In 1954, Lee began teaching himself to re-upholster seat covers. By 1957, he had learned everything there was to know about upholstery. After freelancing at various used car lots, he got a job at Avalon Upholstery on Kingsway and eventually opened his own place on Fraser Street. About this time Lee became a member of British Columbia Custom Car Association (BCCCA)

Over the years, Lee has upholstered some of Vancouver's finest customized cars including:

Fred Welsh's 1940 Ford - The Treasure (which won every upholstery award given out from Vancouver to the Portland Roadster Show), Jim McGowan's Apache, Harry Dashevsky's Lil Red Wagon, Chuck Robinson's roadster, and George Cooney's metallic blue 1955 Chev which won numerous awards (including car shows in

LEE ROMANOWSKI - Inducted 2002

Supporter - Hot Rod, Custom Car and Drag Racing

Jim McGowan’s Apache (Larry Braine collection)

by Doreen Brookshaw

Lee Romanowski, 2002

California) for the white upholstery.

Lee closed his shop in 1962 and went to work at Colliers Chev-Olds restoring used cars. By 1968, the interest in customized upholstery died down so Lee got a job on the waterfront as a Heavy Duty Mechanic.

When Lee wasn't upholstering cars, he continued to judge the Upholstery Award at various car shows until 1973.