Classic Car Upholstery: Meet Jerry Laboranti
Jerry Laboranti’s passion, and talent, for hot rods, and classic car interiors, is apparent. What isn’t so obvious, is Jerry’s training as a professional Jazz musician, or his career as a music teacher with his local school system. While hot rods are not his yet his full time gig, they have been Jerry’s full time passion. For years, he has been working diligently in his workshop at night, on the weekends, and through his summers. This enthusiasm for cars dates back to Jerry’s childhood. Originally from Philly, Jerry’s family owned an auto repair shop, and he has been around cars his entire life.
As a teenager, Jerry was drawn to hot rods. Although Jerry chose to pursue a career in education, he was always thinking about his next project. Having trained as a musician, Jerry had a level of discipline and attention to detail that served him in this new hobby. There was always something new to learn, and always someone new to meet.
Why Classic Car Reupholstery?
Jerry is quick to credit his in-depth classic car upholstery knowledge to Richard Gerwer. Richard is Jerry’s mentor and had a long career as a very popular upholsterer. He was the owner of Richard Gerwer Auto Upholstery, in Pennsylvania. Richard specialized in high end cars, finding his niche with Roadster tops, and early style cars like the Ford Model A. Several years ago at a Christmas party, Jerry asked him if he had ever considered teaching someone else his tricks of the trade. Richard said no one had ever asked him… and soon after, they began working together.
This opportunity to specialize allowed Jerry to really excel. Each summer, on average, he finishes 3 full interiors- headliner to carpet. Jerry is very particular about parts, and colors, and says most projects are unplanned. They come together on their own- like a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. Each piece leads you to the end result, with pieces coming from friends, or from a trade of services.
As with most things, building hot rods all comes down to the relationship. Jerry enjoys being a part of other’s projects, as much as he enjoys his own. Trading services, and helping each other make each project the best it can be, is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the community.
Current Project: 1932 Ford Coupe Hot Rod
Jerry’s current project is a Root Beer Brown 1932 Ford Coupe set to be featured in Rodder’s Journal, that is “as nice as he could possibly get it” as far as fit and finish. A lot of hours went into making sure the doors and trunk lid fit nicely, and the gaps were well done. The finish on the frame, and suspension were done with precision. A friend who is a professional chrome plater in Philadelphia did a lot of the suspension work, and plated and prepped the vehicle. This was a full interior project, and Jerry even made the seats out of aluminum, before doing the auto upholstery himself. A car typically takes Jerry a year from start to finish, and this project is going on four years.
Beyond being a project that Jerry has been able to slow down, and take his time on, it has some sentimental value. Jerry’s good friend, and “classic car upholstery teacher” asked if Jerry would like some help on this project. With Richard approaching his 80th birthday, it was a great experience to work together and collaborate, after learning so much from him over the years.
Jerry normally finishes a car, works the bugs out, and has some fun with it. Then, he sells it to start his next project. With this project, he knows it is a keeper. From the hours put in, to the work Richard contributed, every piece of the car has a story. The body came from a buddy, then the early Cadillac motor came from his friend TJ in New York. Whether it be traveling to get a part, or working alongside a friend, the personal connection with this project is strong.
Photo Credit: The Race of Gentlemen
The Race of Gentlemen
Like any car enthusiast, Jerry enjoys a good car show. He travels to car shows in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York. He enjoys taking his cars out of state to show them off a bit, and network with other talented hobbyists and professionals. One of the most notable is The Race of Gentlemen in Wildwood, New Jersey. The Race of Gentlemen is truly a race. Thousands of applicants apply each year, submitting photos of their car, and submitting proof they are built to period appropriate specs.
Both cars, and late 1930s and early 1940s Harley Davidson motorcycles, enter into the race. The races take place on Saturday and Sunday, with one on one races right down the shoreline of the beach. There is a bonfire that Saturday, and many attendees arrive as early as Wednesday to reconnect, drive their cars around town, make new friends- and enjoy the atmosphere. Jerry likens it to a “rolling museum.” A lot of the cars are historically significant, with speed equipment that may normally, literally, be seen in a museum. Seeing those cars racing on the beach as they were attended, is truly a sight to behold.
Jerry even uses older tools whenever possible, like his 1940’s metal cutters, and 1950’s upholstery shears, finding their quality is unmatched, and that much like the Race of Gentleman, they add a level of authenticity to the restoration process. His vintage 1970s Louvre Press came from a local shop. Jerry asked about it one day, after seeing it collect dust in a corner. Originally, the press helped ventilate the body of a car for racing in the salt flats. In 2020, while not serving a purpose for aerodynamics, it is a cool detail that speaks to classic design. The equipment itself is a reminder of the rich history of classic cars, and their repair and restoration.
Dream Project: 1950 Mercury
Jerry’s dream project is a 1950 Mercury. They are perfect to make into a custom car, as you can chop the top, and do some really great modifications to the body. Years ago, Jerry built a 1950 Mercury, and sold it for the down payment on their current home. Their home was originally owned by a carpenter, and features a huge workshop space. It is a running joke that they bought a workshop… that came with a house.
1949 to 1951 Mercurys are long, heavy cars with an easy, smooth ride. Jerry’s wife, Stefanie, teases him that she misses it because the early model cars Jerry specializes in are wonderful- but ride like a wooden roller coaster. Their Mercury is “the one that got away.”
Jerry’s Speed & Custom
Most customers hear about Jerry's business, Jerry's Speed and Custom, through word of mouth. Although, social media has been equally impactful, especially in recent years. Jerry posts photos of his work, and finds himself connecting with out of town clients. He has found himself with so many potential clients, and enough consistent work, that he is about the make leap. After much consideration, and despite his love of teaching, Jerry will be retiring early. At the end of this school year, Jerry is taking his hobby full time.
In between customer projects, Jerry will also be working on a complete cosmetic redo. He will be transforming a beauty originally built for last year's Race of Gentlemen. Now, a dark green with racing numbers, Jerry will be painting the body dark maroon. Jerry will essentially be transforming this car from a killer beach car, to a nice street car. The interior will even be redone in a distressed automotive leather from our Dakota Collection (which we’re not excited about at all by the way…) that is perfect for classic car upholstery. Stay tuned for that update- and in the meantime, be sure to follow Jerry on Instagram for all things hot rod. We promise it will not disappoint!
Working on a restoration of your own? Be sure to check out our Automotive Collection for your auto upholstery leather!