KillDevilBill

So I decided to reupholster the door panels in my work truck. I'm new to upholstery, but I *think* I have that part figured out. I have an idea that I need help with. Here's the panel: My idea is to build complete new panels, and keep the factory ones intact. No particular reason, but it is a company owned truck even though it's assigned to me. I do have permission from the owner for this project. The factory panels are conveniently 0.75" thick, so I can make them from MDF, particle board whatever I decide. Suggestions on this are welcome also. My main concern is mounting the new panels. I do not want any visible mounting through my brand new black cypress leather. The factory panels mount to a flat aluminum sheet on the door using these clips: For the life of me, I cannot come up with a mounting process. I know my question doesn't directly pertain to leather itself, but I'm hoping someone is more familiar with upholstery tricks than I am. The new panels are going to be black cypress on top and bottom, the middle section will be black/white hair on cow. Haven't decided on red or black piping yet. Truck itself is red. Any suggestions? Ideas? Scrap the whole project? Thanks in advance!

I have to agree with you. Small spacing looks too busy.

Yep. I normally don't laser cut, but I don't have a 1.25" hole punch. Honestly it was never intended to be finished.

Thanks for the laugh!!! Were you experimenting with stitch spacing? A couple of them look too close together, but it may just be the pic. Wing divider will help you keep the stitch lines nice and straight. I'm an "edge dork" so I'll always have something to criticize there, even on my own edges. I think these look good though! I'd put one in my pocket!

Wasn't sure where to put this... Just wanted to see if this could be done. It can. I seriously doubt Knuckle Sammich will work for its intended purpose, but I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end to find out. It's a wall hanger in my shop and a conversation piece.

2/3 oz "peanut" Bison inside, 4/5 oz veg outside. Fancy edge at the top will be "chocolate" gator

Nothing special, just felt like sharing my latest project. Wallet for a friend Tried to make a $ without making a $

This is CLEAN. Nice design also. Nicely done!

Would this help you out? Heavy duty harness leather. Might even say it's "beefy"! Lol

I might have something that'll work. I'll look and post pics when I get home.

He's a heavy equipment mechanic. They don't mind a scratch on the fender of a crane. Lol I will definitely keep this in mind! Didn't know there was such a a thing!

So this is a common thing?! Lmao 🤣

One of my first projects was a new belt for our mechanic at work. He asked me to make him a new work belt when I first got into this hobby. He's also an avid hunter, so I came up with this. He absolutely loved it but the "problem" is he won't wear it to work because he claims it's too fancy. It became his hunting/Sunday dress belt. Fast forward over a year, Miller still needs a new work belt, and we both forgot all about it. I guess that old worn out one wasn't so worn out! As a surprise, I just finished up a "less fancy" belt for him to wear to work. I tried a new dye technique I read about, make a new belt look old.

Thanks Dwight! I've become pay-a-zon dependant and forgot about eBay. I just ordered one. 👍🏿

Thank you! I wasn't sure where to put this.

Looking for recommendations on a trainer gun to build a holster, without having the actual gun. Building a rig for a 1911 .45 acp and was wondering if anyone knew a good resource for these. Thanks in advance!

I'm a retired firefighter/Chief. New job is driving a truck for a construction company. I built a center console for my work truck a few years ago. My buddy saw it and challenged me to make a sheath for his custom knife, and so my leatherwork started. I try to keep my projects "old school" traditional styling with carving/tooling as much as possible. Collars, belts, sheaths, holsters and one-off custom pieces seem to be my specialty. Thanks for having me here! IMG_20250130_065640.heic

This is cool! I really like how you blended the dye with red/black. Black cord was the right choice.

I wouldn't say the inside is downright ugly, not at all. It's the inside of a hat, not supposed to be nice. Now the outside? That's b-e-a-utiful! Been making a hat in my mind, never built one with my hands yet. I hope it turns out half as nice as this. Nicely done!

This looks good to me! I absolutely love the little square in the stitching. I'd never get it that symmetrical.

LMAO Don Gonzalez' method has never failed me, IF a big IF I'm given the correct information. Nice save! I think this looks great. Almost intentional. Gonna try and remember this when it happens to me.

That's why I did the welts one piece at a time, so they stayed flat. I also used one side as a guide for ALL the holes, so I didn't end up with a copy of a copy of a copy.

Thanks everyone! I was taught that drilling stitch holes is a no-no and I don't like the way the slanted stitches look, so I'm strictly an awl guy. Think drill press that doesn't spin with an awl in the chuck. I layed out the holes and punched them in the sides first. The center welt piece goes the whole length so that was next. I used the sides as a guide and punched the holes in each welt piece before assembly. To assemble, I glued them in place one at a time. I had a needle in every third hole in the side as a guide. The the other side was last. I didn't realize it, or do it intentionally but my son noticed the top welt resembles wood grain, so I got that as a bonus.

Just finished up an axe sheath for my son-in-law. Probably the last time I sew something that thick, but I had an idea and wanted to see if it would work. It did, but my fingers are sore. Lol