You are absolutly right. 
New restoration project.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
New restoration project.
Hello I am new to the forum. I just started on a 1971 LT1 restoration.
Any advice on who supplies the best carpet set seat covers and door panels. Interior is leather.
Thanks
Any advice on who supplies the best carpet set seat covers and door panels. Interior is leather.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
The interior should be the last item on your restoration checklist. Frame, suspension and wheels/tires first, then drivetrain, then body and paint, then chrome. You have a very long way to go before needing to even consider seat covers and carpet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
Nothing worse than having a nice new interior and messing it all up with dust dirt grease and overspray from doing the rest of the restoration. Good luck with the project and show pictures.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
I've heard you're better off sticking with GM interior parts. Clean up or refurb the originals if possible. I have a pair of Al Knoch deluxe door panels. Total POS... Not even close to fitting. Won't seat on the top of the door properly, sit too high, top contour is much shallower than the originals. I have photos with measurements showing the difference. Bought too long ago for any help from Al Knoch, can't say I'm surprised since they were bought a very long time ago.
Rear carpet was cut wrong. Wheel well carpets were a poor fit.
Also had a problem with the seat upholstery, a seam which was made wrong. The shop which installed them had to create a filler plate.
All part of an Al Knoch interior package bought at Carlisle.
If they're the best I'd hate to see the others...
They may have cleaned up their act but I wouldn't buy from them without a money back guarantee the panels will fit properly.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,060
Likes: 102
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
i had great customer service and excellent replacement parts for the interior of my 78 from wilcox (also a forum sponsoring vendor). i did a complete wall to wall, ceiling to floor restore of the interior. the only thing that could be reused (and it had to be since there are no other reproductions available and finding a mint original was impossible) was the glove box door. i suggest you give them a call also.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
Corvette America also manufactures many of their interior parts. Their catalog shows carpet sets they make & shape correctly. Door panels, dash pads etc... .
Video link
http://www.corvetteamerica.com/cf/di...ategoryid=X260
Glenn
Video link
http://www.corvetteamerica.com/cf/di...ategoryid=X260
Glenn
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
71 Restoration
Thanks all.
I used Al Al Knoch on my 1966. I was just wondering if there was a better product for the C3.
I agree that all the greasy stuff will need to be done first. It’s just hard to deal with the smell of a 39 year old interior. This car is defiantly not a candidate for a survivor interior. Great frame though and all original except headers and exhaust.
I used Al Al Knoch on my 1966. I was just wondering if there was a better product for the C3.
I agree that all the greasy stuff will need to be done first. It’s just hard to deal with the smell of a 39 year old interior. This car is defiantly not a candidate for a survivor interior. Great frame though and all original except headers and exhaust.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,237
Likes: 4,330
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi jn,
Getting started on a restoration is big fun!
Being 'all original' as you describe, puts a bit of responsibility on you do do a job in keeping with the car's uniqueness.
I'd love to see some pictures of your car!
Regards,
Alan
Getting started on a restoration is big fun!
Being 'all original' as you describe, puts a bit of responsibility on you do do a job in keeping with the car's uniqueness.
I'd love to see some pictures of your car!
Regards,
Alan