Auto Upholstery & Interiors: A Do-It-Yourself, Basic Guide to Repairing, Replacing or Customizing Automotive Interiors

Rating:
Summary: A good starter, but there are no big secrets here!
Review: I purchased this book after I had already begun stripping the interior in my 1998 Jetta GLX. I was hoping to find some tips on sewing. However, the book explicitly states that sewing is outside the scope of the book, and the author recommends that the reader find a professional source for sewing needs. In addition, the book's focus is on older domestic vehicles, so the author's recommedations that one find "restoration kits" may not be applicable for newer imports. Nonetheless, I found some of the information to be quite useful, such as the types of tools needed for this work, the adhesives used, and a fairly instructional section concerning the refurbishing of the headliner. Its not a true DIY book, but it is a decent guide. If there were fractional stars in the rating system, I would give it 3.5 stars, though I can't make myself give it 4.

Rating:
Summary: Pass on this book
Review: If you are a do-it-yourselfer looking to do your own interior work, you will be disappointed with this book. The information is very basic, and it deals only with cleaning and replacing factory items. There is little to be learned here about customizing or doing your own upholstery work. Most of the information is just common sense to anyone who has been doing their own work.

Rating:
Summary: Not a learning reference
Review: Not a book on how to upholster a vehicle.
Steps basically read as follows.
1.Unbolt part needing repair
2.Purchase new part
3.Bolt part back on.
Not very informative, would suggest Don Taylor books.

Rating:
Summary: Pass on this book
Review: This book covers too many topics and does not provide adequate detail on any specific area of auto interiors. For example, the book states that seat foam should be replaced with the proper density foam, but does give any information on density specifications or typical foam types and densities used in auto seats. The book also devotes considerable space to subjects such as: painting, rust treatment, polishing and cleaning. These subjects are too general to be included in a book specific to upholstery and interiors. Many of the photographs are "before and after" pictures which do not aid in explaining methods or techniques. Not recommended for the do-it-yourselfer looking for complete step by step procedures. The book contains only 136 numbered pages.