Modernized C3 interior??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Keizer OR
Modernized C3 interior??
Has anyone here updated/upgraded their interior such that it was more of a modern style? I have an '81 and looking it over it appears I could modernize the gauges with new vinyl overlays or even new gauges. Take out the molded face where the center gauge cluster is with the fake screw heads and replace it with a flat lightly grained piece. New modern style seats. Replace the chrome window/power lock switches with new black plastic pieces. New modern stereo, etc.
I'm rethinking my "keep it looking stock not matter what, replace the stereo with a specialty one that looks like it could be stock to the untrained eye" mindset.
Along the same lines, has anyone replaced the stock center console parts with leather or vinyl? I'm curious how it would look and how much work would be involved.
I'm rethinking my "keep it looking stock not matter what, replace the stereo with a specialty one that looks like it could be stock to the untrained eye" mindset.
Along the same lines, has anyone replaced the stock center console parts with leather or vinyl? I'm curious how it would look and how much work would be involved.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,600
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From: Valencia (near LA) CA
You could buy a '68 dash set, load it up with some really nice autometer gauges, and wrap it in leather. It would look almost like an Aston Martin.
Add C4 or C5 seats, plush carpet, and the modern stereo you mentioned and that would be a VERY nice car!
~Jay
Add C4 or C5 seats, plush carpet, and the modern stereo you mentioned and that would be a VERY nice car!
~Jay
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 225
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From: Pflugerville Texas
I've been thinking along these lines with my interior. I would really like to get away from stock altogether. I want all my gauges in front of me, getting rid of the huge speedo and tach in exchange for some smaller autometer or VDO replacements... Right now my plans include molding custom dash, door panels and center console out of fiberlass. I will rebuild the original seats to be more "sporty" by today's terms.
Of course, that all may change by the time I get around to it... :-D
-Jason
Of course, that all may change by the time I get around to it... :-D
-Jason
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,881
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From: staten island ny
Originally Posted by wcsinx
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 625
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From: The Villages FL
Interior Upgrades
For some good ideas, go to www.corvettefever.com and click on the "Project Shark Attack" icon. They did some neat updates such as getting rid of the map pockets and cutting the door for 61/2" speakers. After talking to the lady who builds the actual door, this is easier than sewing the map pockets anyway. Two-tone colors from different Corvette years, upgraded seats, fancy Sony Stereo installation, lots of insulation/sound proofing, white face gauges with black letters and red needles, Custome logo stitching just to throw out a few. I will be using a whole bunch of these in my 77 rebuild.
Spike
Spike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by spikezz4
For some good ideas, go to www.corvettefever.com and click on the "Project Shark Attack" icon. They did some neat updates such as getting rid of the map pockets and cutting the door for 61/2" speakers. After talking to the lady who builds the actual door, this is easier than sewing the map pockets anyway. Two-tone colors from different Corvette years, upgraded seats, fancy Sony Stereo installation, lots of insulation/sound proofing, white face gauges with black letters and red needles, Custome logo stitching just to throw out a few. I will be using a whole bunch of these in my 77 rebuild.
Spike
Spike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 847
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From: Des Allemands LA
I need to take some updated pics but this is the speedo/tach (actually before the dash was completely installed) and I installed digital gauges in the center stock locations. Went digital not so much for the cool effect but you can glance at them and see what's going on quickly.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 0
From: Valencia (near LA) CA
Originally Posted by mhirep
We have 76, how difficult is it to install the C4 or C5 seats???
I use the manual C4 seat tracks. The bolt hole don't quite line up so in the back I drilled and re-tapped, and in the front I welded little metal tabs onto the tracks and drilled holes into them where the old hole are in the floor.
The only issue is that seats sit higher than the stock seats, But I think the floor is lower in '70 and up cars.
~Jay