It is said that most projects in the street rod arena take three times as long as expected and cost at least twice as much as planned. Well, the "weekend" project took a good 40 hours, plus overtime, but we did complete the entire interior for less than the cost of a professionally done aftermarket seat.
Next steps include installing a pair of Limefire headers, some engine detailing, door-mounted rearview mirrors, a Sid Chavers Bop Top, a hood top, and paint.
Quarter-inch spring panel...
Quarter-inch spring panel clips were used to hold the interior panels in place. Unlike some panel fasteners, this "old-style" panel fastener is reusable and makes removing and re-installing the panels much easier than some of the newer-style panel clips.
ABS board cuts easily with...
ABS board cuts easily with a utility knife. After the board is scored several times it can be broken at the cut, but care must be taken in curved areas. We also used various size hole saws for inside radii and cutouts for door handles, etc.
The ABS panel board was cut...
The ABS panel board was cut and the panel clip holes were drilled based on the template. The panels were held in place via the panel fasteners as they were formed utilizing a heat gun and a gloved hand.
The two rear wrap panels were...
The two rear wrap panels were installed and made into one piece by attaching an ABS strip down the seam on the backside using PVC cement. 3M 08090 Super Trim Adhesive was used to attach a 1/2-inch-thick foam piece to the upper section of the wraparound. The foam was lined up to match the seat back upholstery seam.
We utilized the "slip paper"...
We utilized the "slip paper" method to install the large, one-piece upholstery panel. Adhesive was applied to the foam and the backside of the bolster portion of the upholstery panel. Craft paper was placed over the foam when the adhesive was dry to the touch, and the paper was slipped out from between the foam and the vinyl as the panel was installed.
At this point, the wraparound...
At this point, the wraparound was removed and the upholstery was wrapped around the formed ABS panel using a heat gun, adhesive, and staples before it was reinstalled for the final time.
It is a good practice to sand...
It is a good practice to sand all panel board corners to a slight radius. This will keep the panel from puncturing the vinyl when you pull it around the corners.
Templates were made and ABS...
Templates were made and ABS board was cut for the door and kick panels. The panels were marked to line up with the wraparound and seat upholstery seams, and, as was done with the rear wraparound, 1/2-inch-thick foam was attached to the upper portions of the panels. A heat gun, adhesive, and staples were again used to fasten the upholstery panels.
Not too shabby for an inexpensive,...
Not too shabby for an inexpensive, do-it-yourself interior kit, right?