CLASSIC VW AUTOMOTIVE UPHOLSTERER & CONVERTIBLE TOP SPECIALIST

Location: Upland, CA

Employment Type: Part-Time
Compensation: Commensurate with experience

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Automotive Upholsterer & Convertible Top Specialist to join our team specializing in the restoration and preservation of classic Volkswagen automobiles.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in automotive upholstery, interior restoration, and convertible top installation, with particular expertise in classic Volkswagen Beetles, Super Beetles, and Karmann Ghias.

This is a hands-on position for a craftsman who takes pride in precision, fit, finish, and quality workmanship. The successful candidate will be responsible for completing upholstery and interior restoration projects from disassembly through final installation, while maintaining the standards expected of a professional classic-car restoration operation.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform complete automotive upholstery restoration on classic Volkswagen vehicles, including:

• Volkswagen Beetles and Super Beetles
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghias
• Convertible models

Remove, repair, rebuild, recover, and reinstall automotive seats
Install and fit factory-style and reproduction upholstery kits
Install and restore convertible tops, including proper fitting, tensioning, alignment, and finishing
Install and repair:

• Headliners
• Door panels
• Carpeting
• Seat covers
• Dash coverings
• Sun visors
• Interior trim and panels
• Convertible top components

Repair and restore seat foam, springs, frames, and related components when required
Accurately measure, cut, sew, stretch, and install automotive upholstery materials
Work with vinyl, leather, cloth, carpet, canvas, and other automotive-grade materials
Perform custom upholstery and fabrication when required
Identify and resolve fitment, alignment, and installation issues
Ensure consistent seams, piping, stitching, tension, panel alignment, and overall fit and finish
Safely disassemble and reassemble vehicle interiors without damaging original or restored components
Maintain accurate attention to vehicle-specific details and restoration requirements
Inspect completed work to ensure it meets established quality standards
Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment
Work efficiently while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Required:
Professional experience in automotive upholstery
Strong knowledge of automotive interior construction and installation
Advanced sewing and upholstery skills
Ability to work independently and complete projects from start to finish
Excellent attention to detail and craftsmanship
Ability to work with precision on vintage and restored components
Strong understanding of proper fit, alignment, tension, and finishing techniques

Highly Preferred:

Direct experience working on classic Volkswagen vehicles
Specific experience with VW Beetles, Super Beetles, and Karmann Ghias
Proven experience installing convertible tops
Experience with classic-car restoration or concours-quality restoration
Experience working with reproduction upholstery kits and factory-correct materials
Knowledge of original Volkswagen interior construction and specifications

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

The ideal candidate understands that classic Volkswagen restoration requires a level of craftsmanship beyond standard automotive upholstery.
We are looking for someone who is meticulous about the details—from the alignment of seams and piping to the tension of a convertible top and the final fit of every interior component.
Quality, precision, consistency, and attention to detail are essential.
The ability to identify potential issues before they become problems and to take ownership of the finished product is highly valued.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will be:
A skilled automotive upholstery professional
Experienced in classic and vintage vehicle restoration
Detail-oriented and quality-driven
Comfortable working independently
Organized and dependable
Efficient without sacrificing workmanship
Experienced in troubleshooting and problem-solving
Passionate about classic automobiles and restoration
Committed to producing professional, restoration-quality results

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience and demonstrated skill
Paid Time Off
Part-time

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume outlining your relevant automotive upholstery experience. A portfolio of completed upholstery, interior restoration, and/or convertible-top projects is *required*.

Applicants with specific experience working on c