1974 C3 paint job

[Nassau65]

Corvette central 1974 door panels. $624 each. All correct factory Color’s available.

 

[Nassau65]

Interior package set.

Pair of Seat covers vinyl
Pair of standard door panels ( less trim)
Carpet set
Package price $1530

 

[Roscobbc]

In terms of paintwork on CCCUK members Corvettes - irrespective of year and marque - over the last 25+ years there have been two paint specialists that seem to predominate and stand the test of time with superb paint jobs that never seem to show the typical 'blistering' and cracking that perhaps other less experienced paint shops struggle with. They are Mechspray and Custom Exotics.

 

[Roscobbc]

Its perhaps interesting that the cost of having your Corvette 're-trimmed' by a specialist auto upholsterer many be on a par with sourcing new, good quality seat covers, carpets, door cards, centre console and dash (especially if one adds perhaps the very necessary seat foam, springing and other accesories to make it a perfect job). No doubt some of the car upholstery specialist do superb work.......but (much like alternative paint colours vs stock finish) will quite likely devalue the car. I'm sitting on the fence though relating to OEM nylon/synthetic carpeting VS specific high quality Wilton tufted wool carpeting. Professionally cut and fitted with bound edging its so much better than OEM IMHO.

 

[Rossco]

Custom exotics and EMC thank you both for your support. I'll be in touch separately in the new year as we look at exactly how much we need to do. First time I've been part of this type of car club, fantastic support form all!

 

[C5Steve]

Its perhaps interesting that the cost of having your Corvette 're-trimmed' by a specialist auto upholsterer many be on a par with sourcing new, good quality seat covers, carpets, door cards, centre console and dash (especially if one adds perhaps the very necessary seat foam, springing and other accesories to make it a perfect job). No doubt some of the car upholstery specialist do superb work.......but (much like alternative paint colours vs stock finish) will quite likely devalue the car. I'm sitting on the fence though relating to OEM nylon/synthetic carpeting VS specific high quality Wilton tufted wool carpeting. Professionally cut and fitted with bound edging its so much better than OEM IMHO.

Interesting to hear that for a C3 people are finding sourcing covers themselves to be on par with having them done from scratch at an upholsterer. When I've looked into it for a C5, new covers, foam, shipping etc has looked to be the same price as someone doing it here and that's without factoring in the fitting of the ready made covers.

 

[Roscobbc]

Interesting to hear that for a C3 people are finding sourcing covers themselves to be on par with having them done from scratch at an upholsterer. When I've looked into it for a C5, new covers, foam, shipping etc has looked to be the same price as someone doing it here and that's without factoring in the fitting of the ready made covers.

My comments of cost comparisons re. specialist auto trimmer cost compared with OEM standard replacement doesn't take into account the ability and time to fit the trim which, perhaps for some would be a deciding factor (as indeed would the auto trimmers ability to replicate (or, indeed improve upon) OEM style trim.

 

[Nassau65]

Unless you want to “customise “ your interior a trimmer would be very limited as what he could do. Seat covers yes, carpet yes. That’s about it. The door panels are moulded plastic colour matched to the interior along with the rest of the plastic trim including center console and dash. All the correct factory look available from the various corvette suppliers stateside.
Some “re trimmed “ interiors look nice but I think most buyers want factory standard . I know I would.

 

[C5Steve]

My comments of cost comparisons re. specialist auto trimmer cost compared with OEM standard replacement doesn't take into account the ability and time to fit the trim which, perhaps for some would be a deciding factor (as indeed would the auto trimmers ability to replicate (or, indeed improve upon) OEM style trim.

Without even taking the time and effort to fit yourself into account, the cost for a C5 would be the same for someone to retrim the the seats or buying everything from where ever it's available. My comments were really just about the fact that it seems to be alot cheaper to go with OEM for the C3 in comparison to the C5 from the comments above, which is interesting.

 

[Roscobbc]

Without even taking the time and effort to fit yourself into account, the cost for a C5 would be the same for someone to retrim the the seats or buying everything from where ever it's available. My comments were really just about the fact that it seems to be alot cheaper to go with OEM for the C3 in comparison to the C5 from the comments above, which is interesting.

Interesting observation - Mark Eaton, joint Essex rep has owned his silver C5 for many years - it is in very nice condition, however the seats (and door tops) plus centre console (as I recall) were perhaps looking a little tired. Several year ago he employed an experienced auto trimmer to npartially recover the affected parts in a mix of closely matching high quality leather and Alcantara (I think). Superb job, perfectly complemented the existing materials and still looks great now. It was certainly less expensive that a total retrim, yet maintained the existing style.

 

[Chuffer]

Interesting to hear that for a C3 people are finding sourcing covers themselves to be on par with having them done from scratch at an upholsterer. When I've looked into it for a C5, new covers, foam, shipping etc has looked to be the same price as someone doing it here and that's without factoring in the fitting of the ready made covers.

I looked into various options when renewing my 1980 C3 interior . I wanted to go for leather to replace the shabby original vynil seats with new covers to fit myself . The original seat foams were not badly sunk and deformed even on the most used drivers side but decided to go for new OEM Oatmeal Leather with 2 inch bolsters that was a period option because I knew the slightest crease in trying to tension new covers on old foams would bug me forever . I ordered them through Claremont Corvette in 2017 at a cost of £1089.00 all inclusive . I also sourced a complete carpet kit from Ecklers in 2016 that cost £287.99 + £76 .39 in duties and taxes and fitted it myself . The door cards were retained and cleaned up well but sourced new arm rests / pull handles and escuchion plates etc from Ecklers .

 

[Nassau65]

Those seats look lovely.

 

[Chuffer]

Those seats look lovely.

Very comfortable too .

 

[Nassau65]

The seats in my old 65 are a bit drab, not worn or damaged ( new foam and covers about 10 years ago and not even 500 miles of use) just slabs. No side bolsters or anything. But that’s how 60’s cars were.