63-64 Original dark blue interior color V. replacement Dark Blue

[Dan B.]

I was noticing that the original Dark Blue interior pieces on my 64 Coupe (dash /door panels) were more of a Purple Blue than the midnight Blue that seems to come on all the current 64 reproduction interior items from Al Knocks and Corvette America. What is there to do assuming you need seats but not a full interior short of dying (dye comes midnight blue as well) all the original stuff to match the repro stuff which I don't want to do??? Also, would the reproduction Dark Blue be considered a point deduction if mixed with pieces having the original color?? Would a 63-64 interior that was completely replaced with midnight blue be awarded full points? Dan

[Philip A.]

Re: 63-64 Original dark blue interior color V. replacement Dark Blue

Dan
I am no expert but I am certain your original dark blue interior has undergoing some fading (sun bleaching) and/or oxidation over the years which may explain the difference. Your current interior is not "as new" and the repros may be.
Phil

[Dick W.]

Re: 63-64 Original dark blue interior color V. replacement Dark Blue

Dan
I am no expert but I am certain your original dark blue interior has undergoing some fading (sun bleaching) and/or oxidation over the years which may explain the difference. Your current interior is not "as new" and the repros may be.
Phil

One thing that most do not realize, all the interior parts were not the same exact shade when they were new. They came from more than one manufacturer and one dye lot.

[Alan D.]

Re: 63-64 Original dark blue interior color V. replacement Dark Blue

A local person here has a late 64 with original interior still, it also has the Purple Blue tint and I have noticed quite a few which did the same thing (age).

As for "Would a 63-64 interior that was completely replaced with midnight blue be awarded full points?" That would depend upon the judge. Original interiors are not available so the repo's are tending to become what's expected, bet one could loose more points on an original interior due to condition than a good repo. My personnel feeling is that the carpet should loose all the "date" points since the newer better carpet did not exist back then, but I'm not judging these things.

Just a quick note - the carpet material is no longer available (weave) & the stitching of trim is wrong from everyone. Be sure you save the rubber heal pieces and head light grommet to put back on the repo set.
You can dye the door panels to get closer to non purple, or leave as Dick mentioned they do not all have to match.

[Reba W.]

Re: 63-64 Original dark blue interior color V. replacement Dark Blue

There are so much more to judging interior pieces than color. There is the graining pattern, the stitching, width of the seat and door panels, the carpet weave, heel pad and dimmer grommet, etc. As you can see from the standard below, color is a very minor part.

Every item is judged against this standard:

Configuration - manner in which components are shaped, molded, cast or machined; part number, casting mark/logo should be considered part of the configuration
Date - degree to which the component date conforms to the logical sequence of manufacture and typically observed GM supply sourcing intervals. The date may be distinguished by means other than being stamped, cast, etc., into a component
Completeness - degree to which the component is totally present
Installation - degree to which the component is installed correctly
Finish - degree to which the component finish, gloss, texture, color, tint and type conform to our judging standard

Once difference has been noted, originality deductions are to be made based not on the fact that is a GM service replacement, a GM-licensed reproduction or an aftermarket reproduction component. The item must be judged based on the overall degree of correctness as installed on a given car.

[Dan B.]

Re: 63-64 Original dark blue interior color V. replacement Dark Blue

One thing that most do not realize, all the interior parts were not the same exact shade when they were new. They came from more than one manufacturer and one dye lot.

I agree, but in looking at some of the interior catalogues, they clearly show the 63-64 Blue color as a little purpleish compared to the later Dark Blue. When you try to order the purpleish blue, it comes as a Midnight blue instead. Guess that's just the way it is now, and short or replacing the rest of my good original pieces to get a perfect match, I'll have to live with it. Thanks to all for the replies. Dan