Opinions on level of interior restoration

[Michael M.]

I have a '68 BB convertible that is in the process of being painted. The mechanicals on the car have all been restored (drivetrain, suspension, brakes, etc.). After paint I will tackle the interior.

The interior is in pretty bad shape. It needs carpets, seat covers, e-brake console, shifter console, instrument cluster bezel and new rear storage compartment doors. Despite the poor condition of these items the door panels are in very good shape with the right side having a barely noticeable small crack. The top dash is in perfect condition and the left and right lower dash pads are also in very good condition. I presume these panels are brittle and have also faded/doscolored from age, but they look pretty good.

The car is a weekend driver and is not judged. Between the doorpanels and dash pads, I'm looking at around $1,700. Not a small amount of money.

I would like opinions on whether I should replace all of the dash panels and door panels despite their very good condition. I am inclined to leave the door panels and dash panels in place and save myself $1,700 and some headaches. However, I am concerned that things won't look right with some parts replaced and others not replaced. Also, I know that I can get the parts now and 10-15 years from now, it's possible that even the repros may not be as available as they are now, so if I don't replace now, I may not have the option later on when it's actually neded.

Thanks for any replies.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Opinions on level of interior restoration

You are right thay will not look as good next to the rest of the interior but the original ones will fit better than the repos. Yuo ca always get new ones.

[Terry B.]

Re: Opinions on level of interior restoration

Michael,

I didn't see where you stated the color of your interior but you might consider dying the dash and panels if they are faded and save money not buying more replacements. Some dye colors will be easier to match existing colors than others, I would think. The dye that you use might be the subject of another thread.

I used a dye on my '68 (black interior) middle console, side and top panels. I did not have to replace or dye any of my dash or door panels as they were in good shape. I had to test a few dyes before I was satified with the results. If your door panels and dash pads are not cracked, dye might be the best solution.

Good luck,

Terry

[Michael M.]

Re: Opinions on level of interior restoration

Thanks guys. My interior color is Tobacco Brown. Not the most desirable but I want to stay with it. Yes, I have heard the the repops will not fit like the originals. My concern, maybe unfounded, is that although repops are available now, they may not be available X number of years from now. So should I just go for it and least everything will be new at the same time. I'm still conflicted. I guess I can look into the dye and see what other people have done.

[Michael D.]

Re: Opinions on level of interior restoration

My .02: keep your originals.

[Paul J.]

Re: Opinions on level of interior restoration

I think your concern about repros being unavailable in the future is unfounded, especially considering the number of C3's that were produced and the fact that most remaining ones are well cared for and likely to last a long time.

Considering your use of the car, Terry's idea might be the best. There is a lot on dying in the archives. Replace the parts that are the worst off and see if the others look bad. If not, you're good to go. If so, then dye them first, and if that does'nt get it then replace them. I'll warn you that you may get into the "might as wells".

Whatever you decide, keep your original parts. They're still worth money.

Paul

[Michael M.]

Re: Opinions on level of interior restoration

Thanks for all of your replies. Yes, I always save my old parts unless they're broken. Paul, I like your idea. I could do the interior in stages. First all the stuff that defintiely needs replacing, then see how it looks. It's not like I'd have to re-do somethiing that I had already replaced since the carpet, shifter console, etc. are unrelated to the door panels and dash pads. Luckily, the dash wiring is new from a few years back, so I am set from that perspective. Sounds like a plan.

If I do elect to change out the door panels and dash pads later on, should I worry about the dye lots for the dash pads and door panels not matching the shifter console and other trim pieces that would have been purchased together? Am I overthinking this?

[Paul J.]

Re: Opinions on level of interior restoration

Thanks for all of your replies. Yes, I always save my old parts unless they're broken. Paul, I like your idea. I could do the interior in stages. First all the stuff that defintiely needs replacing, then see how it looks. It's not like I'd have to re-do somethiing that I had already replaced since the carpet, shifter console, etc. are unrelated to the door panels and dash pads. Luckily, the dash wiring is new from a few years back, so I am set from that perspective. Sounds like a plan.

If I do elect to change out the door panels and dash pads later on, should I worry about the dye lots for the dash pads and door panels not matching the shifter console and other trim pieces that would have been purchased together? Am I overthinking this?

I think you may over thinking this. You could buy enough dye to do all of it and save what you don't use. However, your color is fairly dark, so the differences that will exist should not be that noticable. In addition, and this may just be me, but I don't look at interior soft trim differences that closely, as long as they're close.

One other thing, doing the interior in steps also helps with the cash flow.

Paul

[Jack H.]

Re: Opinions on level of interior restoration

Another opinion which differs from some.

I replaced most major interior pieces on my '67 Convertible (black interior), EXCEPT for the door panels which are in "good" shape. Every time I drive the car, the door panels bug me, so I'll probably replace them sooner rather than later. But I certainly agree on the do it in stages and see how it looks to YOU, and see how YOU like it.

Another data point since you have a non-black interior. I used to have a '73 T-Top car that had Saddle interior and was missing many interior pieces when I bought it (shift console, trim pieces, etc). I replaced everything and wasn't too happy with that either since the door panels didn't fit well and the colors didn't match well. There was some mismatch of colors from the factory too, and also observed on some very nice cars I'd seen, so I got over it.

I know this doesn't help with the decision, but does give you more data to help confuse you further.

[Reba W.]

Re: Opinions on level of interior restoration

Michael,
You are probably correct that once you see a mixture of new and old parts, you won't be satisfied, but I would do the most needed items first. You are looking at a big expense. Save anything that can be refurbished; there is much on a 1968 unique to that year (or time of production) and won't be found in any reproduction.

Others have given good advice on the dying of parts. Usually dark colors will dye and match better than lighter ones.

Another thought on the future of repros: Sometimes they get better.

[Michael M.]

Re: Opinions on level of interior restoration

Based on everyone's opinion, which I greatly appreciate, I'll move ahead with the interior in stages and see how it goes. It won't happen until the car is back from painting but at least I have a plan in my mind for moving forward. Thanks to all for your insight and advice.