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I have driven a C6 ZR1 and a couple C6 coups. I really like them but I am having trouble liking the interior, especially the dash. It seems bland and simple. Kinda plasticy. I do like the guage cluster. The C5 dash seems warm, classy with character, and soft. I don't mean to rip on the C6 but these are just my observations. Some day I would like to own a Grand Sport but I am struggling to like the dash. Does anyone else feel this way or am I alone on this?
You're not the only one with this opinion. From personal experience and from other things I've read, GM got it right with the C7 interior, but missed the boat on the C6. I'm not bashing the C6 either. I like all generations of the Vette. But I've heard what you're saying from others. On the other hand, I recently read a thread where a C6 instrument panel was installed on a C5 and it worked!
I too really like the C7 dash/interior. I recently jumped in a new C7Z at the dealership I work at and fired it up. WOW. It is awesome. I revved it a few times in sport and track mode and almost p'd myself. Sadly, I was not able to drive it. I was surprised at how it felt like my 95 C4 I once had. C7? For sure, some day.
Sometimes it depends on the interior trim level of the C6. The more rare 4LT trim is a bit nicer. But yes, the C6 interior overall, is a bit "plastic" where our C5 interiors are more "vinyl." They both have their good and bad, but yes, the C7 3LT interior trim is fantastic.
Easiest way to fix it in any generation is just cover everything in leather and suede.
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I will admit that the C7 interior is very nice and a definite upgrade from both the C5 and C6. I do like my C5, but there could have been more effort put into making it into a better quality product. I've taken some steps in that direction with my Vette Essentials upgrades.
There's an awful lot to be said for "proper" gauges and switches. First, they look great, and second they can get fixed/replaced when they go wrong. Along with simple HVAC controls......
And the manufacturers continue to pour more electronics in. Recent reviews of the latest BMW 7 and the M-B "S" stated that almost all the "upgrades" for them consisted of new electronic gizmos and/or software upgrades.
So, this is the wrecker's yard of the future: full of nice, shiny cars, all mechanically perfect, but all toast because some key part of the electronics has failed, and the manufacturer has stopped supplying spares.
Think early C5 ECBM unavailability, now apply that to the ECU, transmission controls, electric power steering, etc. etc.
The perfect plan to get us to keep buying new cars, it seems.
Last edited by jackthelad; Nov 7, 2015 at 09:28 AM.
I too also like the design of the C5 interior compared to the C6 interior. In addition to the design of the C6 interior, I never warmed up to the Malibu steering wheel with the C6 logo. Per the photos above, the C5 interior was designed to compliment the dual cockpit look of the C1 and C2. I'm not sure what the inspiration of the C6 interior was.
The C6 just never grabbed me enough for me to trade my C5, however I immediately liked the C7 and plan to add a C7Z in 2016.
However, although I like the design of the C5 interior, I decided to improve the quality of the material and to add some new technology.
I too also like the design of the C5 interior compared to the C6 interior. In addition to the design of the C6 interior, I never warmed up to the Malibu steering wheel with the C6 logo. Per the photos above, the C5 interior was designed to compliment the dual cockpit look of the C1 and C2. I'm not sure what the inspiration of the C6 interior was.
The C6 just never grabbed me enough for me to trade my C5, however I immediately liked the C7 and plan to add a C7Z in 2016.
However, although I like the design of the C5 interior, I decided to improve the quality of the material and to add some new technology.
WOW those leather upgrades really look nice. MSG C5 I have always liked what you did to your interior, classy. I would take the C5 steering wheel over the C6' s any day.
The ONLY gripes I have about the C5 interior are as follows:
HUMONGOUS steering wheel without any controls on it
VERY dated looking recessed mount HVAC and Stereo rather than flush mount like was coming into style
Corporate platform HVAC unit, same thing you can find in the trucks.
I think fixing those three things and GM would have hit an absolute home run with the C5 interior.
The ONLY gripes I have about the C5 interior are as follows:
HUMONGOUS steering wheel without any controls on it
VERY dated looking recessed mount HVAC and Stereo rather than flush mount like was coming into style
Corporate platform HVAC unit, same thing you can find in the trucks.
I think fixing those three things and GM would have hit an absolute home run with the C5 interior.
I don't mind the steering wheel, the only thing that dates the car to me are the radio and HVAC controls. Nothing that bothers me though.
Replacing the stereo with a double DIN to my eyes only makes the HVAC stand out more. Plus I rarely use the stereo so it is what it is.
I don't mind the steering wheel, the only thing that dates the car to me are the radio and HVAC controls. Nothing that bothers me though.
Replacing the stereo with a double DIN to my eyes only makes the HVAC stand out more. Plus I rarely use the stereo so it is what it is.
I think the dual zone climate control looks great. The standard HVAC looks terrible to me though
The C7 interior is awesome in both style and materials, but the C5 is still roomier and more practical as a DD (for me).
Only thing the C6 has that I wish the C5 had are door panels made out of the textured rubber material vs the vinyl. Can't believe that a 3rd party never offered something like that since all the C5 door panel vinyl eventually comes loose - at least the upper door panels! Except for the very top tier of leather door panel covers (like Caravaggio), they usually end up looking worse than the bubbling vinyl to me.
Wish I could justify doing the rest of my interior in leather (like the dash and pillars) but I an very happy with what I have...
The C7 interior is awesome in both style and materials, but the C5 is still roomier and more practical as a DD (for me).
Only thing the C6 has that I wish the C5 had are door panels made out of the textured rubber material vs the vinyl. Can't believe that a 3rd party never offered something like that since all the C5 door panel vinyl eventually comes loose - at least the upper door panels! Except for the very top tier of leather door panel covers (like Caravaggio), they usually end up looking worse than the bubbling vinyl to me.
Wish I could justify doing the rest of my interior in leather (like the dash and pillars) but I an very happy with what I have...
What you have done so far to the interior looks great! Love those seat covers.
Interiors C5 vs C6
