Founded in 1971 in Oakville, Connecticut, Dave’s Auto Upholstery has earned a stellar reputation for its quality craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail for over 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 broadened his skill set to include convertible tops installation, marine upholstery, and the custom restoration of vintage and classic vehicles.
In 1997, Mark purchased the business, ensuring its legacy as a family-owned and operated shop, where he works alongside his wife, Julie, and nephew, Brandon.
In 2013, the business moved from its original 800-square-foot space to a modern 2,400-square-foot upholstery shop, expanding its services to include automotive upholstery repair and restoration, marine upholstery, motorcycle seats, medical and restaurant upholstery, fully custom projects, and automotive parts and accessories.

At Dave’s Custom Upholstery, craftsmanship comes first. Every project, whether it involves automotive upholstery, convertible tops, or marine upholstery, 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 automotive upholstery, particularly 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. This meticulous work is backed by skilled craftsmanship and local care, ensuring your convertible tops are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
We specialize in restoring and upgrading your vehicle’s interior with high-quality automotive upholstery, including reupholstered seats, custom door panels, headliner replacement, carpet installation, and convertible tops. Our services also encompass a wide range of miscellaneous upholstery repairs—from visors and pillars to consoles and trim—delivering a clean fit, lasting comfort, and a finished look backed by skilled craftsmanship and local care. Additionally, we offer marine upholstery solutions to meet all your needs.

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 specialize in automotive upholstery and can match original materials, colors, and textures whenever possible. Additionally, we offer services for convertible tops and marine upholstery, accommodating 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. Our expertise extends to automotive upholstery, where we fabricate precision seat pans, sculpt performance-focused foam, and integrate gel inserts. We also specialize in creating durable convertible tops and upholstering with premium materials to ensure exceptional comfort, long-lasting durability, and a refined, custom look that complements your machine’s style and theme, including marine upholstery options.

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. Additionally, our expertise extends to automotive upholstery, ensuring that your vehicle's interior is both durable and stylish.
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. Our capabilities also include marine upholstery, perfect for those looking to upgrade their boat's seating, and convertible tops for vehicles, offering both protection and aesthetic appeal.

Boats require materials and construction methods that exceed standard automotive upholstery. Every marine upholstery project we undertake is crafted for durability, comfort, and long-term performance in harsh marine environments—without compromising on style or originality. We utilize marine-grade materials, UV-resistant threads, and moisture-resistant foams to ensure every interior withstands sun exposure, saltwater, and repeated use, much like high-quality convertible tops designed for lasting resilience.




Have a project in mind for automotive upholstery or need a new convertible top? Call, email, or stop by the shop to discuss your marine 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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