Cost for interior restoration
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 689
Likes: 169
From: Palm Bay Florida
Cost for interior restoration
1969 corvette L46
I am planning on taking my corvette into a shop and having some interior work done. I need the following done:
1)install upper dash
2)install LH dash panel
3)install RH dash panel
3)install center cluster/bezel
4)install consoles and shift plate
5)insulation and carpet
All parts need to be purchased with the exception of the console and shift plate.
Can someone give me an rough idea of the cost for having this done.
I probably would take the car to a shop with experience with this work.
Thanks for your input.
I am planning on taking my corvette into a shop and having some interior work done. I need the following done:
1)install upper dash
2)install LH dash panel
3)install RH dash panel
3)install center cluster/bezel
4)install consoles and shift plate
5)insulation and carpet
All parts need to be purchased with the exception of the console and shift plate.
Can someone give me an rough idea of the cost for having this done.
I probably would take the car to a shop with experience with this work.
Thanks for your input.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,601
Likes: 7,048
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Just a rookie guess: Parts--Medium grade (not restoration nor show quality) $1500
Labor $1200+
(I'm forcing myself to do all the labor so I can spend the "saved money" on a quality paint job)
Labor $1200+
(I'm forcing myself to do all the labor so I can spend the "saved money" on a quality paint job)
Last edited by doorgunner; Sep 1, 2016 at 06:03 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
Hopefully the shop you take it to KNOWS what they are in for.
There is a lot more than JUST installing these parts ONCE you get the old ones out.
Like I tell my customers....when I have it all out.....IF your lenses for your speedo and tach and center gauges are scratched up and dull. it is insane to have me put these back onto the new parts that look good...because you WILL regret it.
And then there are the light bulbs..... put new ones in it and MAKE SURE that the housing on the light bulbs are the brass design so they stay caged in the socket. A lot of the silver housing design light bulbs will pop out due to the side pins are not well defined and will not hold.
Making sure that all air ducts are cleaned and sealed up and that is if it is an A/C car or not.
Possible damage to the already worn steering coupling can also occur due to the steering column needs to be dropped so the speedo/tach cluster can come out with out busting things.
They also do not install the three rubber plugs in the rear vertical wall of the car also....they just glue the heck out of it.
Replacing the rubber carpet plugs and ACTUALLY taking the time to install them. Many places don't do this due to the hard plastic pieces that go under and around the base of your steering column can be a bit of fun and a hassle and most people are not aware of them.
AND..this happens quite a lot when I get Corvettes in my shop that someone else put together. They do not install the two 10-24 nuts that hold the center gauge bezel to the console....and many items they do not have the park brake console correct and the shifter console correct....it is all 'screwed-up'... and many times....if I am lucky... they put any of the screws in there correct locations correctly.
And OH yes...if that is not enough...when it comes to the rear storage compartment frame and lids...that is also a FUN area to get right and not all screwed up.
DUB
There is a lot more than JUST installing these parts ONCE you get the old ones out.
Like I tell my customers....when I have it all out.....IF your lenses for your speedo and tach and center gauges are scratched up and dull. it is insane to have me put these back onto the new parts that look good...because you WILL regret it.
And then there are the light bulbs..... put new ones in it and MAKE SURE that the housing on the light bulbs are the brass design so they stay caged in the socket. A lot of the silver housing design light bulbs will pop out due to the side pins are not well defined and will not hold.
Making sure that all air ducts are cleaned and sealed up and that is if it is an A/C car or not.
Possible damage to the already worn steering coupling can also occur due to the steering column needs to be dropped so the speedo/tach cluster can come out with out busting things.
They also do not install the three rubber plugs in the rear vertical wall of the car also....they just glue the heck out of it.
Replacing the rubber carpet plugs and ACTUALLY taking the time to install them. Many places don't do this due to the hard plastic pieces that go under and around the base of your steering column can be a bit of fun and a hassle and most people are not aware of them.
AND..this happens quite a lot when I get Corvettes in my shop that someone else put together. They do not install the two 10-24 nuts that hold the center gauge bezel to the console....and many items they do not have the park brake console correct and the shifter console correct....it is all 'screwed-up'... and many times....if I am lucky... they put any of the screws in there correct locations correctly.
And OH yes...if that is not enough...when it comes to the rear storage compartment frame and lids...that is also a FUN area to get right and not all screwed up.
DUB
Last edited by DUB; Sep 1, 2016 at 07:07 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Hopefully the shop you take it to KNOWS what they are in for.
There is a lot more than JUST installing these parts ONCE you get the old ones out.
Like I tell my customers....when I have it all out.....IF your lenses for your speedo and tach and center gauges are scratched up and dull. it is insane to have me put these back onto the new parts that look good...because you WILL regret it.
And then there are the light bulbs..... put new ones in it and MAKE SURE that the housing on the light bulbs are the brass design so they stay caged in the socket. A lot of the silver housing design light bulbs will pop out due to the side pins are not well defined and will not hold.
.
DUB
There is a lot more than JUST installing these parts ONCE you get the old ones out.
Like I tell my customers....when I have it all out.....IF your lenses for your speedo and tach and center gauges are scratched up and dull. it is insane to have me put these back onto the new parts that look good...because you WILL regret it.
And then there are the light bulbs..... put new ones in it and MAKE SURE that the housing on the light bulbs are the brass design so they stay caged in the socket. A lot of the silver housing design light bulbs will pop out due to the side pins are not well defined and will not hold.
.
DUB
OH- and if the gauges/needles are faded...firewall insulation... Speedo - tach cables-vacuum lines need to be checked/replaced...speakers probably need to be replaced(70 later in the dash)...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 66
From: Killeen Texas
The prices you can get from any of the corvette suppliers but would watch for free shipping. It will be more the 1500.00 you might want to add new mounting screws lenes and if you have it all apart insulation like Richard mentioned. Lots of parts that you did not mentioned that once its all apart you might look at and want to replace them also. One thing will lead to another.
Good luck
Tim
Good luck
Tim
Last edited by Tim 1973; Sep 2, 2016 at 01:18 AM.
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My carpet, padding and insulation alone came to $600.00. Its all pretty easy installation if you have the time to do it yourself. Especially with the seats out and the steering column dropped. You wont need to be a yoga master.
You learn alot about whats where as well. The only hard part is putting the wiring harness behind the dash. Just take a pic as you pull it off. If you're in the northeast I would add another grand to that price easily.
And while your in there.....check out your wiring harness, dash bulbs, switches, etc. May as well only get in there once.
Make sure they triple check the oil pressure lines prior to restarting after the restoration. It can get ugly fast
You learn alot about whats where as well. The only hard part is putting the wiring harness behind the dash. Just take a pic as you pull it off. If you're in the northeast I would add another grand to that price easily.
And while your in there.....check out your wiring harness, dash bulbs, switches, etc. May as well only get in there once.
Make sure they triple check the oil pressure lines prior to restarting after the restoration. It can get ugly fast
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Sep 2, 2016 at 08:52 AM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 689
Likes: 169
From: Palm Bay Florida
That was my plan until I started to put the dash pieces back in..above my skill level at this point in my life.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 689
Likes: 169
From: Palm Bay Florida
Hopefully the shop you take it to KNOWS what they are in for.
There is a lot more than JUST installing these parts ONCE you get the old ones out.
Like I tell my customers....when I have it all out.....IF your lenses for your speedo and tach and center gauges are scratched up and dull. it is insane to have me put these back onto the new parts that look good...because you WILL regret it.
And then there are the light bulbs..... put new ones in it and MAKE SURE that the housing on the light bulbs are the brass design so they stay caged in the socket. A lot of the silver housing design light bulbs will pop out due to the side pins are not well defined and will not hold.
Making sure that all air ducts are cleaned and sealed up and that is if it is an A/C car or not.
Possible damage to the already worn steering coupling can also occur due to the steering column needs to be dropped so the speedo/tach cluster can come out with out busting things.
They also do not install the three rubber plugs in the rear vertical wall of the car also....they just glue the heck out of it.
Replacing the rubber carpet plugs and ACTUALLY taking the time to install them. Many places don't do this due to the hard plastic pieces that go under and around the base of your steering column can be a bit of fun and a hassle and most people are not aware of them.
AND..this happens quite a lot when I get Corvettes in my shop that someone else put together. They do not install the two 10-24 nuts that hold the center gauge bezel to the console....and many items they do not have the park brake console correct and the shifter console correct....it is all 'screwed-up'... and many times....if I am lucky... they put any of the screws in there correct locations correctly.
And OH yes...if that is not enough...when it comes to the rear storage compartment frame and lids...that is also a FUN area to get right and not all screwed up.
DUB
There is a lot more than JUST installing these parts ONCE you get the old ones out.
Like I tell my customers....when I have it all out.....IF your lenses for your speedo and tach and center gauges are scratched up and dull. it is insane to have me put these back onto the new parts that look good...because you WILL regret it.
And then there are the light bulbs..... put new ones in it and MAKE SURE that the housing on the light bulbs are the brass design so they stay caged in the socket. A lot of the silver housing design light bulbs will pop out due to the side pins are not well defined and will not hold.
Making sure that all air ducts are cleaned and sealed up and that is if it is an A/C car or not.
Possible damage to the already worn steering coupling can also occur due to the steering column needs to be dropped so the speedo/tach cluster can come out with out busting things.
They also do not install the three rubber plugs in the rear vertical wall of the car also....they just glue the heck out of it.
Replacing the rubber carpet plugs and ACTUALLY taking the time to install them. Many places don't do this due to the hard plastic pieces that go under and around the base of your steering column can be a bit of fun and a hassle and most people are not aware of them.
AND..this happens quite a lot when I get Corvettes in my shop that someone else put together. They do not install the two 10-24 nuts that hold the center gauge bezel to the console....and many items they do not have the park brake console correct and the shifter console correct....it is all 'screwed-up'... and many times....if I am lucky... they put any of the screws in there correct locations correctly.
And OH yes...if that is not enough...when it comes to the rear storage compartment frame and lids...that is also a FUN area to get right and not all screwed up.
DUB
Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
heater controls? vacuum lines, vacuum, radio restore, replace wiring harness, shifter boots..
as you see, I would add a lot to the base cost,, things will break and will be rusted away, or screws stripped when you get it all apart. You really don't have to do it all, but as stated, a rusty part with lots of patina next to a new part is discouraging.
as you see, I would add a lot to the base cost,, things will break and will be rusted away, or screws stripped when you get it all apart. You really don't have to do it all, but as stated, a rusty part with lots of patina next to a new part is discouraging.
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10,805
Likes: 706
From: Feverish All Over
Remove the seats if you're doing dashboard and console work. 4 bolts each and you\ll have so much more room to work as well as lie on your back to access things..
Ask me how I know...
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Hopefully the shop you take it to KNOWS what they are in for.
There is a lot more than JUST installing these parts ONCE you get the old ones out.
Like I tell my customers....when I have it all out.....IF your lenses for your speedo and tach and center gauges are scratched up and dull. it is insane to have me put these back onto the new parts that look good...because you WILL regret it.
And then there are the light bulbs..... put new ones in it and MAKE SURE that the housing on the light bulbs are the brass design so they stay caged in the socket. A lot of the silver housing design light bulbs will pop out due to the side pins are not well defined and will not hold.
Making sure that all air ducts are cleaned and sealed up and that is if it is an A/C car or not.
Possible damage to the already worn steering coupling can also occur due to the steering column needs to be dropped so the speedo/tach cluster can come out with out busting things.
They also do not install the three rubber plugs in the rear vertical wall of the car also....they just glue the heck out of it.
Replacing the rubber carpet plugs and ACTUALLY taking the time to install them. Many places don't do this due to the hard plastic pieces that go under and around the base of your steering column can be a bit of fun and a hassle and most people are not aware of them.
AND..this happens quite a lot when I get Corvettes in my shop that someone else put together. They do not install the two 10-24 nuts that hold the center gauge bezel to the console....and many items they do not have the park brake console correct and the shifter console correct....it is all 'screwed-up'... and many times....if I am lucky... they put any of the screws in there correct locations correctly.
And OH yes...if that is not enough...when it comes to the rear storage compartment frame and lids...that is also a FUN area to get right and not all screwed up.
DUB
There is a lot more than JUST installing these parts ONCE you get the old ones out.
Like I tell my customers....when I have it all out.....IF your lenses for your speedo and tach and center gauges are scratched up and dull. it is insane to have me put these back onto the new parts that look good...because you WILL regret it.
And then there are the light bulbs..... put new ones in it and MAKE SURE that the housing on the light bulbs are the brass design so they stay caged in the socket. A lot of the silver housing design light bulbs will pop out due to the side pins are not well defined and will not hold.
Making sure that all air ducts are cleaned and sealed up and that is if it is an A/C car or not.
Possible damage to the already worn steering coupling can also occur due to the steering column needs to be dropped so the speedo/tach cluster can come out with out busting things.
They also do not install the three rubber plugs in the rear vertical wall of the car also....they just glue the heck out of it.
Replacing the rubber carpet plugs and ACTUALLY taking the time to install them. Many places don't do this due to the hard plastic pieces that go under and around the base of your steering column can be a bit of fun and a hassle and most people are not aware of them.
AND..this happens quite a lot when I get Corvettes in my shop that someone else put together. They do not install the two 10-24 nuts that hold the center gauge bezel to the console....and many items they do not have the park brake console correct and the shifter console correct....it is all 'screwed-up'... and many times....if I am lucky... they put any of the screws in there correct locations correctly.
And OH yes...if that is not enough...when it comes to the rear storage compartment frame and lids...that is also a FUN area to get right and not all screwed up.
DUB
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
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Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Old
Hi DUB My name is mike b from Pa I have a 1969 that i want all new full interior complete. Black Leather and want the best including all gauges all new hardware. I am from northeast Pa. and willing to bring the car to you! I am looking for a top flight job ! even though i'm going to drive this car Not just park it and go to shows. I know there is a lot of variables involved so you can assist me with advice on the wright companies you like for all of the components ! I am doing a frame off complete nut and bolt restoration! F41,j56,m22,4.10:1,Ti ignition, My Phone # is Home 570-299-5495 Thank You "DUB"
Last edited by Shovels and Vettes; Apr 17, 2021 at 09:29 AM.