Interior swap is even possible?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, California
Interior swap is even possible?
Hello everyone. It's been awhile since my last log in. I just want to throw this out there. Is it possible to completely swap out the entire interior I mean the dash instruments door panels everything! From a c4 85' let's say to a 90' or even newer maby not a c5 but is it even possible? The interior dimensions are they the same on all c4's I'm talking about bare inside dimensions and where it all mounts to. Anyone have any ideas on this. Just asking. Thanks.......
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 339
From: Simi Valley CA
The doors are different from the 85 to 90s. The new interior got the speakers on the floor instead of the doors. I would bet GM made subtle changes to the body for the dash mounting as well. It could be done, but would probably require fabrication. On an 89 I had the PO put a double din Alpine stereo in it. I took it out and put an Alpine 940 nav stereo in. There was an internal bracket that I had to cut more to get the 940 to fit. On my 92 there is plenty of room to install a double din without having to cut internal structures.
If you prefer the 85 body and the 90s interior then the 1990 is the one to get. It is the first of the new interior and the last of the 80s body. 91 was the first to get the rounded tail (except zr1).
If you prefer the 85 body and the 90s interior then the 1990 is the one to get. It is the first of the new interior and the last of the 80s body. 91 was the first to get the rounded tail (except zr1).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 764
From: Sligo PA
I think for all the work that would be involved you might be better off with a custom interior instead of swapping from another car. People have come up with some really cool custom dashes over the years. You can do some amazing things with some fiber glass and a 3D printer.
Or I could be wrong. The one guy from the YouTube channel SPPTV put a 50's truck dash in his 90's S10 so I guess anything is possible.
Or I could be wrong. The one guy from the YouTube channel SPPTV put a 50's truck dash in his 90's S10 so I guess anything is possible.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 225
Likes: 81
From: Vancouver, WA
Hello everyone. It's been awhile since my last log in. I just want to throw this out there. Is it possible to completely swap out the entire interior I mean the dash instruments door panels everything! From a c4 85' let's say to a 90' or even newer maby not a c5 but is it even possible? The interior dimensions are they the same on all c4's I'm talking about bare inside dimensions and where it all mounts to. Anyone have any ideas on this. Just asking. Thanks.......
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Oh, It's been done. Somewhere in the recesses of this forum, you'll find a thread detailing WITH PICTURES all/most of the project. I can't tell you who did it or what title to search for. "Interior" is prolly a good word to use though. I'm gonna guess 10-12 years ago?
I've done a complete interior redo (keeping the existing dash. I saw that thread and thought "OMG, Who'd ever want to go THAT far?" It looked like a nightmare. And, I can say just from the work I have done (in the dash), you couldn't PAY me to consider that kind of project!
Not a chance, no sir. I'm with the posters who've said BUY the car with the interior you want. UNLESS, you are really stuck on a combo of interior/exterior? FWIW, I swapped exterior bumpers, molding, etc.. I'd MUCH rather swap exterior pieces (if it were me). Just sayin....
I've done a complete interior redo (keeping the existing dash. I saw that thread and thought "OMG, Who'd ever want to go THAT far?" It looked like a nightmare. And, I can say just from the work I have done (in the dash), you couldn't PAY me to consider that kind of project!
Not a chance, no sir. I'm with the posters who've said BUY the car with the interior you want. UNLESS, you are really stuck on a combo of interior/exterior? FWIW, I swapped exterior bumpers, molding, etc.. I'd MUCH rather swap exterior pieces (if it were me). Just sayin....
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, California
Interior swap
Just a thought. I guess I'm just getting a little frustrated with the electronics on my 85' dash. I do love my car so buying a newer model I think would be the best. Can't afford a new new one but I've definitely got the fever. Once you get one you want another one. Thanks for all the input. I think I could find a c5 at a price I could handle... c5 here I come. Corvette fever. There is no other car for me. Thanks corvette forum you always know the answer.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
So.....You were considering a COMPLETE dash swap but don't have an interest in diagnosing/repairing what you have?
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