Topic: Complete interior restoration
in Forum: C3 Interior
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
I just bought my first C3. It's a '76 and a very solid car but the interior needs to be completely gone through. I have done a little research and have seen some of the options available. I will need an interior kit with seat covers carpet and door panels. I have also read about the interior dye's that are available. My questions are mostly concerning these dye type products. Can the same product be used on the hard and soft interior vinyls and plastics? If anyone has any experiance with these products please share it, good, bad. Also I see the insulation blanket sound proofing. Is it worth the added investment? My plan is to make this car a nice daily driver, not a show piece but I still want it to look nice in and out. I've done a lot of mechanical work over the years on many different autos. I've even done some restoration work with fiberglass bodied cars. This interior stuff has me a little baffled. I want to get the right parts and products the first time. Thanks for any information anyone can provide.
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Welcome to the wonderful experience of C3 ownership!!
Dyes work well on hard nad plastic surfaces. You want to make sure that the prep is done right for good adhesion. I have seen less than glamorous results from dye'd seats. The vinyl seat covers are not that damaging price-wise and provide very presentable results.
The insulation is well worth it - you'll be thankful on hot summer days!!!
Good luck,
Paul
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops 
Lifetime MemberLemon Grove, CA - USA
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041
Vette(s): 1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.
I have a 82 CE that the previous owner put cloth seats and door panels to match. It had a cracked dash and posts etc. Basically a complete interior. I pulled the dash and am in the process of doing the complete interior.
Somethings I did was replace all of the lights behind the dash changed speakers to support a newer radio and will replace the heater core as doing it later would not be nice. There is a couple of threads on this type of restoration. I will see if I can find them.
About two posts below yours is a good discussion on heat barriers
http://www.c3vr.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=74615
Tb2k82CE 2008-08-05 16:41:25
Somethings I did was replace all of the lights behind the dash changed speakers to support a newer radio and will replace the heater core as doing it later would not be nice. There is a couple of threads on this type of restoration. I will see if I can find them.
About two posts below yours is a good discussion on heat barriers
http://www.c3vr.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=74615
Lifetime MemberDillsboro, IN - USA
Joined: 8/3/2003
Posts: 182
Vette(s): 1969-427/435hp T top Tri-power
2000-Mag Red six speed convertible
RJ, If you go to www.alknochinteriors.com they have a complete library
of how to dvd's to help with the install. Also check prices.They have a
good product. Butch
Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
I did my interior a few years ago. New door panels, both lower dash pads, upper dash pad, leather seat covers, seat foam, carpet, and piller pads. The other parts I used I think SEMA interior paint to match. It has held up very well. I scrbbed the parts with TSP then ran some through the dishwasher. I used Al Knoch on most of the parts. I did insulate which did reduce some of the heat on the interior.
suncountry 2008-08-05 21:26:47
Former Member
Send PM
Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
Al Knoch is the quality leader in interiors. There are other, lower priced alternatives if you are willing to compromise a little quality for a little savings. And there is some real junk that is not worth considering.
We have had many customers use the spray dye on soft surfaces, including seats. The key is to clean very well before spraying.
Larry
We have had many customers use the spray dye on soft surfaces, including seats. The key is to clean very well before spraying.
Larry
[QUOTE=RJKartman]... If anyone has any experiance with these products please share it, good, bad.... [/QUOTE]
6880Mike 2008-08-15 05:56:34
I have done the interiors in my '68 (vinyl) and my '80 (leather) with SEM automotive interior dye. Best stuff you can buy. Shoots like lacquer. Durable and will not rub off. You can use it on leather, vinyl, hard plastic, and metal. Do the Google thing for a SEM dealer in your area. Take a small piece of your original trim color with you and they will be able to match the color.
Cleanliness is the key. Parts to be dyed have to be clean. FYI: Corvette leather seats have a clear sealant on them from the factory. Clean well.
in Forum: C3 Interior
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)