What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vintage Automotive Upholsterer position at Douglas Restorations?
Job Title: Vintage Automotive Upholsterer
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 10‑hour shifts (4/10s)
Compensation: Competitive, based on experience
Employment Type: Full‑time
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About Us
We are a growing vintage automotive shop in Costa Mesa, California, specializing in pre‑war and early‑classic vehicles (1905–1930s). We do comprehensive restorations and full-service work on rare American and European collector cars.
The shop is owned by a third-generation collector, professionally managed and backed by a friendly team. We value hard work, good craftsmanship and folks who take pride in doing things right.
Because most of these old vehicles don’t have manuals or guides, the job takes lots of know-how, determination and creative problem-solving. If you like working on old machines, figuring things out with your hands and tackling one-of-a-kind challenges, this is a place where you can make a long-term career.
Role Overview
This position is for someone with prior automotive upholstery experience, ideally with vintage or classic vehicles. You should be comfortable patterning, sewing, rebuilding, and installing interior components with accuracy and craftsmanship. Reliability, efficiency, and pride in your work matter most.
Key Responsibilities
- Remove and prepare interior components including seats, panels, trim, and soft parts.
- Create patterns and cut materials for leather, vinyl, cloth, and specialty fabrics.
- Rebuild and sew upholstery pieces including seat structures, padding layers, seams, piping, and pleats.
- Install interior components such as seats, panels, carpets, headliners, windlace, and trim.
- Fabricate small details like straps, pockets, welting, and trim pieces.
- Maintain workspace standards through clean, safe, organized shop habits.
- Coordinate and perform quality checks to align work with team timelines and ensure proper fit and finish.
What We’re Looking For
- Automotive upholstery experience with vintage work preferred.
- Precision craftsmanship and detail‑driven results.
- Reliable work habits and steady productivity.
- Interest in vintage vehicles and period‑correct interiors.
- Collaborative attitude with openness to feedback and improvement.
Benefits
- Opportunities for skill development and career advancement
- Overtime pay when applicable
- Bonuses
- A hands‑on, craftsmanship‑focused work environment
- 4‑day workweek
Disclosures
Physical Requirements
This role involves standing for extended periods, working with tools and machinery, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.
At‑Will Employment
Employment with our shop is at‑will and may be ended by either the employee or the employer at any time, with or without cause.
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a brief note about why you’re interested in working with us to malcorn@bothwellcollection.com Examples of past projects or hobby work are encouraged but not required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $30.00 - $55.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $30 - $55