Founded in 1971 in Oakville, Connecticut, Dave’s Auto Upholstery has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail for more than five decades.
Mark joined the shop in 1988 as an apprentice, learning the trade from the ground up—disassembling seats, creating patterns, and mastering the art of sewing. He later expanded his expertise to include convertible top installation, marine upholstery, and the custom restoration of vintage and classic vehicles.
In 1997, Mark purchased the business, continuing its legacy as a family-owned and operated shop, where Mark works alongside his wife, Julie, and nephew, Brandon.
In 2013, the business relocated from its original 800-square-foot space to a modern 2,400-square-foot upholstery shop, expanding services to include automotive upholstery repair and restoration, marine, motorcycle seats, medical and restaurant upholstery, fully custom projects and automotive part and accessories.

At Dave’s Custom Upholstery, craftsmanship comes first. Every project is built with careful attention to detail, quality materials, and time-tested techniques. From daily drivers to classic restorations and commercial work, we take pride in creating durable, great-looking results that are made to last.

We specialize in convertible top replacement and restoration for a wide range of classic and modern open-air vehicles, including roadsters, cabriolets, traditional soft-top convertibles, speedsters, and luxury drophead coupes. Our services include professional installation of glass or plastic rear windows, new pads and straps, and interior headliners, all carefully fitted to ensure smooth operation, proper tension, reliable weather protection, and a clean, factory-style finish backed by skilled craftsmanship and local care.
We specialize in restoring and upgrading your vehicle’s interior with reupholstered seats, custom door panels, headliner replacement, carpet installation, and vinyl top services, along with a wide range of miscellaneous upholstery repairs—from visors and pillars to consoles and trim—delivering clean fit, lasting comfort, and a finished look backed by skilled craftsmanship and local care.

We understand that classic and vintage vehicles deserve more than a quick repair. They require accuracy, patience, and respect for original design. Whether you’re restoring a true classic, a collector car, or a cherished family vehicle, our team focuses on preserving authenticity while ensuring comfort and durability for today’s roads. We work closely with our customers to match original materials, colors, and textures whenever possible, and we can also accommodate subtle upgrades when requested—always with respect for the vehicle’s era and character.

We design and handcraft custom seats for classic, traditional, and modern motorcycles—along with snowmobiles, UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes—fabricating precision seat pans, sculpting performance-focused foam, gel inserts, and upholstering in premium materials to deliver exceptional comfort, long-lasting durability, and a refined, custom look that complements your machine’s style and theme.

Restaurant seating must do more than look good—it must withstand constant wear while remaining easy to clean and maintain. We specialize in repairing and reupholstering booths, chairs, and benches using commercial-grade materials built for longevity and performance.
Medical seating must be functional, easy to clean, and built to withstand constant use. We specialize in restoring and repairing exam tables, treatment chairs, and waiting room seating using medical-grade materials designed for healthcare environments.

Boats demand materials and construction methods that go beyond standard upholstery. Every marine project we take on is designed for durability, comfort, and long-term performance in harsh marine environments—without sacrificing style or originality. We use marine-grade materials, UV-resistant threads, and moisture-resistant foams to ensure every interior holds up against sun exposure, saltwater, and repeated use.




Have a project in mind? Call, email, or stop by the shop to discuss your upholstery needs.
Mon | 07:00 am – 05:30 pm | |
Tue | 07:00 am – 05:30 pm | |
Wed | 07:00 am – 05:30 pm | |
Thu | 07:00 am – 05:30 pm | |
Fri | 07:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |
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