I have a 1970 LS-5 in need of restoration. The mechanical stuff is in pretty good shape, and as it's all original (and an air conditioned car), I figure to go the distance and do a full NCRS restoration.

The problem is the interior, which is in sad shape. The dash panel and door panels are not bad at all (surprising), but forget about the carpet and seat foam/covers. Windshield headers too, come to think of it.

My question is which vendors in your opinion provide the best quality replacement carpets, seat covers, and other harder-to-manufacture pieces, like the windshield header covers? I don't want to invest in stuff that can't possibly pass judgement.

I love Dr. Rebuild, but I know his opinion on NCRS judging. In large part, I understand and agree. Just in this case, the car deserves a fair shake at it.

Any thoughts?

 

Break out the chexk book.

 

I never thought I'd say this but Corvette America had seat covers that looked identical to me. I have a '71 LS6 red standard interior and I bought a set of red seat covers off ebay for $1.00, the seller paid the $20 shipping charge. When I got the seat covers they had a Corvette America tag sewn on them. I compared them to my originals and they were a perfect match, I was amazed. I've kept them just to have for comparing purposes to originals, for a $1 I didn't think I could do better.

 

Dr Rebuild
Paragon
Al Knoch Interiors

 

I've heard that.

The things I've purchased from them have impressed me. I'd not looked at something like a seat cover, but the other items had similarly good detail. Thanks!

Now, Paragon looks really good to me. I also like their other services for rebuilding components I might not have time for or don't want to completely destroy. Dr. Rebuild is great, although not everything is NCRS quality (and I'm good with that...he's honest and up front about it). I'd not looked into Al Knoch, but I will. Thanks!

 

Don't fool yourself into thinking that there's dozens of manufacturers out there for every component. There aren't. Many times there are one or maybe two- and those parts are then resold by dozens of vendors.

Presuming that one vendor consistently has all the good stuff is also chancy.

Corvette America's seat covers are very nice, but their doors panels not so much. Al Knoch's do better in judging but will still take a deduct.

If you're going to get serious about NCRS, join, read, learn, listen, then act.

 

True, and I was aware of this. What isn't necessarily the case is there is but one manufacturer for seat covers, or one for pillars. My question was more directed towards "in your experience, which vendor/manufacturer provides the highest quality goods given NCRS judging realities."

You bet. Most are essentially store fronts and don't manufacture a thing. Some manufacture parts but do a very poor job (Dr. Rebuild has opinions on this I noted). Others build very high quality parts. So again the question is "okay guys, for those who suffered through this, which ones turned out to provide the best stuff?"

Bingo! That's the type of thing I was wondering. Perfect.

Excellent advice, and advice I myself give often. I'm a member and have purchased everything they offer and read all of it. You're right on the money, so to speak (e.g.: get out the checkbook!).

My question isn't how it's done or what they might or might not look for. My question is who has experience with some of these vendors and found their products to be superior in judging. I have no choice but to replace carpet and seat covers, and if you're telling me that nobody will provide a cover or carpet frag that passes muster, I can live with that. Not all Corvettes can be restored to that level, and maybe I do the best I can, restore an awesome ride, and enjoy life.

What I don't want to do is miss out on a potential Top Flight car if I happen to have one. I'm gathering information and hoping all you folks that have gone through this don't mind sharing your hard-earned and much coveted information.

 

http://www.ncrs.org/

Post your questions on the NCRS website; attend meets; talk to NCRS members.

Why not have your car judged as she is? You could possibly score Second or Third flight, talk to the judges, review your score sheets, make your changes, and come back for Top Flight the next time.

 

Yes, that's very good advice. Most times a worn but original piece will score better than a brand new but inaccurate reproduction.

 

Ooh, now that's a thought. Unfortunately, it isn't running (engine rebuild to be undertaken) and when I say "replace the carpet" I mean because there is none from the seats forward. No idea where it went...it's how I got the car. Price was too good to refuse.

I see an excellent prospect, and one clearly deserving of restoration. I'm not sure it'll score anything given the current condition, but it might be interesting to scout out a judge (or qualified individual) and ask specific questions based on what's actually there.

Interesting thought to get a little more active in the local chapter. Like that advice.

Excellent thinking! That's of great benefit. One of the things I liked about this car (other than the obvious fact it's an LS-5 4-speed, Laguna Gray and beautiful if needing TLC) was that the only thing it's missing is the carpet and mufflers, and thereby the exhaust tips. The engine is all there, and I believe even down to the radiator hoses. I'd never discard anything, and I'd planned on reconditioning as much as I could. Luckily the door panels and dash seem to be in good shape. It was just some other, pretty obvious deficiencies are there too.

I find this a good and lively discussion. I bet there are more than a few owners out there wondering the same things I am. Thanks for all of the good inputs...

 

If your in it to win, then for maximum NCRS points for interiors Al Knoch is who you should contact. He only manufactures interiors and with exact reproduction quality. View his webb site or ask Jay Leno.

 

Just out of curiosity, did you just purchase this car on ebay?

If so, you may want to consider showing it as it is... Before you touch the engine.

Regards,

Stan Falenski

 

Wow- how long has Jay Leno been judging NCRS?

 

Hi K,
It might be a good idea for you to locate the NCRS chapter nearest to your location; speak to the contact person for the chapter and ask for some names of members who may be willing to look at your car with you and answer some specific questions about parts and possible vendors.
Often the existing (if original) part can be restored and used... almost always the best way to proceed. So MANY restoration parts that are sold are close but not quite right and can spoil a nice original car.
So think about having someone come take a look with and help you come up with a plan
Regards,
Alan

 

Yeah, it was me. I've been looking for a 1970 LS-5 to restore for years. Most are running in excess of $30K for the initial investment, and some are a good deal more than that. When this one came up, I was thrilled, but couldn't bid (wife disapproved). But the second time it came up, I just had to go for it. As for showing it without restoration, the only trouble there is I want to drive it something fierce. Never driven a 454.

Agreed, and to be honest, while certainly challenging, that's part of the enjoyment. My wife used to restore and fly old warbirds, and there they truly have to do that. The "restoration" parts market isn't like it is for Corvettes. You get really handy with a small sand blaster, paint, and skill.

Thoughfully said, and thanks to all of you. I'm hyped up to find the local guys and see what they think.

 

I'd buy from Al Knock in a minute his company did my leather seats, beautiful !

And other parts to source out would be Paragon or Riks Corvette in North Caroline. Also I've used Zip products in the past with great service and quality.

Another great sourse for original parts is Contemporary corvette @ 215-788-8693 for getting 'Rebuildable' parts like #matching alternators or starters and the such.

But I'd empty a gallon of gasoline on the floor of the car and set fire to the car before using Dr.Rebuild for anything.