The interior in my 79 is not in the greatest shape so I have a few questions about fixing it up.
I'm used to working on the suspension and engine and other mechanicals so pardon me if I sound like a noob

I love the seats in the 79, super comfortable and supportive, the only problem is that the vinyl is badly cracked and ripped in many places. I'm wondering if there is some place where I can get cloth replacements for the stock vinyl ones (I don't want to go with leather because it makes my back sweat in the summer) I'm thinking of maybe just replacing both of the foam cushions (the one that goes on the seat, and on the back) with new ones that are already upholstered, is this possible? What would you guys recommend for me.

Also, how much of a pain is it to replace all the interior carpet? After it is all taken off is there a lot of prep needed to put new carpet down? I believe I've seen pictures of cars with the carpet out and theres all sorts of gunk and glue that has to be scrapped off, if it is too much of a hassle I might just leave that alone.

Finally, my center console is also all scratched and the original black paint is faded, how tough is it to get it off? Can it be touched up or painted while in the car (with regular brushes maybe?)

Sorry for the long post, I just thought I'd spare everyone the pain of having to respond to a bunch of different threads.

 

You can fix all that stuff, if you can do mechanical work in the engine bay. Of course, you'll have to ditch the hammer. You need to buy an A.I.M. for your car, if you don't already have one...invaluable, when working on the interior. The console isn't too bad...just a lot of interconnection of parts that have to be removed in some order. Several plastic tabs that need to be handled carefully or they'll get broken [you'll have to re-calibrate the muscles for light-duty work]. If parts are not ripped, torn or broken, you can clean them up well and re-dye them to original color. They'll look as good as new. Carpeting is a lot easer than most people indicate; there's not that much glue used. Just remove everything...seats, consoles, etc....to gain good access for working. Get all your interior pieces fixed and re-dyed and put down heat insulation/sound deadener if you want either [or both] before you worry about installing the carpeting. I can't help with the cloth seat covers, but if you take the seats to a good auto upholstery shop, I'm sure they can put on whatever fabric you want. Good luck.

 

I have the complete interior out of my car now, doing the same as you. The PO of my car evidently did some painting while the stuff was in the car and I am having to remove overspray from a lot of places. Make sure you have a digital camera, its invaluable when you start taking the dash and console out to help you remember where stuff is routed and hooked up. As said earlier, if your putting down new carpet make sure you put some sound and heat barrier down first, everybody says it makes a huge difference. It hasnt been too bad so far, and I have repainted most of my interior that I havent replaced and its looking brand new!

 

I am in the middle of redoing my whole interior. Got all my parts threw Willcox, they have some great package deals. I am just finishing up the carpet (I also put down that reflex insulation). Put the new door panels on, and next step is recovering the seats. None of it is hard, but alittle time consuming. If I didnt work on it every few nights, it could all be done in about 2 weekends. Its kind of fun and relaxing to hide in the garage with a few beers and the radio on. If I get frusrated, I just walk up stairs and come back to it later.
Good luck!!
Jimbo

 

Willcox is a one stop shop pretty much with excellent prices. And mine is taking alot of beer!

 

I second Wilcox as well. Was very happy.. On the re-upholster front you could find a local shop that does this... That is what I did. I found a place locally that did restaurant seating and boats.. Did a fantastic job!!!

 

Not sure if the forum sale is still going on but I saved a combined $300 on leather mounted seats & carpet from Wilcox vs. Corvette Central - people were much nicer too.

 

Here's my new Willcox interior, can't beat the price, quality or service........

New;


Old;

 

Yeah I've been hearing a lot of great things about their interior packages, I recently order new bare trailing arms from them and was very happy.
Thanks for all the advice