I am trying to be money conscious and learn how to work on cars (in all aspects). I might attempt to reupholster my 280zx, but I am not sure where to start. All I need to work on is the headliner (I ripped mine out), and the whole rear area near the hatchback (sides mostly). I've never done it before and it doesn't seem to be too difficult, but I've been told it is better to visit a professional and pony up the dough than to f*** up. I just don't seem to be happy by the fact that reupholstering my car professionaly will cost somewhere around 700-1500 dollars.

Do any of you guys know any books, websites or people that I could talk to? Would any of you be willing to take the time to write out tips/how to's on the subject? Any help would be much appreciated. So far, this car has become a very fun project, and I would really like the interior to be apart of it. Much Appreciated!

Motorsport Auto sells a book on ReUpholstery, also Classic Motor books sells some books that would help you.

Motorsport Auto offered Uphostery Book

Classic Motorbooks Use their search feature and input the catalog numbers below:

Catalog Number 124684

Catalog Number 134569

Check out your local Adult Education or Junior college. Many of them have classes with full shops.

As I get my car back together, I will be taking pictures and video of that very thing, and writing it up. Actually I have an atricle on carpeting written, but without the pictures, it needs another 5,000 words...

Will

Check Amazon for the books on the available used listing. I have bought one of those referenced, it is a good book, has some good ideas, but some are not practical in your situation. Buying a $1,000 sewing machine, a $200 stapeler, and $150 worth of shears, needles, and $300 in materials puts you in the same ball park you are trying to stay out of.

If you don't take the reccomended equipment to heart, but use the basic info for ideas, the book is full of them!

Will

im in the process of doing mine, but like all my projects they go over budget . I got inspired by my friend 300zx, which has a black suede, leather, and vinyle interior. with little plastic. Im covering post of the plastic parts with some kind of fabric. I was going to use spray glue to attach the fabric, but my friend says he did that on one of his cars and it cost him 200+ just in glue, so instead you should use rubber cement, and you can get that for cheap in big amounts at homedepot. I hope that will help a little keeping the cost down