C3 Vette interiors....
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,334
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Oh they're not that bad....until you realize that parking brake console support bracket had to go in before the rear compartment center box went in, before the door frames went in, before the.........
Mooser
Mooser
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Haha, that must be what I am missing. I'm in the process of replacing the center gage shroud and wiper control switch. Nothing lines up with the holes though and every time I move one thing something else is out of alignment. Nothing really seems to be sagging our bent..... I think the car is just mad at me because I threatened to sell it. These cars don't seem to like to be taken apart and put back together either.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
I loosened the lower dash pads then screwed the gauge bezel and wiper switch bezel loosely into place. Then slowly tightened each screw a little at a time until everything was tight and as straight as I could get.
Last edited by DZRick; Nov 13, 2011 at 01:40 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 47
From: Scarborough Maine Fredericksburg VA
I am glad to see it isn't just me! I would rather change my clutch than I would redo the interior. I also have every manual including the AIM but that doesn't seem to help or give the order to get it done. I have snapped a brand new gauge cluster (anyone need a brand new piece or I should say two piece gauge surround).
I am rebuilding my heater box and taking it out of the car reminds me of how fun just getting the radio in right can be. And the heater cables??? Maybe my hands are just getting to old but those clips suck.
I am rebuilding my heater box and taking it out of the car reminds me of how fun just getting the radio in right can be. And the heater cables??? Maybe my hands are just getting to old but those clips suck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 47
From: Scarborough Maine Fredericksburg VA
I meant to add that I truly believe one of my biggest problems is that I expect everything to fit and the margins to be perfect. That is one of the areas I get into trouble with "just one more turn on the screw) thinking it will line everything up. I then look at my other C3 and realize that is far from perfect and somehow I never seem to notice that being off.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 193
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I love doing interiors. I have done probably 5 corvettes and I can't remember any problems. I have even recovered the seats with new foam both leather and vinyl.
NOW MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS #!**%^
NOW MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS #!**%^
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 47
From: Scarborough Maine Fredericksburg VA
69FASTFUN I think some folks are just better at some things and I suck at interiors as I don't have the patience. My brother is one of the most **** guys I know and he loves doing interiors but wouldn't ever do any hard mechanical jobs. (not saying you are **** just that it seems to help him)
I was in Scottsdale last week and it was actually warmer in Maine when I was there! Must be that dry cold.
I was in Scottsdale last week and it was actually warmer in Maine when I was there! Must be that dry cold.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 193
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I like when they turn out like this. The weather in Scottsdale has not been good the last couple of weeks. We are suppose to have the next week in the mid 70's. I will have to put the top down on the 72 and drive it a little.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
It would be WONDERFUL if some of the avalible reproduction parts were within OEM specifications. I've delt with "Velcro" fasteners that didn't grab (due to improper diameter of the ***** on top of the stems) Carpet sets that were cut short (think thats illegal alien workers staffing the factory), clips that wont secure in replacement panels but still fit tight in the broken OEM pieces (can we measure the thickness of the base panel and get the replacement near that size?) Yes re-doing a complete C3 interior is and exercize in frustration and wallet draining
But when it is done and you can drive the Vette, then all the frustrations are forgotten quickly
But when it is done and you can drive the Vette, then all the frustrations are forgotten quickly
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 745
Likes: 66
From: Hutto Texas
I hear ya. I went through all the same frustrations with my '81. However I echo Solid LT1's comment, when they are done all the frustration and cussing is quickly forgotten. I think working on C3 interiors is like prepping for a good paint job, its tedious and time consuming. However the end result is usually beautiful and more fulfilling than expected.
My '81 is not perfect but it is 100x better than when I got it. The fit of everything is better than factory except the glove box door. I have adjusted it a few more times and now just accept it will not be perfect. However being behind the wheel and being surrounded by great style that is now in excellent condition is always pleasing.
Before:
During:
After 3 months of off and on work:
My '81 is not perfect but it is 100x better than when I got it. The fit of everything is better than factory except the glove box door. I have adjusted it a few more times and now just accept it will not be perfect. However being behind the wheel and being surrounded by great style that is now in excellent condition is always pleasing.
Before:
During:
After 3 months of off and on work:
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 268
From: iowa city iowa
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C3 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
My 76 came with the interior stuffed in some boxes. I think it would have helped if I had been the one to take the interior out, but maybe not. I have the manual and hope I can figure it all out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Damascus MD
It can be a pain. I tried repro parts and it was very tough indeed. Finally waited until I found acceptable original parts on my 70 and it did go a lot easier.
Working and working to get all the wiring, speedo cable, tach cable in the precise location required helped too. Once these were in their place everything started to fall in to place.
It required a lot a patience and trial and error. Nothing should have to be seriously forced if it is right.
Bill
Working and working to get all the wiring, speedo cable, tach cable in the precise location required helped too. Once these were in their place everything started to fall in to place.
It required a lot a patience and trial and error. Nothing should have to be seriously forced if it is right.
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 4
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Yep! When experienced Corvette guys say to stick with original parts for your interior, you'd better take that advice! I wasted my money on a header panel for my convertible. Couldn't get it to fit. Ended up using the old cracked one.
