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C5 interior
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
C5 interior
Hello all, I am a new member. I am looking to buy a C5, but I am turned off by the interior. Does anyone know of an aftermarket company the makes an upgrade? For instance, when I open or close the door to a C5, I am suprised the handle did come off. I would like to change out the door panels and most of the surface materials. I want to stay away from any "stick-ons". I know that the performance per dollars ratio is great, but I would love to improve the interior with out spending C6 money.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,835
Likes: 1,850
From: NJ
2025 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Maybe he should buy a Honda! 
j/k
Seriously though, there are plenty of places that make beautiful aftermarket interior parts. Just search.
j/kSeriously though, there are plenty of places that make beautiful aftermarket interior parts. Just search.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
Nice thing about the Corvette that there are many options for many upgrades. Just takes money. You could have the entire interior covered in leather or anything you like. Just search.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,411
Likes: 3
From: slidell louisiana
I used vette essentials and a forum vendor, dj motorsports on here does alot of interior upgrades. You do get what you pay for though so search around. If you want hydrocarbon or carbon fiber (hydrocarbon is a lesser cost yet looks great IMO) Pat at American Hydrocarbon, also Chris from Carskinz does interior pieces as well. All of these are forum vendors and support our passion.
Last edited by rdline; Oct 25, 2009 at 09:22 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 9
From: Lexington Park MD
Unfortunately as you have already heard, the prices of upgrading the interior are VERY high (atleast in my eyes). But the part of opening the door and the handle feeling like it should fall off... have you had a chance to drive more than one C5? I think you may have just driven a bad one.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: North New Jersey
I know that Corvettes have not had the best reputation in the past. My first Vette was a 1988, I now have a 2001. All I can say is that they are multiple worlds apart. The bad reputation does not fit the C5. These cars are well built. If the one you drove felt that bad walk away and find another one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,869
Likes: 770
From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
Hmmm.....first impression from virtually everyone that has ridden in mine is that they love it.....they feel like they are in jet plane cockpit.
Plus, mine is two tone grey and black rather than all black. It sets it off nicely.
Plus, mine is two tone grey and black rather than all black. It sets it off nicely.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
Hello all, I am a new member. I am looking to buy a C5, but I am turned off by the interior. Does anyone know of an aftermarket company the makes an upgrade? For instance, when I open or close the door to a C5, I am suprised the handle did come off. I would like to change out the door panels and most of the surface materials. I want to stay away from any "stick-ons". I know that the performance per dollars ratio is great, but I would love to improve the interior with out spending C6 money.
You will notice there is no shortage of opinions here on the forum. Don't take any of this stuff personal, as many of the guys forget they started off with little to no knowledge about Corvettes and the abundance of aftermarket performance and assessory add-ons. The beauty of this environment is you can make most any modification you want as long as you (1) have the money and (2) accept the fact that you'll never recover your investment when and if you decide to sell and move on. Corvettes are a very personal and emotional thing for most of us and ,as such, what you like may not be a shared by others. Just sit back and enjoy. There's a lot to learn and much of it available here on this forum. Overall, a great community.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
sorry to differ, but nothing wrong with c5 interior, if door handle almost fell off it was a abused car in my opinion, don't know why people think c5 interior sucks and for instance c6 so much better...I think not, to each his own
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
I actually think that the stock C5 interior is quite nice. Sure, it can look better with new two-tone leather seats or door panels. But, I love my interior just the way it is. The only thing I changed was the manual shifter ****. But, that was more for feel than looks.
