Rick Zozula has been involved in upholstery work, since he was in high school. It was while he participated in a work study program, at a commercial truck seat upholstery company, that he learned that this was to become his career.  The top photograph, above, was taken in 1978, as Rick worked on a seat cover for a truck, while on the job; it appeared in his high school yearbook. His wife later enlarged this picture, and it now hangs at his business, Richard’s Trimworks, located in Hewitt, N.J.

Up until 2001, Rick served as a manager for a large commercial upholstery company, while working on collector cars as a side business. Eight years ago, he opened his own business for doing interior work on collector cars, specifically.

“I enjoy doing this,” says Rick. “I like seeing the finished product. It’s so rewarding. And, I like making someone happy.  Seeing the response. The look on the customer’s face.  There is always a smile.”

Rick adds that when working on street rods, in particular, there is always room for serious creativity.

“There will never be two street rods that come out the same,” he notes. “There is always something different.”

Rick says that he has always been into old cars. In fact, one of his first-ever complete interior jobs was on his own 1963 Chevy Pick-Up that he owned as a teen, in 1979.

“That car was cool,” says Rick. “It was a mild street rod pick-up. I’ve always liked trucks.”

Over the years, he has owned a variety of collector trucks, including a ’49 Ford F1 and a ’56 F100; he currently rides around in his 1939 Chevy Sedan Delivery that he insures with Grundy Worldwide.  He says this rare vehicle is something that he has always dreamed he would have for his business.  And, his dream has come true.

The Chevy is currently undergoing some paint work. And, upon completion, the truck will advertise his company’s information along the side. He notes that it will also need some interior work.

“I hope I can squeeze that in, this winter,” he says. “It should be done soon.”

Hopefully, Rick can get around to his own car, as he has his work cut out for him. He says that he does about six complete interior jobs each year; he takes on smaller jobs here and there, as well. Rick prides himself on his quick turn-around, saying that he will never keep a car longer than eight weeks. And, he only will take on two big projects at a time to ensure his customer service is superior.

Currently, Rick says that he is working on complete interior jobs for a ’42 Willys kit car and a ’41 Dodge convertible. He adds that he will use only genuine leather on the convertible, as “this customer loves genuine leather.”

“Even if it starts out as vinyl, we put in genuine leather,” says Rick, with a chuckle.

Rick is quick to please his customers. 

“As you work on people’s cars, you get to know the customer,” says Rick. “You build a relationship with them. And, honestly, it’s kind of sad when I finish a car. But, some customers keep in touch, even after the work is done.”

Rick says that it is because of his customers’ satisfaction--and the bond that he makes with those who bring their cars to him--that he has never had to advertise his business. His customers find him through word-of-mouth and referrals.

But, this does not mean that Rick isn’t excited to get out in his panel delivery truck, with his company's information displayed along its side. He says he plans on hitting up some local cruise nights, once the good weather comes back to New Jersey.

Photos of some of the work Rick has done are displayed above. He has also had the opportunity of working on the original Batmobile from the 1960s television show, along with the Green Hornet car.

For more information on Richard’s Trimworks, contact Rick at 973-853-0707 or e-mail rickzoz@aol.com.

Story by: Becky McLaughlin

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