing a restoration it is critical to mention if your vehicle is to remain original or if you are doing a mod resto. Some places actually build restoration kits to replicate the exact interiors of old-time vehicles. If you ask for a price quote, they will likely give a wide price range at this point.
Any good shop will need to see pictures of the vehicle and if possible see the vehicle in person. This should be a free consultation where they can take a look at the actual work needed on dream car. They may take measurements and ask more detailed questions regarding what you want completed. At this stage, they will be able to give you a more accurate price estimate.
Once the Work Starts…
When you hire a shop, it is critical to select someone who walks you through the entire process before it starts. You need to know what you are paying for and how their work may impact the originality and resale value of your auto. Also, it is key to ask them to call you if any major decision points are discovered along the way. Imagine having your carpets torn out and not having them tell you the floorboards are rotting!
The Re-Upholstering Process
In simple terms, most reupholstering jobs on a set of seats will follow this process:
- Removing the seats
- Removing the fabric or material covering
- Using the current material to create a replica pattern on new material
- Fixing any issues like seat springs and padding
- Installing the new material
- Putting the reupholstered seat back in the vehicle
The process would be similar for headliner or carpet replacement in a vehicle as well.
For an Auto Restoration Upholstery Authenticity is Key
In many restoration cases, the interior can not be salvaged. Your options are often junkyards, used part dealers, or a recreation of the interior. The auto upholstery shops near me specialize in restorations, which means they get to great lengths to capture the original details of your vehicle’s interior.
There are places that make interior car kits. You can tell them what kind of car you have and they make the interior and send it to you. You do your own work of installing it. Essentially as someone restoring a classic car you get an “authentic reproduction” of the vehicle’s interior. They will research, and invest in molds, dyes, and embossing to create the closest replication to the original manufacturer as possible.
What Can an Auto Upholstery Shop Repair?
Common services offered by these shops include repair, replacement, and installation of:
- Seats, including Leather, Fabric, and Vinyl Car Seats
- Motorcycle seats and saddlebags
- Car covers
- Convertible and Vinyl Tops
- Headliners
- Steering Wheel Wraps
- Door Panel Cuts & Cracks
- Boat Upholstery & Covers
- Auto & Boat Carpeting
- Leather & Canvas Boat Seats
- Custom Seat Covers
- Embroidery
- Leather car seat repair
Some shops will have machinery to do precision cutting and combine that with hand sewing. The key to any good interior work isn’t just authenticity it needs to be done with quality so it lasts.
How Much Does Auto Upholstery Work Cost?
Prices vary depending on what you are requesting, the materials involved, and the year, make, and model of your vehicle.
To give you an idea a complete front seat interior professional reupholstering can run between $1,000 and $4,000. That would include side and door panels,, seats, headliners, and carpets and likely be for lower-end materials like fabric or vinyl. Leather gets pricier and would run between $5,000 and $10,000.
There is a good pricing reference here, for different types of work.
Can an Upholstery Shop Do a Leather Car Seat Repair?
Yes, upholstery shops can do leather car seat repairs. You have undoubtedly seen the kits to install and repair leather car seats yourself. Those DIY kits are cheap and not really ideal for an auto restoration project. At an upholstery shop, they will follow a similar process but, have more advanced tools and abilities to match your leather color on your seats.
How To Select an Auto Upholstery Shop Near Me
Selecting a shop is a matter of finding a balance of experience, customer service, and quality of work. You should do the following when selecting a shop:
- Do your research; read Yelp and Google reviews and call around for a few different price quotes.
- Ask to see photos of before and after work.
- Ask about guarantees, timelines, and how they communicate when issues arise.
- Search online for actual customers you use their services.
- Ask for a customer reference that you can call.
- Ask what comparable vehicles they have performed work on.
Maintenance and Care for Auto Upholstery
Proper maintenance and care of your vehicle’s upholstery are crucial for keeping it looking fresh and extending its lifespan. Whether you have leather seats, cloth interiors, or any other type of car upholstery, following some simple yet effective tips can make a significant difference.
Regular Maintenance Tips
- Vacuum Regularly: The first step in maintaining any car upholstery is regular vacuuming. This removes dirt and debris that can wear down the foam and fabric of your seats. For truck interiors, which might see more rugged use, this is especially important.
- Spot Cleaning Spills Immediately: Spills are inevitable, but they don’t have to spell disaster. For cloth upholstery, use a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth to dab at the spill. For leather seats, a specialized leather cleaner is your best bet. Acting quickly can prevent stains and avoid the need to completely reupholster the affected area.
- Protect from Sunlight: Sun visors and window shades can protect your upholstery from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause fading and weaken the material over time.
How to Clean Different Types of Upholstery
- Leather Seats: Use a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple. Avoid harsh chemicals that can dry out the leather, leading to cracks.
- Cloth Upholstery: A mixture of water and mild soap can work wonders. For tougher stains, you might need an upholstery cleaner designed for cloth materials.
- Vinyl and Other Materials: These can usually be wiped down with a simple solution of soap and water. Be sure to dry thoroughly to prevent mildew growth.
Preventing Wear and Tear
- Use Seat Covers: Seat covers are an excellent way to protect your original upholstery from wear, spills, and tear. They are particularly useful in work vehicles or trucks where the interior might be subjected to rougher treatment.
- Regular Inspection and Repair: Check your seats for signs of wear, like small tears or areas where the foam is becoming exposed. Early detection means you can replace or repair before it gets worse.
- Professional Cleaning: Occasionally, it might be beneficial to have your car’s interior professionally cleaned. This is particularly true for high-end materials or if you’re restoring a vehicle to mint condition.
- Reupholstering: If the upholstery is significantly worn, reupholstering might be necessary. This process can restore your car’s interior to a factory fit and feel, giving it a new seat look.
By following these tips, you can keep your car’s interior in top condition, ensuring comfort and maintaining the vehicle’s value over time.
Auto Upholstery Shops Near Me – Conclusion
There are many different shops all with varying specialties. It’s important to call around and get quotes, but more important to find a place you can trust. I tend to like the auto upholstery shops that cater to professional auto restorers and DIY restorers.
These places tend to source the best materials and know how to get the really hard-to-find pieces that are no longer manufactured. This is what I have learned from the auto upholstery shops near me.