The Upholstery Forum

I admit, when I purchased the course I skipped around from video to video while working on my '54 Belair 2 door post project. Upon review, I haven't found what fasteners I should use, where the white x's are marked, to fasten the back seat side panel to the car. The old ones were shot, and I did manage to find the ABS tack strip to replace the old crumbly one. But I need to install something there before I glue my panels all together. Thanks.

I use Auveco #808 clips: https://www.albrightssupply.com/Chrysle ... Click=3957

You can also use these. https://www.albrightssupply.com/Ford-Do ... Click=3957
You have to drill the hole of set for these but it avoids having to staple canvas over the heads of the other style.

I prefer the 808 style but lots of people like the second style.

No worries @JoeTheRoofer Welcome to the forum!!

I use Auveco #808 clips: https://www.albrightssupply.com/Chrysle ... Click=3957

You can also use these. https://www.albrightssupply.com/Ford-Do ... Click=3957
You have to drill the hole of set for these but it avoids having to staple canvas over the heads of the other style.

I prefer the 808 style but lots of people like the second style.

Thanks for the reply, John, and BTW, I'm a big fan. Love to see the next generation of "blue collar types". Ok, this is a pic of the tack strip, still in the Belair. Whoever did the last trim job on the car used a metal strip with sharp nails protruding out, like something they would use on sofas, I think. So the panel was attached on top of the windlace to the tack strip. I like those clips you recommend, used them on the front door panels. So, should I drill new holes for them just to the side of the new tack strip so they don't interfere with the windlace?

@JoeTheRoofer ,

What are you hiding behind that door panel? Looks like something I would like to get my hands on. Attention to details here ha ha

BigRig, you talking about this?

Hey @JoeTheRoofer Yes the way I would do it is make you panel so that it finishes nicely with the edge and install your clips about 1.5" in from the edge. Staple the windlace to the tack strip you have there and install your finished panel on top covering all the staples from the windlace.

@John,

That is very good what you just did to detail instructions to Joe.

@JoeTheRoofer

You know to hang onto that truck eh Joe! It is exactly what I was talking about and sitting there with a 454 Big Block oh man!!!!

I think the 808 style is the only way to go because you can drill through your panel backer straight into the sheet metal for perfect alignment when you reassemble. The other ones are offset from their mounting hole, making them a pain in the butt to line up for installation.

Yup this is why I prefer the 808 style as well.

These are the panel clips I ended up using, which I bought at an upholstery supplier. They are the longer one, as seen on the left, as opposed to the shorter one, which I got at Ace Hardware in bulk. The shorter ones popped out too easily around the concaved contour of the front door (my '54 Belair is nearly the same as the '53 in your instruction video, John. I had to "unglue" the fabric around the panel to add a couple more clips and replace the shorter ones. Bad, pics, I know.


I wish you would have gotten started on these videos when you were in Phoenix, John. I even offered to work for a few upholstery shops for free on summer afternoons with no takers.

Oh cool! yeah sometimes you have to use the longer ones.
I wish I had started the videos in phoenix too. Just was never able to find the time. I know how hard it is to find places to learn this stuff that why I started the videos.
Your panels look awesome so far!

@JoeTheRoofer ,

Hey Joe I did the same offered to work for free or very low pay at every shop around. I am sure my name got out there ha ha. I am happy I never had anyone took me in, learning from John is the best for me.