i need help with 1978 interior
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
i need help with 1978 interior
so i just picked up my first corvette 
and it needs some interior work i was wondering if you guys would know the best place to pick up carpet, arm rest and headliner if you could help that would be awesome money is a little tight because im only 17 
and it needs some interior work i was wondering if you guys would know the best place to pick up carpet, arm rest and headliner if you could help that would be awesome money is a little tight because im only 17
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
the best place for a corvette interior may be Al Koch interiors.but if you dont have the big cash you need to call several of the corvette vendors on the left of the page they can give you prices.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Welcome aboard, check the C3 parts section, especially if you're on a budget. You'll still probably want to buy your new carpet from one of our supporting vendors, but you may be able to grab some of your other needed parts in good used condition at a serious discount. Even if the colour isn't correct, worry about condition first....you can always dye the parts to the correct colour. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Unless torn, you may be able to salvage the arm rest and headliner by using vinyl dye. I've used it on my 78 and it matched nicely and has held up well. I would think the headliner would be a perfect place to use it with little contact.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Why not drive the car for a while and get used to it? Once the two of you are acquainted, then you begin to determine what you need and what you do not need.
Order an owner's manual and the assembly instruction manual (AIM) for your '78 during the interim.
Order an owner's manual and the assembly instruction manual (AIM) for your '78 during the interim.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Sep 24, 2012 at 01:03 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 198
Likes: 2
From: St. Catharines Ontario
I agree. Get used to your new baby. I drove around for a couple years with no carpet...(mind you I put less than 1,000 km/yr on the car then), I'd make sure everything is mechanically sound and do a little at a time. Replacing the whole interior in one shot is pretty expensive.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: Grove City OH
we are you located? I actually just finished doing my interior a few months ago (still need to button up a few things) I am willing to help ya out if needed if you are fairly close. I did everything with the exception of the seats as i want nice seats ($$$$$) so they just have covers for now.
I replaced, carpet, dash, all consoles, entire doors (leather), fixed up steering column/horn, replaced 3 door compartment, restained the headliners and look perfect, etc. I would recommend like others above to just restain the head liners as long as if they are not cracked. just make sure you use all the cleaner/primer/paint/clear coat that is required. I did all my interior for around $2k-$2500. Carpet with underlayment i got for around $600 and it was all precut.
I replaced, carpet, dash, all consoles, entire doors (leather), fixed up steering column/horn, replaced 3 door compartment, restained the headliners and look perfect, etc. I would recommend like others above to just restain the head liners as long as if they are not cracked. just make sure you use all the cleaner/primer/paint/clear coat that is required. I did all my interior for around $2k-$2500. Carpet with underlayment i got for around $600 and it was all precut.
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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
I got my carpet at wilcox and it fit great. If/when you do it look into improving the sound deadening and heat reduction while you are there.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 142
Likes: 3
From: Grove City OH
Like I said I was able to get a carpet set and come good heat/sound barrier for around $600. I got my heat/sound barrier from ecklers as they had a nice kit that was pre cut for the entire car.Here is a pick of my 79 from the last show i was in. I won a top pick award for my class.
not 1st place but like 2nd but pretty good for only having the car since December of 2011. Still need to get paint done and work more on the engine compartment.