Sid's Custom Upholstery Comparative Summary

Since opening its doors in 1976, Sid’s Custom Upholstery has been restoring the interiors of automobiles, motorcycles, RVs, boats and aircrafts in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. The Mountain View-based shop also restores and repairs convertible tops and installs vehicle seats. Owner Hugo Sanchez started with the company as an apprentice; he spent several years acquiring trade experience and knowledge before taking over operations in 1988.

Sid’s Custom Upholstery is an authorized dealer of Recaro seats. Recaro is an industry leader in automobile and aircraft seat manufacturing; its products include child safety seats and orthopedic and ergonomic seats for those with back problems. “Ergonomic seating can also help people who have issues with height or leg room,” says Mr. Sanchez. “A lot of customers come to us complaining about the seats in their Toyota Prius. Even though it’s a relatively new car, we replace a lot of Prius seats with Recaros.”

Over the years, Mr. Sanchez says Sid’s Custom Upholstery has built a reputation for only using quality materials. “For example, it’s possible to use either copper or stainless steel staples to anchor upholstery. Copper is cheaper, but it can rust. We only use stainless steel—it’s a little more expensive, but it’s the right material and has better long-term value.”

In addition to its regular upholstery work, Sid’s Custom Upholstery offers classic car restoration services. “We do cars from as far back as 1909,” says Mr. Sanchez. “We have the knowledge and materials to restore those old cars to their factory conditions.” The company can also design custom vehicle interiors and add center consoles, stereos, TVs and navigations systems.