78 interior restore

[Joseph C.]

The interior in my 78 is due for a major league refurb. I've reviewed several sources for interior pieices (seat covers/foam, carpeting, etc.) - sources such as Dr. Rebuild, Knock, Bair's, Zip, etc.

I've used Knock in other restorations and found them to be top notch (no pun). But it's expensive. Any recommendations for high quality interior pieces at "bargain" prices??

[Michael B.]

Re: 78 interior restore

Hi Joseph,

I just completed a 77 and needed much of what you are looking for.
I sourced almost everything through Corvette Central. They don't make anything but they are very up front about where they source from and gave generally the best prices for everything (and since I'm in Canada and they made shipping smooth as silk this was a significant factor). They have a start-to-finish program which discounts on minimum purchases.

At the time the door panels they used were from Corvette America. Just note that these panels are very good but use ABS as the backing so while it will last for ever it added to the thickess in some areas. When you assemble the new panels do so in sunlight so you can adjust transfered trim more easilly (the vinyl will be soft).

The seat covers were from Knock but I don't remember the source of the carpet. I can check if you need it. Note about the carpet, they erroneously recommended adding sound deadening but since the carpet is already cushioned it makes the final assembly too thick. So forget additional insulation.

Left lower dash panel and the top pad had to be replaced and since the door panels were new everything that was original got treated with 77 Dark Blue vinyl dye so everything ended up with a near perfect colour match. The vinyl dye was also through CC which they get from Corvette America.

Doing it this way with one source worked out very well for me and when there were problems there was only one place to deal with and they did a good job of it.

Hope that helps. Let me know if you need more detail.


Michael B.

[Joseph C.]

Re: 78 interior restore

Thanks for the detailed info. I appreciate it. Over the years I've found that different vendors offer essentially the same products but that quality is often times quite different. So, first hand info from people who have purchased from a specific vendor is valuable. Thanks again.