While visiting an upholstery shop may not be the most exciting trip for antique car enthusiasts, there are ways to ensure the process goes smoothly and quickly. By planning and getting your vehicle ready, you can save money and reduce delays. Here’s what you need to know.

3 Tips for Preparing a Classic Car for the Upholstery Shop 

1. Reduce Odors

Before bringing in your vehicle, you want to make sure the shop is working with a blank slate. Doing so will ensure that old materials don’t leave bad odors behind after the upholstery work is done. To start, strip away the hardboard that’s often connected to the flooring using tar, and sand-down the floor. Next, get rid of components that contain tar and other materials with bad smells. This may involve removing the vehicle’s doors and roofing.

2. Check the Electrical Elements

If any of your car’s electrical connections are broken, the shop may choose not work with you or will charge you for the necessary repairs. If there are any serious electrical problems, you could see a bill that’s in the thousands. To avoid extra expenses, check items like the dome lights, wipers, radio, heater, and door poppers. Also, make sure the wiring has some slack; otherwise, it could be difficult for the shop to put in the door panels properly. 

3. Find the Right Shop 

In addition to preparing your vehicle, find a shop that’s reliable and trustworthy. As you’re searching, look at the online reviews, checking for red flags. If, for example, former customers have complained about delays, unfair pricing for car parts, or poor craftsmanship, look for another provider. Finally, evaluate their past work by asking to see examples of antique cars that they’ve worked on; make sure that the work looks impeccable and that they only used quality materials that can stand up to UV exposure and water damage. 

If you’re an antique car enthusiast, Charlotte AutoFair is the event of the year to attend. Hosted in Charlotte, NC, you’ll meet other restoration hobbyists and have the chance to show off your hard work. Around 150,000 people join every year, including vendors, sellers, and collectors. Call (704) 841-1990 or visit the event’s website to learn more.