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

[69Nova]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

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.

[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!

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"