Inside our Workshop: Trimming

Feel the Tension

A true test of a competent trimmer is the ability to trim a panel without leaving slack, baggy areas which can trap air gaps. With years of experience, our trimmers know exactly where to pull, stretch and staple for a ‘taut’ finish that stays put. The process begins by first stapling at recognised ‘anchor’ points around the panel edge – initially causing the panel to bend under the tension – before the material is snipped into and pulled tight into position around the perimeter of the panel. Run your hand over any of our panels and the material simply won’t move.

Original Trim Samples

Our workshop hosts an archive of original trim, collected over the years to enable us to build an in-depth knowledge of original production line trimming methods. These samples provide a wealth of historical data that has informed the basics of our trimming processes and which we have since come to adapt and change over time to better suit modern-day manufacturing techniques.

Engineered Patterns

Although non-original, we have adapted a number of our patterns – for example Jaguar XK and Saloon A Post Footwell Panels – to include an extra ‘flap’ of material along one or more sides. In the case of the A Posts, this additional material to the bottom edge of the panel can be ‘tucked’ underneath adjacent carpets and underfelts to give a seamless finish between panel and floor work, thereby hiding gaps that would otherwise appear there as a result of inconsistent bodywork.

Attention to Detail

Stamped with the John Skinner mark of approval, all of our panel work is quality checked to meet our exacting standards before it leaves our workshop. Our skilled trimmers have an eye for detail, expertly trimming each panel to a flawless finish.