jaben2

iTrader: (1)

Hi,
I have been steadily collecting parts for the past year and half. I am finally ready to do the interior. It is a complete swap of all pieces. (carpet, headliner, seats and all plastics)

Question is while I have everything pulled are there any tips or suggestions.
I am already in the process of grinding and priming any and all suspect spots. Luckily their isn't any major rust areas. Worst spot I found so far was surface rust right near the door.(23,000 mile car that was stored inside most of its life)
I know this is kind of a broad question but just looking for some helpful tips from the experts.

Thanks,

Just for info the reason I am redoing the interior is because a animal got into it, and pretty much trashed the seats and carpet. Smelled pretty horrible at first.
I am also going to be pulling engine and trans, and replacing with a LT1 and 4l60e trans and new harness. I already have these so I don't want to hear anything about should have done the LS1. It isn't the original motor or trans in the car currently either, so I don't feel bad modifying it.('70 s era 350)

I am newer to this forum but not to f-bodies. I have had a couple already but most recently a '94 Z28, and then a '00 SS. I have also had two other camaro third gens, and one other firebird third gen.

majobis

iTrader: (3)

I'd start by removing seats and carpet to air out the floor and to check the floor pan. You didn't mention what car you have but if it has t-tops, it's probably pretty moist under the rug. Good luck; it's a time consuming job but produces nice results.

jaben2

iTrader: (1)

Sorry about that got pretty wrapped up writing that and forgot to post the basics.
It is a 86 trans am T top. I already have the complete interior stripped out. That was the first thing I did, last year.


The floor under the carpet is in very good condition. Worst spot wasn't through was just surface rust.

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

If you have your carpet out, and already repaired and floor pan issues. I would recommend installing a sound deadner/insulation, like Dynamat or Lizard skin. It sure is nice to roll up the windows and have the inside of the car quiet.

blackbmagic

^ I am going to have to agree. I used dynamat xtreme on my b pillars, and roof. Wow what a difference. I have a heavy loping cam and a 4" exhaust so it is real easy to tell how much difference it made

jaben2

iTrader: (1)

I didn't think about the pillars, and roof. I guess I will need some more. Thanks for that tip.

micktroup2

Dynamat on the ceiling REALLY makes a difference in the noise AND the heat. Your AC will feel 10 degrees cooler!

micktroup2

In fact, if you are going to use Dynamat, get the 1/4 inch Dynaliner for the ceiling and the 1/2 inch to go over the floor too. It will feel like you are in a Lexus! I will be doing that to my new Z28. I Dynamatted the interior of my RS and it was like night and day...

Blaze of Glory

Dynamat on the roof? Really? That's the last place I would have thought to put it. I would think the floor, then the doors...

micktroup2

No- open the window, while you are sitting in the car, and tap on the roof. It should sound like a Jamaican steel drum! Or stop and think in a rain storm- listen to the rain beating a tattoo on the roof. You put in Dynamat and the the Dynaliner on the roof and a) watch you stereo ROCK and b) watch your AC refrigerate your a$$! The different between a Honda and an Accord, in the early days- SERIOUSLY!- was sound proofing.

micktroup2

Remember, it is about 'sound deadening', which means resonance- stop ANY panel from resonating and you eliminate that panel from the equation...

kmcn47

what also helps is some nylon washers on all the bolts/screws holding interior pieces in place, anyone with a powerful enough stereo will know how all that plastic gets to vibrating