New upholstery for my El Camino

[Modellpularn]

The seat in my '72 El Camino was in a bad state, so I figured it was about time for some new threads. I believe it's from a '74-'75 Chevelle. I finally found a company that had the same pattern seat cover kit as my seat was. And after some emails, I could order the new seat cover kit. It became a special order, black vinyl with burgundy velour. Here's how it turned out. I got it Tuesday. It's now at the upholstery shop, and will probably be finished in about a month.

And here's how the car looks:

Edited April 19, 2008 by Modellpularn

[samdiego]

Nice seats or not, that ride must draw a lot of attention in Stockholm.

[Modellpularn]

Thanks guys! Steve, yes the shop had a few other projects waiting.... Like a complete interior for a Jag XJS, some boat seats, and maybe a few odd jobs, but he would look into it in between those other projects..... Sounded promising anyway. In the meantime, I have my work cut out for me, as I plan to swap the dash, among other things.... I now have the simple sweep dash, and I have a resto object of a SS/Monte Carlo dash. New parts have been ordered, like the tach and gauge package, and a number of other things. Just about everything needs to be replaced..... I'll keep you posted!

[Modellpularn]

Here's the Monte Carlo dash, a big plastic project...... I almost feel like the guys at Boyd Coddington: "I'm waiting for parts"... like the steering column cover, so it won't flex. It's developed a crack at the bottom of the speedo hole, and the column cover will get things in line, I hope

And why do people do things like this??? Some major repair work is in order, but it'll be a challenge to fix it!

Edited May 3, 2008 by Modellpularn

[Modellpularn]

Here's the seat, just back from the shop,

Got a package from Original Parts Group yesterday as well. Seems X-mas comes early this year.....a new steering wheel was ordered, this should look better than the other one.

And I also got this steering column cover, for my Monte Carlo dash project

Edited May 13, 2008 by Modellpularn

[Modellpularn]

I've done some other work inside the cab, like add extra insulation on the floor. It's kind of like this Dynamat stuff, about 10 mm thick foam padding, with silver foil on one side, and self adhesive on the other. Cut to size, peel off the backing paper and stick it to the floor. "Hey, the whole inside is BMF'd"..... Some previous owner built this wall behind the seat, and it had to be removed, so I could get the carpet out. Those speaker grilles will be replaced with some oval Pioneer mesh covers. Not sure if I should paint them brown, or leave 'em black. What do you think?

Edited May 18, 2008 by Modellpularn

[Guest zebm1]

Tha radio hole waz prolly hogged out to fit a more modern radio.....I used to that to my 50s era hot rods to fit in my Craig Pioneer 8-track stereo player......

[Mike Chernecki]

Nice El Camino! Are you going to fill the mounting holes left by the Monte Carlo wood grain dash insert?

[Modellpularn]

Nice El Camino! Are you going to fill the mounting holes left by the Monte Carlo wood grain dash insert?

No, I'm keeping the Monte dash insert. That's the reason I got the dash, because I think it will add a bit of elegance to the interior. I've left the insert to a friend who's a furniture restorer, it needed some minor touchup. Even if it's a metal piece.... And now with the seat recovered, the interior will eventually look very nice. Not sure if I'll swap the dash in the near future, summer's almost here, and I don't want to be stuck in the garage with a non running car. Seems like a good winter project.