Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
First off I'm not a mechanic. I'm a weekend wrencher.. but, communicator by trade. I've had this 1988 IROC-Z for about 5 years and did what most do. Kept it running (doesn't run great.. that's next), put on cheesy seat covers and an aftermarket radio. Also threw on some chrome IROCs and put new tires on it.
Straight body no rust whatsoever. Good foundation.
Interior -- not so great -- typical seat tearing-- and the color is kinda dumb. Greyish? Bluish? This will be changed.. I'm thinking black and red leather or vinyl
So, took the seats out. Very very straight forward. Fronts are four bolts each. The power seat just gets unplugged and out. The backs.. even easier -- one bolt for each of the back bottoms.. and the tops (split) on bolt each then jimmy them away from the body. Done.
Don't judge the size of my soda.. who are you? Michael Bloomberg?
I thought I'd take the easy way out. Get the shifter and ebrake recovered. new horn button and dashpad cap. BTW, these caps look really good..
Very slick.. BUT, the mounting plastic is all gone. Just cracked away. Not good.
Then I looked closer at the actual dash and there are cracks everywhere.
Continued Next post... pictures limit
Straight body no rust whatsoever. Good foundation.
Interior -- not so great -- typical seat tearing-- and the color is kinda dumb. Greyish? Bluish? This will be changed.. I'm thinking black and red leather or vinyl
So, took the seats out. Very very straight forward. Fronts are four bolts each. The power seat just gets unplugged and out. The backs.. even easier -- one bolt for each of the back bottoms.. and the tops (split) on bolt each then jimmy them away from the body. Done.
Don't judge the size of my soda.. who are you? Michael Bloomberg?
I thought I'd take the easy way out. Get the shifter and ebrake recovered. new horn button and dashpad cap. BTW, these caps look really good..
Very slick.. BUT, the mounting plastic is all gone. Just cracked away. Not good.
Then I looked closer at the actual dash and there are cracks everywhere.
Continued Next post... pictures limit
#2
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
So, took the dashpad back off.. and knocked out the console.
The console is very straight forward.. Took a couple of pics of the switch wiring.. just so I'd know how they go back in.
The hardest part -- believe it or not -- is getting the console out past the Ebrake. I actually cracked the plastic where the ashtray goes.. but, am super gluing it. It's not something you can see when it's back together.
Now, time to tackle that dashboard. It took me hours.. like four hours -- but, was in no rush. The absolute hardest parts for me were disconnecting the speedo cable and getting the light switch out. Ended up breaking the switch and am ordering a new one.
I absolutely definitely recommend you drop the steering wheel when you do this. I tried to work around it.. but, once I dropped it.. it all became a little more manageable.
I put the wheel back up and cleaned up.
While I was at it, I took the door panels off.
That's where I am now. I have a mint dash coming along with switches and other interior stuff. I would LOVE to hear from others who have done what I'm doing and am asking for advice on what I should do while I have the interior in this condition. Also, any advice on how I can stop the door locks from only going half way. The motors appear to hit hard and work great.. but, the locks do not completely lock or unlock (depending on what position they start in).
Also, taking that one out.. I didn't really care about making the cracks worse.. I'd love some help in what I should do to make sure the mint dash goes in and stays mint. Have you done it? Is there a specific order in doing things? Tricks?
I'll update as I go if there's interest.
Thx!
Joe
The console is very straight forward.. Took a couple of pics of the switch wiring.. just so I'd know how they go back in.
The hardest part -- believe it or not -- is getting the console out past the Ebrake. I actually cracked the plastic where the ashtray goes.. but, am super gluing it. It's not something you can see when it's back together.
Now, time to tackle that dashboard. It took me hours.. like four hours -- but, was in no rush. The absolute hardest parts for me were disconnecting the speedo cable and getting the light switch out. Ended up breaking the switch and am ordering a new one.
I absolutely definitely recommend you drop the steering wheel when you do this. I tried to work around it.. but, once I dropped it.. it all became a little more manageable.
I put the wheel back up and cleaned up.
While I was at it, I took the door panels off.
That's where I am now. I have a mint dash coming along with switches and other interior stuff. I would LOVE to hear from others who have done what I'm doing and am asking for advice on what I should do while I have the interior in this condition. Also, any advice on how I can stop the door locks from only going half way. The motors appear to hit hard and work great.. but, the locks do not completely lock or unlock (depending on what position they start in).
Also, taking that one out.. I didn't really care about making the cracks worse.. I'd love some help in what I should do to make sure the mint dash goes in and stays mint. Have you done it? Is there a specific order in doing things? Tricks?
I'll update as I go if there's interest.
Thx!
Joe
Last edited by 72SSboy; 08-25-2013 at 07:27 PM.
#3
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: York PA 17403
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1986 IROC Z28 Camaro
Engine: 305 4BBL
Transmission: 5 speed Manual
Axle/Gears: 373 Limited Slip
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Wow, nice work so far, thank god after looking at all that wiring, mine is in really good shape for an 1986. Good luck, can't wait to see finished product
#4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
I've done a few of these dashes. Make sure you put back every nut, bolt and screw. Otherwise you will have squeeks, creeks, and vibrations.
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Cana, Virginia
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1986 Iroc Z-28
Engine: 1972 350 4V
Transmission: 1983 T5
Axle/Gears: Stock 2.73
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Looking good. any more pics on dash removal or any help on that? going to be pulling mine soon. Kind of scared to do it lol.
#7
Supreme Member
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Don't forget some kind of moisture barrier for the doors before you re-install the panels.
Trending Topics
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Eddie -- I was so into it at the time.. I didn't take a ton of pics.. but, I will say this.. I very carefully tried to feel where the hold ups were.. and was able to track down the screws and bolts where they were. There were fewer than I thought there'd be.. Again.. the scariest part for me will be putting the new one in.
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Will update soon.. expecting a flood of parts in the coming days. Still really wondering if I should pull and replace the carpet.. just to see what's under there. Dynamat is way too expensive in my opinion.. is there a good alternative?
j
j
#11
Supreme Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: West of Toronto
Posts: 3,041
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Check out my build log (in my sig).
I tossed my old interior (including dash and carpet), applied dynamat and installed all NOS parts including panels & switches.
You might find it useful
#15
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
It's like Christmas in August. Just got my new headlight switch stalk and nut. Door lock inserts. And rear plastic bolts. Good stuff. Still looking for a mint power mirror switch.
j
j
#17
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Next question I have to answer.. scrub and keep the stock carpet -- or replace. This project could cost me tons if I let it get away from me. What have you opted to do with yours?
j
j
#18
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Short Summer, VT
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1985 Trans Am T-Top
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T-5 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi 1LE 10 bolt
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
I've had some luck restoring carpets. If its just dirty, it might come out ok. Most of these carpets are pretty badly sun faded or traffic-worn and scrubbing won't help that.
If you have a pickup or trailer at your disposal, you can take it to a coin op car wash and spray the crap out of it. Power washer works too. It takes a good bit of drying time and the jute underneath will be nasty unless it was a particularly clean car.
If you have a pickup or trailer at your disposal, you can take it to a coin op car wash and spray the crap out of it. Power washer works too. It takes a good bit of drying time and the jute underneath will be nasty unless it was a particularly clean car.
#20
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Mo STUFF!
Mo Stuff! Some brand new.. some mint.. some very good. Would like to clean up the "very good" stuff.. anyone have any tricks that have worked?
Thanks!
j
Thanks!
j
#22
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
assorted ebay vendors .. and on this message board. Not one place.. several.
j
j
#23
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Re: Mo STUFF!
What parts specifically? I washed mine in the sink with warm water and a a few drops of dish detergent. Q-tips, sponges and rags took care of everything. After that, I used SEM Plastic prep, then adhesion promoter then a quick coat or two of SEM interior point. Beautiful results with lots of compliments followed!
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 89 IROC-Z Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI 5.0L
Transmission: TH700 R-4
Axle/Gears: Not Sure
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Looks like A LOT of work. You're brave to tackle all of that. I'm not a mechanic, either and would be very nervous about doing all of that.
I'm curious about the door panels, actually. I just bought an 89 IROC Vert that has been 90-95% redone. However, there are some issue left that need fixing. For example, my passenger side door creaks and rattles like crazy and I REALLY want it fixed, but have no idea where to start or what parts I may need...or where to get them. Also, need to fix the electric mirror quad switch on the driver's door. The actual exterior of the part looks fine, but only moves the driver's mirror up and down. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I'm curious about the door panels, actually. I just bought an 89 IROC Vert that has been 90-95% redone. However, there are some issue left that need fixing. For example, my passenger side door creaks and rattles like crazy and I REALLY want it fixed, but have no idea where to start or what parts I may need...or where to get them. Also, need to fix the electric mirror quad switch on the driver's door. The actual exterior of the part looks fine, but only moves the driver's mirror up and down. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
#25
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
I'll be watching for replies. Luckily I don't have noisy doors.. but, I'll bet the folks here will know where you should start looking!
#26
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Update
Spent A little time in the car today. Couple of wires on the dash harness I'm not sure what they are :
Orange wire? Single plug?
Looks like maybe a blue LED? After market alarm light or something? Ideas?
Washed some of the plastics. They came out great -- and I was able to tell what's faded after the wash.
Need to find a mint power mirror switch and would like to replace the fog lamp switch. It almost looks gray.
more updates soon -- hopefully
j
Orange wire? Single plug?
Looks like maybe a blue LED? After market alarm light or something? Ideas?
Washed some of the plastics. They came out great -- and I was able to tell what's faded after the wash.
Need to find a mint power mirror switch and would like to replace the fog lamp switch. It almost looks gray.
more updates soon -- hopefully
j
#27
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
p.s. worked the door locks today.. again, they hit hard.. but, are still not doing the full throw. WDed em really well. Will continue to try.. not sure they're gonna come around.
j
j
#28
Supreme Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: West of Toronto
Posts: 3,041
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Re: Update
If you decide to repaint some parts, SEM Landau Black (part 15013) is what a lot of guys use here on their interior plastics. Also, spray the part the the SEM Plastic Adhesion Promoter (Part 39863) first to ensure good contact and get the best results.
#29
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Allendale, MI
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '82 Camaro z28
Engine: 355 4-bolt
Transmission: t56 out of 95 Z
Axle/Gears: 3.73 disks out of same 95
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
I suggest you remove the carpet and check the entire floor for rust (POR-15 if needed). Raammat is a decent budget alternative to Dynamat.
Check out my build log (in my sig).
I tossed my old interior (including dash and carpet), applied dynamat and installed all NOS parts including panels & switches.
You might find it useful
Check out my build log (in my sig).
I tossed my old interior (including dash and carpet), applied dynamat and installed all NOS parts including panels & switches.
You might find it useful
#31
Member
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Subscribing. I pulled the carpet to cut a hole for the t56 I installed. I thought I had a rust free car only to find a rust hole on both sides of the car near the kick panels. Im gonna weld in some patch panels and POR 15 everything. I would suggest you pull the carpet and check the floor. Eepecially since its a T-top car.
#33
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Decided to pull the carpet. It looked okay.. but, as I looked closer, there were rows missing and fraying on the driver's side under the pedals.
Another view
Great news.. only a touch of surface rust.. otherwise.. rust free. So, three questions:
1. I'm going to brush off the surface rust.. what do you suggest I spray on there to stop it before it starts?
2. You can see there are still four pads of the under-padding on the floor. It's obviously glued down big time to stop the carpet from moving around. Do I just leave that? Or try to take it off?
3. What's the most correct, best-fitting, easiest to install, most reasonably priced replacement?
thanks!
j
Another view
Great news.. only a touch of surface rust.. otherwise.. rust free. So, three questions:
1. I'm going to brush off the surface rust.. what do you suggest I spray on there to stop it before it starts?
2. You can see there are still four pads of the under-padding on the floor. It's obviously glued down big time to stop the carpet from moving around. Do I just leave that? Or try to take it off?
3. What's the most correct, best-fitting, easiest to install, most reasonably priced replacement?
thanks!
j
#34
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
BTW, ordered my seat covers and door panels from Princess.. will let you know how it goes. I'm going with black vinyl/leather with red inserts. Not sure if I'll try to install myself
j
j
#35
Supreme Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: West of Toronto
Posts: 3,041
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
1. I'm going to brush off the surface rust.. what do you suggest I spray on there to stop it before it starts?
Rust kill and rattle can spray on bed liner to cover
2. You can see there are still four pads of the under-padding on the floor. It's obviously glued down big time to stop the carpet from moving around. Do I just leave that? Or try to take it off?
Leave alone....it is a pain to remove completely.
3. What's the most correct, best-fitting, easiest to install, most reasonably priced replacement?
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/390061541590?...84.m1423.l2649
Rust kill and rattle can spray on bed liner to cover
2. You can see there are still four pads of the under-padding on the floor. It's obviously glued down big time to stop the carpet from moving around. Do I just leave that? Or try to take it off?
Leave alone....it is a pain to remove completely.
3. What's the most correct, best-fitting, easiest to install, most reasonably priced replacement?
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/390061541590?...84.m1423.l2649
#36
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
hey brother.. thanks for the reply as usual.. I mean.. I'm adventurous.. but, to cut the console and other openings myself.. sounds like a recipe to screw up a brand new carpet. Would you suggest I lay the old one on top of the new one to do it right?
j
j
#37
Supreme Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: West of Toronto
Posts: 3,041
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Since the carpet is up and the metal is clean, consider applying some sound deadener.
#38
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
sound deadener is way too pricey.. it's already breaking the bank.. the stock padding was fine..
#41
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: tarpon springs fl
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 camaro rs
Engine: 5.0l
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Where did you get and how much was your gauge cluster
#43
Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: TN
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: L31
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
If you get a replacement carpet, don't cut it for a while or cut it long. It will pull away from the sides as it settles into place and if you cut it when you put it in, it will not be long enough once it settles.
#44
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
I would prefer to not cut it at all..but, I'll definitely take your advice and cut it long..
thx
thx
#46
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Short Summer, VT
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1985 Trans Am T-Top
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T-5 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi 1LE 10 bolt
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Wow, your floors are very clean. Don't use POR 15 or bedliner, its not for those kinds of applications where there's lots of good paint. Just grind down the few rust spots and use a good quality primer and top coat on those spots. A spot blaster will make quick work of it if you have air. Unless there is lots of bubbling under the paint which I can't see in the pics.
Don't mess with the padding that's stuck. Underneath are the body plugs, which are sealed in with seam sealer. The padding is there to keep the goop from sticking to the main carpet. Just leave them as is.
Good advice on the carpet in the above post.
Don't mess with the padding that's stuck. Underneath are the body plugs, which are sealed in with seam sealer. The padding is there to keep the goop from sticking to the main carpet. Just leave them as is.
Good advice on the carpet in the above post.
#48
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
I paid 1000 for the car 5 years ago.. have done very little with it.. saved a couple of bucks and am trying to bring it back to life. As far as the carpet, Moto -- do you adhere it at all? Or just lay it in? I will definitely grind down the surface rust.. and Home Depot has a rustoleum/bedliner product I'll probably use.
Thanks guys!
j
Thanks guys!
j
#50
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Pensacola FL
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1986 Camaro Sport Coupe (Part Out)
Engine: 2.8 MPFI V6
Transmission: 700R4 Automatic 4 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Open With Drum Brakes
Re: Interior Restoration -- Lots of Pics
Have any tips on getting the headlight switch to come out?