Recently, we had you follow along while I installed a new dashpad assembly, instrument cluster, gauges, and a steering wheel in a '79 Chevy pickup. In this issue, we're going to bare witness as the same truck receives a brand new interior. This time, however, a real craftsman will perform the job: Wanda Wells of Wanda's Upholstery in San Bernardino, California.
We know that upholstery isn't a chore that many of us would consider tackling on our own, but just like the art of body repair and paint, it's really helpful to educate ourselves as to what's involved in the process. Again, just like paint and body repair, with a bit of an education we learn that there are many phases of interior trim work we can actually perform ourselves, as long as it doesn't involve needles, thread, and a sewing machine. Things like replacing the carpet, removing and replacing door panels and plastic trim are easy to do and with aftermarket suppliers, like Chevy Duty for example, we can purchase and replace these types of items on our own, leaving the hard stuff up to the professionals. Take a look and see what was involved here and then decide what or whether you want to give some it a shot, or leave it all to the pros.
Here's a "before" image of the truck's interior. The carpet dashcover hides an aging cracked, and split dash, an old blanket covers the torn-up seat, the carpet is threadbare, and the door panels and door handles are cracked and worn-not a hospitable environment for comfy cruising. | 
On the big day, I was a bit late as I got lost on the way, (they don't call me "Wrong-way Rizzo" for nothin'.) By the time I got there, the guys had already started to strip the old interior out of the truck, but thankfully I didn't miss a whole lot. | 
The existing plastic trim was thoroughly scrubbed and dried in preparation for its color change. |
Each piece was then laid out and treated with a plastic and vinyl prep, which promotes bonding of the dye (not paint) used to change the color of the components. | 
The vinyl/plastic dye is sprayed on in a succession of very light coats, which increases its adhesion and penetration into the material. | 
While the trim was being tended to, the new carpet from Chevy Duty was laid out in the sun to help soften it up prior to its installation. Here you can see the old rag of a carpet that it's destined to replace; you'll also surmise that we've decided to go from a nasty faded buckskin color to black-a richer, classier look. |
While Ray and George were working on the truck and replacement components, Wanda was readying the new Glide Engineering split-back seat frame that was soon to receive his awesome handmade upholstery. Wanda serves as Glide's main upholsterer, designing and sewing nearly all of the upholstery sold through Glide along with their line of street rod, musclecar, and classic truck seat assemblies. | 
Along with the seat frame, Glide also supplies the needed foam sets, as well. Here, Wanda's setting the seat bottom foam in place and positioning it. | 
The foam is held in place by a series of steal loops called hog rings. These rings have sharp, pointed ends that can be forced through foam, fabric, and leather and then crimped around parts of the seat frame to hold the seat foam, fabric, vinyl, and leather in place and as tightly as needed. |