Interior ideas

[Hopalong]

I have been looking at the interior pieces of car lately, and have been trying to figure out how to make the interior look good.  I like the stock look of Challenger interiors, but would like to do something to make it stand out a little.  The dash has a few cracks in it, and the door panels, kick panels, and rear panels were blue, then repainted black, and now beat up some.  I have been able to find the parts new, but like I said, I would like the interior to "look" stock, but not quite.  I have also talked to some interior shops about taking the stock pieces, laying down some thin padding or foam, then covering them in leather (or a leather like material).  So far the prices come out about the same (new parts vs. redoing the old stuff).  I would do the dash, door panels, and rear seat panels.  The kick panels would probably be done differently since they will likely be "kicked".  Whadda think?  Any other ideas?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Rev and Redline had great success with dying the panels. I would try that if they aren't too scratched or cracked. They also make cover for the dashes that don't look too bad. Kind of a rug for the top of it.

  Mike

[Hopalong]

My thought was that the leather covering the panels would still offer the factory look, just on a higher scale.  Perhaps even elegant.........well, you get the idea.  The coverings would follow all the lines in the dash and door panels, so the factory look should be fully retained.

[pink panther]

sounds like you know what you want to do, please give us pics when you are done

[Hopalong]

Probably be a little while.  Gotta pay some bills first.  But ideas are always free!

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Your idea sounds interesting, but I wonder if you could keep the lines of the door panels if you covered them?  If might be a little pricey too, but I would love to see it.

  Mike

[kudakidd]

I like the look of the 'white faced' gauges.

[crcarch]

Your idea sounds interesting, but I wonder if you could keep the lines of the door panels if you covered them?  If might be a little pricey too, but I would love to see it.

  Mike

The answer is yes, you can keep the lines. I have seen this done and it looks great.  I'd love to do it myself, as it adds a touch of class but retains the stock look.  A Challenger on last years Hot Rod Power Tour had it done.  Looked very nice.  It was pouring rain, so I didn't see it with the doors open, so I'm unsure how he addressed edge conditions.  I also saw an add for white faces for stock gauges that you might be interested in. Pricing was right. http://www.whitegauges.net/

[Hopalong]

That is what I am talking about!  I figure the wraps could just wrap right around the edges of the panels, may just need a little longer screws.  I do want to use aftermarket seats, something to hold you in a little better.