Interior??

[Tom L.]

Over the years I've learned that just about every vendor re-sells other vendors stuff so sources can be surprising. So before I jump in and start buying interior stuff, does anyone know the source of Paragons carpet, seat covers and foam, etc... ? Just wondering about overall quality and value. Thanks!!!

[Michael D.]

Re: Interrior??

...does anyone know the source of Paragons carpet, seat covers and foam, etc...

Have you contacted Paragon?

[Edward J.]

Re: Interrior??

Tom, I Liked Corvette America, I have had my 72 judged with great results. seat covers were really spot on, color, material.

[Alan S.]

Re: Interrior??

Hi Tom,
From what I read it seems people are pleased with the interior soft parts from Al Knock too.
So they might be a manufacturer you'll want to consider also.
I think the issues becomes a little less clear if 'originality' is part of your decision since the carpet from one manufacturer might be more accurate while the seat covers from another may be more typical of production. You might have to 'mix and match' whom you buy from.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Tom L.]

Re: Interrior??

Thanks for the input. I'll contact Paragon to see what they say. I'd like to do the interior this winter and I thought I'd pick things up when I'm at Carlisle if it worked out better. From everything I've read CA and AK are the better products, just weighing my options.

[Alan S.]

Re: Interrior??

Hi Tom,
You may or may not know that AK has a very large set-up at Carlisle…. so you can take the time to look over the ACTUAL seat covers, carpets, etc. you'll be buying. I think that's a plus.
It's hard to believe that Carlisle is almost here again!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Ron G.]

Re: Interrior??

Tom - Many years ago I purchased a carpet set for my 71. When I received it I noticed that the upper edge of the portion of the carpet was too short. I contacted Vicky, who no longer works there and she made a running change in their production to make that portion longer with a jagged edge as the originals. I tell yuou this because they have improved on several of their interior parts from what I see on the judging field. Like Alan said, I would first consider them for aftermarket interior components in regard to assembly line accuracy. All the parts may not be 100%, but they are very close.

[Tom L.]

Re: Interrior??

I'll be honest when I say I don't have any idea what originals look like and I'm pretty sure the ones in my car are not original. I've used Paragon for most of my stuff and have had no complaints about the stuff they sell and their pricing is better than most. I've read a lot of discussions about interior stuff and there are a lot of opinions. While I can save a few $$ buying what Paragon sells the interior is something I won't penny pinch on, it's kind of like a good vs. cheap paint job. I've been leaning toward Al Knock but I figured I's check on paragon's stuff. I'll contact them Monday. Thanks!

[Alan S.]

Re: Interrior??

Hi Tom,
Here are some pictures of the areas Ron mentioned. This carpet is from a mid-January built 71.
The driver's side is especially roughly cut. The heel pad and dimmer pad are missing because I moved them to the new carpet.
Note: how much the carpet extends beyond/above the holes for the rubber plugs; how the carpet is cut in the area of the dimmer pad; how much of the carpet extends up under the kick panel; and how it is cut in the area of the gas pedal.
The clutch pedal caused 2 holes to be worn into the carpet; one from my foot, and one from the back of the clutch pedal contacting the carpet. 46,000 miles.
Since I can only include 4 pictures per post I'll do another post for the passenger's side.
Regards,
Alan

DSC_0837.jpgDSC_0833.jpgDSC_0834.jpg

[Alan S.]

Re: Interrior??

Hi Tom,
This is the passenger's side.
The carpet is cut a little more evenly.
Note: how much extends above the plugs; that the edge of the carpet doesn't extend under the lip of the firewall insulation blanket; how much extends under the radio chassis; and how much extends under the kick panel.
I hope this helps with your installation!
Regards,
Alan

[Dale T.]

Re: Interrior??

Tom -

I can't speak to the question about who Paragon sources seats and padding from, but I ordered new carpet for my "64" roadster from Paragon and it just arrived in an "Al Knoch" box and shipping label. I've got the carpet laid out on my basement floor to flatten out the curls and noticed that the carpet is all that was in the box... no piece identification or list, catalog, instructions, etc. I'm sure there are plenty of articles on installation, just thought there would be more detail from Knoch's.

Good luck on the resto work

-Dale

[Tom L.]

Re: Interrior??

Thanks for the confirmation Dale. My brother in law had the same experience with the carpets from Paragon for his '64. I e-mailed them but didn't get a response. No big deal I'll call later on, I'm heading to the carribean tomorrow to re-set my brain. The interrior will wait. Thanks!!

[Joe R.]

Re: Interrior??

Tom,

Paragon sells Al Knoch interiors and carpets exclusively. Corvette America sells direct or thru several dealers. Buying Corvette America thru a dealer is wise because they will give you 15% or more and direct Corvette America will only give 10% as they are protecting their dealers.
Al Knoch for 67 and earlier and Corvette America for 68 and later!

There are only two manufacturers of interiors today. All the others have gone by the wayside and needed to fail. Funny how that works out sometime!

Good luck,

JR

[Tom L.]

Re: Interrior??

Thanks for the feedback. I had a feeling that Paragon sold AK interriors, just wanted to be sure. Initially I was leaning toward an AK set but it's interesting how you draw a line between C2's and C3's with these two companies. Edward J. mentioned earlier that he was real pleased with CA's stuff. Anyone else have the same experiences or have a prefrence?? Thanks!!

[Robert N.]

Re: Interrior??

If you are looking at several pieces or more, Willcox does good deals on Corvette America interiors. I am happy with CA for C3. Look at the CA website for video how they make their panels, you can see it is a reproducible production process.