Rusty Bowtie
General Category => General Discussion - Intros => Topic started by: ghost28 on February 21, 2016, 05:06:55 PM
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I got a real reasonable quote for covering the roadster by showing him the top, but today I drove the roadster over so he could see it in person, and I guess he thinks I am made of money now, so now the price is $150.00 or more higher than his original quote. I know how to sew, and maybe I could buy my own walking foot machine with the money he is asking. I am supposed to call him tomorrow and get the firm price for doing the top.
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Ghost28 Just a thought Around here i mean my place there are at least three places that make tops for boats There is not much difference between make a roof for a boat and making a roof for a roadster. I know that is where i will be taking mine and there is no better time than now.Most of them are sitting on their buds twideleing their thumbs vette59jdwl
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Ghost, dang I hate that, but maybe it's larger than he thought by the pic? Or he thinks you made of money. When they start bumping the price makes you wonder. If it were me and the Extra was just that, maybe. But (big but) what if he bumps again after completion? If you decide to go with them, I would make a contract out and have him sign for an agreed amount. Once done he kinda has you by the short curlys, he has your car. (Or top)
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I believe I would look elsewhere or if you can do it yourself I would be looking for sewing machine then sell it after I was finished with it.
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Sammons he pretty much knew it was a 3 yard job unless he wanted to a little extra detail which he didn't say. I will be careful guys, and get a solid contract before going on with him or anybody else. I have seen his work and it's quality work.
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We've all been doing this long enough to know that "quotes" are just to get you in the door and them in possession of your stuff. The price always goes up and the time grows longer. More often than not the only thing that goes down is the quality. With me the upside is that it gets done because procrastination is my main skill. It ticks me off when it starts with the first quote going out the window but it pisses me off when they hold my parts for ransom to pay for shoddy work, especially when it is something I could have done better for less. So all that said I'd either do it myself ,years down the road in my case,or go to someone else. :)
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I know what you guys are saying but I also think there is something to be said for a man's word (hard to come by theses days). especially in these smaller, independant shops.
The guy who upholstered my seat told me "Not a penny over $400.00, and I'll have it done in a week". Now, I will say it took him two months and he had to do the seat bottom twicw because it wasn't right, but the price ......$400. I guess my point is, you never know, and that's why I try to do as much as I can myself (I know all you guys do too!) cause then I can only get mad or blame myself.
Sew that top, Ghost!!!!!!!!! ;)
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Ghost I don't know if you are interested but..... found this Singer on E-bay. Listing under used commercial sewing machines, local pick up only $150, Longmont Co. Phone # 720-684-6346.
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Ghost28 If you want it done right the first time do it yourself with help here is the help free PDF on a measuring guide FreePDF installation guide also PDF Mounting ground plus lots of pics in the second url........http://rodtops.com/aboutrodtops.html
http://www.hotrodscustomstuff.com/OLD_SITE/RodTop01.html
sure hope this heads you in the right direction vette59jdwl
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Ghost I don't know if you are interested but..... found this Singer on E-bay. Listing under used commercial sewing machines, local pick up only $150, Longmont Co. Phone # 720-684-6346.
I think I will contact him.
I got in touch with a lady that said it's still available. She is gonna call me back about taking a look at it once she calls her friend that has it. I hope it works out, I might be able to start another side line. Stranger things have happened. ???
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Id have the guy do it. A top can make or break a car.
You have a top for him to go off of right??? That should cut down the time into it .
Any pics of the top on the car???
Who knows if that machine is wore out or doesn't stitch right. Pay once, cry once.
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Ghost28 I took a look at this one and i thought this would be very informative especially if you were just starting out By the way do you have the bows and what stage are you at do you have a header vette59jdwl.......https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcejH6cJnAs
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Thanks guys for the responce. I called the upholerer this morning and he said the material was gonna cost 27 dollars a yard using about 3 yards even with the padding under the canvas which would add a bit more I'm sure. Now he says it would cost me around $600.00. I guess he is not gonna get my referals any time soon. The top in question is a solid all metal tubing top wrapped with 20 guage steel. I have added a wood trim inside to staple to. Hell I would make the patterns to simplify the job.
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Well after dealing with the guy about the top covering, not that this is gonna change me needing to have a top covered in canvas. I decided to build a folding top frame for the buick to pass some time in the shop. I was strolling through the speedway catalogue and found a picture of a 32 ford top frame and decided to see if I could copy some of the shape for the buick. SO FAR SO GOOD. Have a look.
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Looking good...you might even acquire a new side line.... Tops by Ghost.......Ghost Toppers
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Ghost, have you considered spraying the metal top with 3 M #888 rubberized undercoating, which gives a pebbly finish that's paintable.
Then using a semi flat or satin paint, spray it.
That metal top looks excellent to me .
mike 8)
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I was once told by a guy who did custom tops/upholstery, generally, he came up with his prices by taking the cost of materials and then doubling it for the price of labor. So, using this generalestimate, if the material cost about $100. the labor would be about $200. I suppose a more difficult job or special custom work would be more expensive but looking at your top I think $400. would be the max I would want to pay. Depends on how deep your pockets are and how desperate you are ;D
Ghost I've seen your work, I think you could do it yourself and in the end be much more satisfied and gratified!!
I like that frame your making too, it might be time to go into a sideline........
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$600 is a damn good deal. Id take it.
That formula doesn't sound right.
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Ghost28 I was so taken aback by you getting screwed on this especially when you have told us lads here that you know how to sew.So weather is rain sleet and sluch today went to our mothly firefighters get together.When i got home i went streight down stairs and started rooting about 15 minutes ago i found what i used 30 years ago on my boat and roadster top.
The book i am talking about is the second edition by Jim Grant the title of the book is The Complete Canvasworker's Guide:::How to Outfit your Boat with Fabric It has been the best that i have found and it worked perfectly for what i wanted.Also that HD Sewing machine for 150 bucks is It will in all probablility never be worth anything less.
I would go to your local Library and or book store and inquire about this book vette59jdwl
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Ghost, have you considered spraying the metal top with 3 M #888 rubberized undercoating, which gives a pebbly finish that's paintable.
Then using a semi flat or satin paint, spray it.
That metal top looks excellent to me .
mike 8)
Thanks, but the pictures make it look better than it is. It would need a good padding and then some kind of top material before it would look right
I did finish the folding top mechanism and it works great. Now on to the header board, and the rear piece that the top material will snap to, then take it all apart and paint it up real nice before covering it, shich I will try to do myself with some library help. Man I hate study hall.
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Nice work Ghost. Didn't you skip study hall back in the day ;D
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Go man go! You are quite the M.E. :) I don't know if you've seen this youtube video, but here is the link. It lays out most of the steps (does skip over some).
http://youtu.be/NcejH6cJnAs
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Ghost, have you considered spraying the metal top with 3 M #888 rubberized undercoating, which gives a pebbly finish that's paintable.
Then using a semi flat or satin paint, spray it.
That metal top looks excellent to me .
mike 8)
Thanks, but the pictures make it look better than it is. It would need a good padding and then some kind of top material before it would look right
I did finish the folding top mechanism and it works great. Now on to the header board, and the rear piece that the top material will snap to, then take it all apart and paint it up real nice before covering it, shich I will try to do myself with some library help. Man I hate study hall.
Outstanding Ghost, I wish I had your talent. Great work...
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Ghost 28 You are doing a bang up job.One question where you have the stantion the first part of the hinge job is that not supose to be on the inside and the folding top fold into the car between the quarter panel and the seat and fall into a well behind the seat,or are you going to have it sit up something like a Pheaton. vette59jdwl
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Ghost 28 You are doing a bang up job.One question where you have the stantion the first part of the hinge job is that not supose to be on the inside and the folding top fold into the car between the quarter panel and the seat and fall into a well behind the seat,or are you going to have it sit up something like a Pheaton. vette59jdwl
There is not enough room for the top to go into a pocket unless I hinge a pocket out of the body like a early 60s corvette. This one will sit up like it was when new to give it that old car look like a phaeton. They did make a aftermarket 32 ford body that the top folded into the trunk area. It is done except painting and canvas.
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What can't you do??? Nice work :D
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Ghost28 I think you will have to cut that header wood all the way across to give yourself a square starting point from which to work then put the peak back into the header. I do not see a problem except at the back where you are going to have to steam heat some kind of wooden material so that you can tack the end of the top.Having said that when you want to put the hardtop back on you may have to make another header for the hardtop does that sound about right.One piece of material on both sides all the way back to the back tack strip and then one piece down the middle to the last bow and make the back piece with the window in it so you could sew a zipper in that so you could have it in or out.your choice vette59jdwl
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What can't you do??? Nice work :D
You guys are too nice, but it's because of you fellas that I keep going on with my projects.
Thank You....John
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Ghost28 I think you will have to cut that header wood all the way across to give yourself a square starting point from which to work then put the peak back into the header. I do not see a problem except at the back where you are going to have to steam heat some kind of wooden material so that you can tack the end of the top.Having said that when you want to put the hardtop back on you may have to make another header for the hardtop does that sound about right.One piece of material on both sides all the way back to the back tack strip and then one piece down the middle to the last bow and make the back piece with the window in it so you could sew a zipper in that so you could have it in or out.your choice vette59jdwl
I did cut 1 inch off the header on the long side and squared it up where it attaches to the mechanism. The curved front area is where the top canvas will tucked under and be secured. The hard top will not ever be used again, so I took the header from it, along with the curved metal tubing piece that already fits the shape and has the bolt holes drilled for bolting to the body this goes where you are talking about the steamed wood piece. I have drilled small holes every 4 inches on this tube to attach the male part of a snap that that the female part on the top material will snap. I like your ideas about the canvas layout, and the zippered back window.
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Ghost28 I think madmike3434 has the most experience of anyone here with steaming and bending wood. He even has more experience with this than I do. but what i would do is do it in three pieces just like the top.I would measure it's total length with a piece of string then i would cut my center piece out about 6 inches shy of the curve then i would make both ends of that a dovetail.Then i would remeasure the whole length of the piece that i would want subtract that from the center piece and devided by two this figure should be the length of each corner piece.Being that this piece should be about 18 to 23 inches in length It would be easier to bend.I think i would make a block and bend it using steam and keep bending till you get the shape you want then dovetail the one end so it would fit in the end of the middle piece, then do that to the opposite end and bolt that into the rear deck of the car. vette59jdwl
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Ghost 28 something like this::::https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4U7axO7tXc
make yourself a buck first so that it is exactly the shape of the back piece behind the seat all the way around to the doors on either side. Also realize you do not have to make this in one piece 3/4 of and inch you could build three pieces 1/4 inch then glue and dowl all of them together after you steam bend to the shape that you desire vette 59 jdwl
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Ghost this is another good one to listed to what i reffered to as a buck he calls a form you know what i mean if not just ask vette 59jdwl:::https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q8m-haPCxI
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Ghost 28 another good idea but i would go with the first this takes to long and is to tiring
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q8m-haPCxI
also this one;;;;;;;;::::::::https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_WyI4PWrGE&ebc=ANyPxKoKpV8Mt3iDhZxEfzaMEcHwy_jSjLsuu6tLNXAEtBsyqgYqjxNiyeu5QhWcMjv3eelHuqRfkyJOMczxVSZPVa9mZvMuWw
vette59jdwl
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Ghost also found you this It is ful of a lot of great and interesting material::::
http://rodtops.com/pdf/Rod_Tops_Owners_Manual.pdf
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Ghost also side curtains and instalation for 1933:::
http://rodtops.com/pdf/RodTops-FFR-33-Owners-Manual.pdf
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Ghost28 and the rest of you guys I am sorry for the lads language but this guy is in business and his businesses that he referres his clients to are screwing everyone listen at your own risk and be aware we the builders are at the end of this line WE PAY::::This is PETE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvrL1sj0OWc
vette59jdwl
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Thanks vette There is a lot of good information there.
The top bows and everything else are finished, painted black. nylon bushings and 1/4 inch nylock nuts and bolts to hold it all together. Now back to the canvas, but not right now.
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Ghost28 and the rest of you guys I am sorry for the lads language but this guy is in business and his businesses that he referres his clients to are screwing everyone listen at your own risk and be aware we the builders are at the end of this line WE PAY::::This is PETE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvrL1sj0OWc
vette59jdwl
Now that's an upholstery shop to stay away from. I hope that guy has some other contacts to send his customers to. WOW WOW WOW $17,100.00 DOLLARS TO DO A CHEVELLE UPHOLSTERY.
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Thats nothing new :o .
Have you watched TV lately. Gas monkey paying $30k for a caddy interior that was done in 2 days.
The guy I bought my 32 from paid 15k for a Falcon wagon . That guy is on (Kindig it customs).
If they can find the people with that kind of dough. More power to em. #1 reason I don't do sidework is people don't want to pay or think it's free if they put your name on the plaque. As Sue says, cheap Ass Monkeys. ;D
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Wow. That guy is a bit overboard :o.
Not all upholstery shops are like that.
I have quoted a guy in my car club and was giving him a good deal (less than my job would) .he still bitched about that (few hundred) . Ended up having some Mexican do it and he thought he had leather. Nope vinyl and there was major wrinkles.
I think we would all be lucky if we sold our cars for what we had into em. Minus our labor.
Pretty sure Ghost would charge more than $600 if he did that top for someone else.
TV has ruined the hotrod.
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I know upholstery is not cheap, and I would pay 600 or more for a good top on my roadster, but what turned me off on this guy is how he got to his prices. one quote then another, and yet another without even touching the car. What happens when he has the top and the price goes up again? He is the kind of person I am gonna stay away from. There are other good upholsterers out there. I have to thank him because the way it all went down it swayed me on building a folding top.
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Here is my take on it, bad or good. You go to a professional (any trade), they have been in business many years. They should know their trade well and know how much time to repair/make. "If" they have seen what the job involves, give you a bid, they should honor it period! Materials are constantly going up on a regular bases, so they should know that! It's happens all the time, my buddy got a quote to do his bench seat, months later the price was trippled.
Me personaly, I never went up on a bid. I've missed a few little things and I would just eat it. Ground up projects got a verbal guestimate, customer bought parts, and I stayed on the job and billed weekly with the understanding they could pull out any time if they were not happy. That only happened once, he ran out of funds.
Point is, your word should be honored! Sorry.
P.S. Ghost I know it's to far (unless your in the area anyway), you are more than welcome to bring your materials and use my machine anytime, and I'll put you up for the night! ;)