Order of stuff for the end!!!

[roosterrusek]

Couple of questions as I get closer and closer to my 71' GT being done at the paint and body shop....


1. OK, I have all of the stuff to do the interior too. I just received the headliner, the window trims for all of the windows, the chrome insert etc... Basically I have all of the stuff I need to have it done. I do know that the front and rear windshield need to be out to do the headliner but my question here is once it is painted, should I do any kind of soundproofing on the ceiling of the car before having the headliner installed? AND, if there is anyone out there that can recommend a person in or around Atlanta Ga to do this would you send that contact information my way?

2. How hard is it to remove the dash and the front instrument cluster? Is this something that should be done by a pro, or at least someone who has done it before? I have the typical cracked dash, and would like to fix it before the they do the final painting as I have been inspired by the recent threads. I really don't have to do the instrument cluster, really just the dash pad. With the front windshield out could I do it knowing that I am fairly handy or have an experience person do it?

3. Can you recommend things to do to offset the feeling of loss and my apprehension with my GT in the shop. I am on pins a needles wanting it back. Being in the final stages after 3.5 years is making me crazy, I am actually not sleeping very well I am so excited...any and all suggestions whether they are serious or not are welcome.

The journey is nearly complete.....

Paulie

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by roosterrusek Couple of questions as I get closer and closer to my 71' GT being done at the paint and body shop.... 1. OK, I have all of the stuff to do the interior too. I just received the headliner, the window trims for all of the windows, the chrome insert etc... Basically I have all of the stuff I need to have it done. I do know that the front and rear windshield need to be out to do the headliner but my question here is once it is painted, should I do any kind of soundproofing on the ceiling of the car before having the headliner installed? AND, if there is anyone out there that can recommend a person in or around Atlanta Ga to do this would you send that contact information my way? 2. How hard is it to remove the dash and the front instrument cluster? Is this something that should be done by a pro, or at least someone who has done it before? I have the typical cracked dash, and would like to fix it before the they do the final painting as I have been inspired by the recent threads. I really don't have to do the instrument cluster, really just the dash pad. With the front windshield out could I do it knowing that I am fairly handy or have an experience person do it? 3. Can you recommend things to do to offset the feeling of loss and my apprehension with my GT in the shop. I am on pins a needles wanting it back. Being in the final stages after 3.5 years is making me crazy, I am actually not sleeping very well I am so excited...any and all suggestions whether they are serious or not are welcome. The journey is nearly complete..... Paulie

#1 it's you choice, you don't have to, but, something like "dyna-mat" wouldn't hurt
#2 it can be done by you, and it would be easier with the windshield out, and re-install with the window out.
#3, you can come by my house and sit in an Opel, till yours is ready LOL

[West Coast GT]

Dash - Repair it after the exterior painting is done, but before the windshield is reinstalled. Otherwise you will get overspray on it and you'll be upset. The painting/finishing process will result in paint dust everywhere throughout your interior. Ultimately you’ll be happier being able to get the debris out from behind your dash, which is more easily done if the dash is removed.

Head Liner - Again, install it after the exterior paint, but before the windshield and rear window get reinstalled.

Roof Insulation - I don't have a recommendation for you, but I can tell you what I did wrong in this regard. When insulating the whole car, I used the same batting material for the roof, using a spray adhesive. Due to heat, which the roof gets a lot of, the adhesive has failed and dropped onto the liner. If I were to do the roof & head liner over again I would consider having a professional do it. And I would look into a spray-on insulating material such as that recommended by BQS4.

One thing about adhesive material - I've had it melt & drip in my other cars when installed below a surface such as the roof or trunk lid. It typically occurs when I visit California's San Joaquin Valley where they often get over ten consecutive days above 110 degrees. Leaving the car locked up can result in a build-up of temps exceeding 150 degrees.

Good luck with your car – I think you’ll be very pleased when it’s done. These cars look so stinkin’ good when they come home from the paint shop it’ll bring tears to your eyes. I’m not kidding; I’ve found a group of people around our GT as it sat in the paint shop’s parking lot waiting for me to pick it up. It looked like a million bucks even without glass, bumpers, trim, lights, etc.

[ungermm]

Originally Posted by roosterrusek should I do any kind of soundproofing on the ceiling of the car before having the headliner installed?

Use a light foam or mat. I've used spray on contact cement designed for headliner applications.

Originally Posted by roosterrusek How hard is it to remove the dash and the front instrument cluster?

It just takes time and patience. It is best to do it with the windshield out, repair and replace with the windshield out.

Originally Posted by roosterrusek Can you recommend things to do to offset the feeling of loss and my apprehension with my GT in the shop

Start with a good bottle of single malt scotch. If you're cheap like most of us Opelers, buy a big bottle of the cheap stuff

[newman27]

Congratulations on getting so close to having your car back! I know the feeling - it makes you anxious doesn't it? I have the Dynamat all through my car. You can get a good deal on eBay usually. Post lot of pics when it gets back!

Matt

[plazaauto]

The interior issues seem to be covered....

As for the wait, Now is the time to clean the garage.

Box up all your spare parts so you know what you have and make sure nothing will be in the way when the opel comes home.

Then relax and have that drink and start looking for the next one.

Ro

[roosterrusek]

I just talked to my body / paint lady and basically I have 2 weeks to go on my 71 GT. This is the part where I start to freak out as if everything is going to fall apart.

So...I have all of the stuff from OGTS, the headliner came in, I love the color etc. So now I believe that she has someone to do the interior for me and that is a good thing. But OGTS does not have any of the tan carpet in stock. Does anyone out there have a pattern for the carpet? I would like to be able to hand that to the guy so that it can be easy (and less expensive) or is it really just easy enough since the interior is pretty small?

That scotch is looking more and more appealing, just as a tranquilizer though.

Paulie

[guyopel]

Any Auto. Interior shop can make your carpet and be sure to take the heal pad from the old carpet with you to the shop . I use Tim's Auto. trim in Duluth but there are a number of shops in the Atl. area . HTH
John

[BQS4]

Paulie;
I have a complete new carpet set for a GT, but it's black. If the guy is careful and returns it with all the pieces, he can borrow it.

[hustlerzlife]

I'm about ready to take my GT in to get the interior done for me. Should I put the dash and gauge panel in before they do the interior or wait till its done?

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by hustlerzlife I'm about ready to take my GT in to get the interior done for me. Should I put the dash and gauge panel in before they do the interior or wait till its done?

If the windshield is out, DEFINITELY go ahead and at least put the dash pad in.