Chris & Pam Wilson of Wilson's Auto Trim (Cleveland, TN)
What does being an upholsterer mean to you?
It has been a way of life since the 80’s. I enjoy the challenge.
How did you get started in upholstery?
I got started in my dad’s shop when I was 12 years old. My dad told me it was time to go to work and I’ve been doing it ever since!
What types of upholstery do you do?
We will do any type of automotive - late model or vintage, small jobs or complete custom jobs. We also do convertible tops. We also do most anything marine - seats, bimini tops, carpet, and boat covers.
How long have you been upholstering?
My dad put me to work when I was 12 years old in 1978 – over 40 years now!
What is your biggest consumer demand?
We do about 50% vintage vehicles. The other 50% is a mix of dealers, marine, and miscellaneous jobs.
What is your favorite upholstery project you've done?
My favorite will be a 1951 GMC 650 that I am in the process of doing. It is being done with cow hide (with the hair still on it) and leather!
What is the strangest item you've found in a restoration?
3 baby squirrels.
Have you noticed any up & coming trends?
Contrast thread for top stitching. A lot of new vehicles, such as Mustangs, are coming out with the large thread. We just started using size T210 on some jobs.
What changes would benefit the upholstery industry?
The biggest thing that needs to change is not necessarily the industry itself, but we need younger generations to take up the trade.
Have you ever been featured on television, online, or in another publication?
No
Some answers have been edited for clarity.
