Interior

[radgator1]

I notice that as many sub-categories as there are in the technical sections there isn't one on interior restoration so I figured I would start here. I have a 1980 Spider and from the looks of it the inside has gotten wet more than a few tims so I will likely need to replace the carpets and figure out what to do about the seats. I'm wondering what are the options and are there any threads with detailed info on how to go about evaluating and replaceing the interior?

One small issue is I don't actually have my car and in fact have never had it since I bought it sight unseen and had it dropped directly to Allison's Automotive. I did see it for about 5 minutes while it was up on the flatbed that delivered it, but that is the only time I had to inspect it. It has been at Allison's Automotive for over 2 weeks now but he has been so swamped he hasn't been able to get to it. It's there for inspection and to make a "to do" list. I plan on having Mark do the stuff that needs to be done now to get it road worthy, then figure out from the list of what "should be done but isn't emergent" what I want to try to tackle myself and what should be left to the pros.

Thanks

[mdrburchette]

You should go up to Mark's and get some pics of your interior. Many people have installed dash and console caps on their Fiats with good success. You can also have the originals restored by a dash restoration shop for a bunch more loot, but removing the dash and console is well within your capabilities. The carpet can be replaced with what the Fiat vendors sell easily, or you can go the route of using your old carpet as a template and cutting your own out and have the edges finished. The seat covers can be bought through the various vendors and replaced by you too, or you can have a local trim shop redo your seats. The door panels can also be duplicated by you. They are pretty simple. The only problem you may have is installing the door panel metal grommet where the door handle comes through. It requires a certain technique or tool to install that little bugger. My trim guy did mine. I made the door panel itself, and he recovered it.

[kmac33]

The interiors on these cars are actually pretty darn easy to restore yourself. You can easily source everything needed to make your interior look like new.

[baltobernie]

... but removing the dash ... is well within your capabilities.

I respectfully disagree with Denise. Unless you're 4' 11" like her, it's a bitch; with those goofy star washers and blind glovebox fasteners. The console, yes, but the dash I never want to do again.

Unless it's going to be a show car, or if the dash is absolutely toast, the cap is the way to go, IMHO. Here's the one I got from Bruce:

[ga.spyder]

I respectfully disagree with Denise. Unless you're 4' 11" like her, it's a bitch; with those goofy star washers and blind glovebox fasteners.

Hmmm,4'11''? I cant believe ,at her age,she is getting taller

[Nancy1340]

See? Randy Newman was wrong. There is a reason for short people.

[baltobernie]

Hmmm,4'11''? I cant believe ,at her age,she is getting taller

She's getting stretched from "Flinging It Around Turns"

[mdrburchette]

There you boys go again, underestimating me. I just went for my physical and was measured at 59.5" so you're off by 1/2 an inch.

[ga.spyder]

Ahhh'..did they stand you on the kiddie scale and give you a lollipop ?

[meangreenspider]

I used a cap in my car also. I removed windshield assembly to make the cap easier to trim and get the cap under the rubber seal. I have never had anyone notice that it is not an actual dash.

[spidernut]

The interior restoration isn't that bad. I made my own carpets, replaced the hardboard on the door panels and remounted them with new piping, refreshed the color with vinyl paint, sprayed the consoles to match and installed an upholstery kit from World Upholstery. For pix see: http://fiatcenter.com/bbv2/bbBoard.cgi? ... #gpid17348

The hardest part was installing the headrest upholstery without tearing it. The seat backs and bottoms took more patience that expected and needed minor modifications, but I did it all in few evenings. It was well worth the minimal cost of the upholstery kit.

It looks even better today after the upholstery has settled in around the seat foam.

[Redline]

What are the options for a Coupe dashboard? I've never found a cap and I have one split on the top of mine.

[spidernut]

try http://www.justdashes.com

It is pricey, but they can make it like new again.

[ga.spyder]

The interior is next on my 'bucket list'.Kmac has offered to assist me in recovering the seats.My interior has been dyed to a camel color,and that is a problem.I will have to either dye the new covers,or change the color of the door panels and rear seat back. It will be a good excuse to finally fix the dreaded driver seat lean,though.My carpets are great so it's really just the front seats on mine.