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The side cables for this car are attached at the jammer with a screw through the spring and on the header bow with the ball end passed through the metal and a rubber grommet holding it in place.  Leave the spring side attached and remove the grommet to get the front of the cable detached.  Pass a coat hanger through the front of the listing to the back.  Bend the end of the hanger over the cable just beneath the ball and carefully pull the hanger out.  It will take the cable with it. 

You can widen the entrance and exit sides of the listing by cutting it slightly bigger with a pair of scissors. 

Hope this helps

The Hog Ring reported on T-270 Contrast thread a few weeks ago.  You can read more about it at http://www.thehogring.com/2012/02/24/get-bolder-french-seams-with-qtc-contrast/

Most shops just pick a number for their hourly rate that they think is consistent with the industry without considering all aspects of their overhead.

If the customer thinks in terms of paying extra for a secured shop, then the shop should charge accordingly. 

I once had a customer bring me a disassembled seat with a bag full of upholstery patterns.  The poor guy said an upholsterer took on the job, took apart the seat and before he can begin to sew the new upholstery was arrested and sent to prison.  I wanted to help him out but half the pieces were missing.  I told him his best bet is to buy a used set of seats and have them recovered.

I never glue vinyl, cloth, or leather to sew foam because it causes the wrinkles that you are talking about.  Just practice sewing the perimeter only.  It takes a little while to master it but the extra effort will be will worth it.  After years of doing it I can sew a panel to sew foam in under 30 seconds.  By the way great job on the seat, it looks great!

Did you glue the material to the sew foam?

I could see how furniture and marine upholsterers may not be interested in a site strictly about auto upholstery but some of the info on the Hogring does translate, especially the small business tips. 
Truth is, auto upholstery shops really do need a place to come together and share advice and support one another.  Especially now more that ever since the Upholstery Journal and ATRN are no longer publishing their magazines.  As a contributing writer to the site and a trim shop owner myself, everyday customers tell me upholstery is a dying trade and sites like the Hogring help breathe life into it.

You might find this helpful: http://www.thehogring.com/2011/03/14/the-upholstery-industry-2011-occupational-outlook-handbook/

It's the U.S. Government's 2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook for the field of upholstery. While it doesn't focus specifically on the San Diego market, it does provide insight into what the market is like overall.

Best of luck!

Thanks Jeff!

I know what you mean about shredded truck seats - I've seen quite a bit of those in my time. Though, like you say, it couldn't hurt to line them up, even if it's not your business' primary focus.

Check out the U.S. Department of Labor's 2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook on "Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Occupations." While the industry as a whole is declining in the U.S., us upholsterers will see some growth in the next few years. So we might as well take advantage of it while we can...

Here's a link to it: http://www.thehogring.com/2011/03/14/the-upholstery-industry-2011-occupational-outlook-handbook/#more-279

Let me know what you think :)

Chris - Bobby,

Thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate it. I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on ways I can improve the site.

I really want this to be a blog "for us by us" - so any type of stories or features you'd like to see, I'll definitely consider adding. One idea that I'm currently thinking about is building an online directory for every auto upholstery shop in the country. I know that it would be a large undertaking, but it could really help potential customers locate nearby shops. What do you think?

[www.TheHogRing.com]

I want to invite you all to check out a blog I just created - dedicated solely to the craft of auto upholstery. It's called The Hog Ring and, hopefully, will become a place where professionals and enthusiasts like us can connect, share ideas and keep up with news that affects our industry.

I know what you're thinking, "Upholster.com already does that." But this is a little bit different. You can submit pictures of your best work - and I'll feature it! You can also check out pictures of some pretty bad upholstery, keep updated about industry seminars and read first-hand product reviews. The Hog Ring isn't meant to replace this awesome site, but bring something new and different to the table.

I'd love for all of you to visit it at www.TheHogRing.com and bookmark it too because it's updated daily. Also add us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/thehogring. And please please please send me your feedback!

Thanks and remember: www.TheHogRing.com