So here is the thing ........

[Tim Baillie]

Every month I read article after articel about cool cars of all different kinds and styles. Most articles are several pages long and talk about some very minute details.

But.....why is it that things like the vehicles interior/trunk and or stereo are always wrapped up in usually one small paragraph. No matter what the size of the feature it's almost always all wrapped up in just a few short words.

As one who makes his living building custom cars but focus's more on the interior / stereo side of the business it has always baffled me why the media focus's so little on these items. This website as well as many others are the same way, I have been a member here for a long time yet because I choose to focus on my interior, exterior, trunk and stereo first I can't have my project posted on here till I have suspension or motor pictures.

When people built your projects, what are the reasons for building or not building up your interior ? Call it curiosity or market research. If you don't build your interior, what are the reasons for leaving it stock ?

Just looking for some inight into what car builders think.

Thanks

[Mikael A]

I have plans for a nice interior but don't want the added weight off
a stereo system

Mike

[XcYZ]

I'll probably only have 2 speakers in my car... maybe 4. It's just not a priority I guess.

[Hooligan]

For some people if it doesn't make your car go faster, stop shorter, or corner better it doesn't need to go in the car. Then there is the whole weight thing. The best place to shave weight without hurting performance is the interior and sound deadening.

[Hdesign]

I would say it depends on the project. Many people are using the full potential of the performance goodies they add to their cars by going to the track and really thrashing their machines. I can see where that percentage has little need for hi-powered stereos or heavily modified interiors. There is definitely a weight advantage.

On the other hand, the majority of projects, realistically won't be seeing a lot of track time. They are more than likely going to be street cars. Weight savings really isn't that crucial. However, the first thing people think about is usually the drivetrain,suspension then exterior and interior sort of brings up the rear. It's almost like an afterthought for many people. Granted, there are a lot of people who really like the look and feel of the classic or stock interior.

Personally, I think the interior and creature comforts are of equal importance since you spend so much time behind the wheel (especially on long road trips) while everyone else gawking at your paint or drivetrain.

Just my $.02 :D

[69Nova]

For some people if it doesn't make your car go faster, stop shorter, or corner better it doesn't need to go in the car. Then there is the whole weight thing. The best place to shave weight without hurting performance is the interior and sound deadening.

The right seats can make a world of difference. If the driver is sliding around in the seat he can not make proper steering or brake input. But if the driver has a good seat instead of braceing yourself you can have a better feel for the steering or brakes.

[slck6t9]

I don't even have a stereo in my car. I like to just listen to the sound of it when I'm driving. If I had a stereo I wouldn't be able to here all the squeaks,growns, and rattles. :lol:

Scott

[radrambler]

well

imo the hot rod mags dont have a bunch of stereo /interior product companies spend advertising dollars with them ..because of the "car stereo" mags get them much more attention...so the mags we read dont have any real input on installs and systems OR INTERIOR for the "muscle type" car builds....
i also believe the focus from the muscle car guys to be different than the custom from street rods to import and mini truck side...
most of the muscle guys are more focused on HP AND WHEEL TIRE COMBOS/STANCE."PERFORMANCE"....THEY TYPICALLY DONT CHANGE THE INTERIOR AS MUCH AS THE STREET ROD AND IMPORT/TRUCK GUYS BECAUSE THE MUSCLE GUYS ARE COMFORTABLE IN THEM AT CLOSE TO STOCK FORM...

ID SAY THE "REASON" for the lack of attention from our mags HAS TO DO WITH WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM FOR THE MAGS..

JUST MY OPINION......

radrambler

[Ummgawa]

I have no top, side or rear glass, back seat, convertible frame, etc. So I am going to do the Fancy Radio. :thumbsup:

[ProTouring442]

I'm putting quite an interior in my 442, but I don't think I'm the typical "hot-rodder" or "pro-touring" guy. I think of my car as more of a "pro-grand touring" car, built to be street driven. A lot of street driving! My seats are a little larger, but with less lateral support for those long drives. Both front seats are 6-way power too. The steering column is tilt & telescopic for that perfect-for-today, change-it-tomorrow wheel positioning. The stereo will be killer, but integrated into the interior. It'll have A/C, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Cruise Control, and Power Outside Mirrors! I figure it's an Oldsmobile, and it should be equipped like an Oldsmobile! :D

I figure people do whatever their wallet and taste dictates... Then again, my wallet is small, and I have no taste!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"

[Reckley]

Personally, I like a basic stock / racing type interior with some small added details such as billet or brushed trim pieces. I really like the more raw functional look.

I was just at the Columbus Goodguys show which included many very nice cars with out of this world paint and interiors. Believe it or not my favorite car of the show was DSE's blue test car.

Mike

[Diognes56]

I agree that it depends on the car. Mine is going to be a cruizer for the most part, so it will get a system and some other comforts :thumbsup: . Another car, might have more or it might have less, it just depends on the car.

David

[EFI]

I'm planning on going with a non-stock interior in my car. Nothing too extreme, but something that will compliment the rest of the car. I plan on driving this car as much as possible, so I'll have a few nice interior add-ons, like a decent stereo system. But, I won't be pimping it out with 6 DVD players.

[Derek69SS]

My take on "Pro-Touring" is modern performance, but the look and feel of a musclecar.

I don't want a fancy looking interior. I want that musclecar look... same reason I don't like custom dashes, or major body-mods. If I'm cruising in my chevelle, I don't want it to feel like I'm in a new caddy.

I have no interest in a huge stereo. I get headaches from loud music anyway, so as long as I can hear it, it's good enough for me.

[J2SpeedandCustom]

I think a good system is important when building a car. I'd guess the weight of everything would be under 60 lbs.

We put Rockford Fosgate mid's 2 - 6" in the kick panels, 2 - 6" in the rear deck, 2 - 8" subs in the trunk, amp in the trunk, and a double din PANASONIC CQ-VD6503 with navigation. Also have a color camera in the rear deck to see what's behind us. No rear view mirrors... :unibrow:

[Payton King]

on the interior thing that is. I really dig a great interior and jammin stereo, I also like the stock stuff and spartan race interiors.

I am at that decision point right now with my ride. Part of me say just go with the DSE dash, another part of me wants me to do the Marquez dash and then I could always fab up my own and mount that cool data aquisition stuff (GX2) in the center and flank it with the other gauges.

Do I use a stock flat door panel or have some custom done. Stock headliner or do I get extra ultra suede from Corbeau and have a headliner made.

Who knows.

Back to your original question. I think most people cannot or do not have the equipment to sew up their own interior so it gets farmed out. The mags will just say "big Jims sew shop did the interior."

When Kyle did Twister's dash they did do a write up about that though.