Coach trimming

Originally coach trimming involved upholstering the interiors of horse drawn carriages then, as the carriages gained motors and evolved into the motor car, so the trade followed suit.

Today coach trimming is used for vintage and modern classic cars.

Auto-trimming is the term used for contemporary car interiors and, although some materials such as leather and vinyl may be similar, the techniques used are different.

• Upholstery
  • Fluting, stuffed fluting
  • Deep buttoning
  • Use of traditional materials in stuffing such as cotton wadding, as opposed to foam
  • Fixings and fastenings – e.g. tacks and gimp pins rather than glues and staples.
• Woodwork
• Leatherwork
• Welding
• Sewing

Allied crafts:

• Coach building
• Upholstery
• Auto-trimming

• Skills issues: there is a significant shortage of skilled workers in the UK, with no recognised qualifications, and no learning establishments offering qualifications
• Lack of sector support: There is no main organisation or trade organisation.
• Lack of government support: There is no government recognition for the trade.
• Raw materials: These are getting increasingly expensive resulting in reduced profit margins, or the passing of costs on to the consumer
• Recruitment and retention of skilled staff: A lot of experienced trimmers are now retiring and closing down their businesses. As a consequence the remaining businesses are now busier than ever, but it is always hard to recruit experienced trimmers. It is also hard to retain trimmers, as there is such a demand for them.
• Recruitment and retention of trainees: Businesses are reporting difficulties with finding and retaining trainees.

The Association of Master Upholsterers

Apprenticeships

The Heritage Skills Academy offers a Level 3 Apprenticeship COACHBUILDING AND TRIM TECHNICIAN. This apprenticeship teaches the skills and knowledge relating to vehicle mechanical systems ranging from vintage to Modern classics.

Coach trimmers specialising in classic car interiors:

• David Nightingale 
• Joseph Bennell 
• Richards of England 
• Dave the Trimmer 
• Matthew Hill 
• Thornley Kelham 
• Richard and Alan Geater 
• O’Rourke Coachtrimmers 
• Mike Thomas and Dave Strange Trimmers
• Robert Smith Coachtrimming
• Julian Taylor
• Newton Commercial
• BAS International
• GB Classic Trim
• Piper Trimmers

This craft uses products derived from animals  – please read our ethical sourcing statement.

• Taylor, Don, Automotive Upholstery Handbook
• Mattson, Fred, Automotive Upholstery and Interior Restoration
• Taylor, Don, and Mangus, Rod, Custom Auto Interiors
• Caldwell, Bruce, Auto Upholstery & Interiors: A Do-it-yourself Basic Guide
• Brooks, CB, Trimming Motor Vehicles

Our thanks go to our 2025 reviewers:

• Jennifer Austin, Aldridge Trimming Ltd
• Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishings
• Julian Taylor

We consult with a wide range of practitioners and organisations to review and update the Red List. Some choose to remain anonymous but all feedback is taken into account.

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