Comments: Restoration of GT series 2

[First opel 1981]

Originally Posted by SweetStreet I was looking for these clips just thought I would add this link, AUVECO Clip 11406

You have no idea how much easier you just made my project. On top of being easier I should save about 50%.

THANKS!

[opelspyder]

Sorry about the spelling, Auveco is correct, they spell it in separate letters on the catalog and package. They are one of the few supplying automotive OE fastners anymore. I still have a bit, before I know the weight, but will weigh it. The clips can be found at several autoparts stores, or bodyshop supply houses, as they make moulding clips, plastic fastners and such. First in 1981, if it is me that has saved you 50%, thenI am glad I could help. The panels can be time consuming, all the pattern making is tedious, but you can use the same for the other side. I have several updates on the panel tonight
Keith

[First opel 1981]

Originally Posted by opelspyder Sorry about the spelling, Auveco is correct, they spell it in separate letters on the catalog and package. They are one of the few supplying automotive OE fastners anymore. I still have a bit, before I know the weight, but will weigh it. The clips can be found at several autoparts stores, or bodyshop supply houses, as they make moulding clips, plastic fastners and such. First in 1981, if it is me that has saved you 50%, thenI am glad I could help. The panels can be time consuming, all the pattern making is tedious, but you can use the same for the other side. I have several updates on the panel tonight Keith

Well, you started the thread so you helped.

It was SweetStreet with the link to the website for interior supplies though. I am going to save on more than just clips. The carpet and vinyl is cheaper there than where I was going to go.

Thanks for starting the thread!

[opelenvy]

Keith, I think the door panel looks great, but won't the speaker be firing right into the side of the seat back?
I enjoy this part as you don't see much talk on here about custom interiors. Thanks!

[opelspyder]

Yes, the speaker will probably be aimed at the seat, and I knew this going in, but really to have the speaker under the door panel, it is the ideal location-I didn't have to hack open the door, and I didn't interfere with the window, but still used a two way blaupant speaker. I figured as Harold Collins mentioned too, some sound surrounded around you is better than none
Keith

[Phoenix]

When I do my custom door panels this summer, yall will see another way of doing them. I will be showing another speaker location as well. Thanks Keith for showing us this.

[blancojp]

The design is interesting, somewhat out the box per say. Shows that it was though out quite well and somewhat implemented the same way.

But is this the final stage of the panel or are you still fitting the unit to the door?

[opelspyder]

Except for the upper original metal panel being covered, this is the finished product. I will paint the little trim and such to match the interior color. What I was requested to do was a buckskin interior, with speakers in the doors, and nothing extremely over the top inside, so it wouldn't look like a bunch of gadgets laying around to steal. I actually did most of the design around the already installed components such as the window crank, and a flush mounted speaker-so it could be hidden per customer request. I will continue the middle pleats into the rear panels, but they will remain for the most simple. I had some wild ideas for the panels, but the customer won on that part. If the window crank was not there for use of power windows and a custom interior handle, I would have done something like I will do on the next project, but I do really like this panel, and wish I had done them a long time ago in black on my car. I have made door panels before, but never to this extreme or extent. I actually picked up everything I learned from a book called "Custom Auto Interiors". They have a web site by the same name and do some neat stuff, and are not scared to show how they do it. I will be doing a 1 piece headliner on the next project to go with the Targa...ooops I let that one slip
Keith

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by opelspyder I actually picked up everything I learned from a book called "Custom Auto Interiors". They have a web site by the same name and do some neat stuff, and are not scared to show how they do it. I will be doing a 1 piece headliner on the next project to go with the Targa...ooops I let that one slip Keith

They probubly figure that if you have the guts to do it yourself then you weren't going to pay them to do it anyway. they probubly have their hands full anyway.

"One-piece headliner"? Like a hard headliner? Like in Vikki and Allen's hotrod or modern cars?

As far as the Targa goes, you had said that you weren't using the Lenk Kit, are you going to show how you support the frame? I know my uncle wouldn't mind seeing some "how to" that didn't use the Lenk Kit. And I know that your tired of posting and taking pics and all.

[opelspyder]

I don't mind sending Uncle Gene some pics and drawings with measurements, but the mods I plan on doing probably wouldn't be what he would do, because I plan on changing the body and door lines for the mod, but it will be very close to what the spider had. I still may buy the kit from C.A.R.s asa lot of the little work has been done, but then again I canmake a lot of that myself, so may just take it up in labor-we are a year away from that though
Keith

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by opelspyder Except for the upper original metal panel being covered, this is the finished product. I will paint the little trim and such to match the interior color. What I was requested to do was a buckskin interior, with speakers in the doors, and nothing extremely over the top inside, so it wouldn't look like a bunch of gadgets laying around to steal. I actually did most of the design around the already installed components such as the window crank, and a flush mounted speaker-so it could be hidden per customer request. I will continue the middle pleats into the rear panels, but they will remain for the most simple. I had some wild ideas for the panels, but the customer won on that part. If the window crank was not there for use of power windows and a custom interior handle, I would have done something like I will do on the next project, but I do really like this panel, and wish I had done them a long time ago in black on my car. I have made door panels before, but never to this extreme or extent. I actually picked up everything I learned from a book called "Custom Auto Interiors". They have a web site by the same name and do some neat stuff, and are not scared to show how they do it. I will be doing a 1 piece headliner on the next project to go with the Targa...ooops I let that one slip Keith

I understand however one of my Gargoyles looked at the panel and had a few interesting comments which I overlooked. That is why I asked if it was a prototype or the finished product.

Perhaps if you like, I can have Greg or M provide you with the comments they had about the panel. Bare in mind that both of them combined have over 100 years experience in auto body and interiors.

That is only if you want them to comment.

[opelspyder]

This is the comments section, so comments are welcome.

[Phoenix]

I guess this car is getting a can of fix-a-flat!

[opelspyder]

Just like your brand new Corvette . Cars with two different size wheels cannot carry two spares, so they use a flat repair kit, of course some of those tires are runflats...Phoenix, you need to live a little on the edge. And you would probably enjoy the jog to the service station, keeping in shape and all
Keith

[newman27]

Originally Posted by opelspyder Just like your brand new Corvette . ...

Or a Pontiac Solstice. Only one of my three vehicles has a spare tire - they are so over rated...

[opelenvy]

Originally Posted by newman27 Or a Pontiac Solstice. Only one of my three vehicles has a spare tire - they are so over rated...

When I was looking at the Saturn Sky there is only a small air compressor for pumping up the tires. I'm guessing the Solstice is the same.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by newman27 Or a Pontiac Solstice. Only one of my three vehicles has a spare tire - they are so over rated...

Snicker all you like, I've actually had tires fail for various reasons that had to be replaced. The little temporary spares are preferable to a can of fix a flat! There are still places that cell phones don't work and hotels/motels that I prefer not to stay in while they're getting me another tire. I would consider doing without if I were running "run flat" tires otherwise give me a spare. Back in the day I can remember having a conversation with our rural mail carrier, who carried two spares. He said on one particular day two spares wasn't enough!

Harold

[First opel 1981]

I had never considered carrying a spare tire when I used to have them as DLs. Just like a VW Beetle, the Opel GT has so little weight that the tires tend to last almost a lifetime.
As long as you keep your tires in good shape, there isn't a reason they should fail. The chances are so so low.

Plus, I always enjoyed the extra storage space in the spare tire area. Once took a camping trip with tent, sleeping bags, cooler, food, pillows, fishing poles and a rubber raft. Can't do that with a spare tire in there.

[newman27]

Originally Posted by opelenvy When I was looking at the Saturn Sky there is only a small air compressor for pumping up the tires. I'm guessing the Solstice is the same.

It comes with factory issued "Fix-A-Flat". I think GM takes the brand name off the can if I recall correctly - haven't looked at since the first week I bought the car almost three years ago.

Originally Posted by hrcollinsjr Snicker all you like, I've actually had tires fail for various reasons that had to be replaced. The little temporary spares are preferable to a can of fix a flat!...

I've probably jinxed myself now! However, I filled that area with two small bins containing brand new upper / lower radiator hoses, a spare fuel pump, a spare water pump, fan belt, clips, clamps, gaskets, oil, coolant, rags, gloves, a copy of the FSM, etc. and, of course, a can of Fix-A-Flat. Basically, when I place an order with OGTS I throw in a couple spare parts for the emergency kit. I also keep a soft sided tool bag in there with every metric tool you can imagine. Oh, and my amp for the stereo. I need this stuff more than a spare tire is my my theory. I have had flat tires on long trips before and once even used my spare tire (which is a funny story for another time). However, that is spread over 27+ years of driving and hundreds of thousands of miles.

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by opelspyder Just like your brand new Corvette . Cars with two different size wheels cannot carry two spares, so they use a flat repair kit, of course some of those tires are runflats...Phoenix, you need to live a little on the edge. And you would probably enjoy the jog to the service station, keeping in shape and all Keith

I definately try to stay in shape but often times wear myself out enough on my workouts.

I could tell you a few stories when it comes to living on the edge.

Run flats/ Fix-a-flat is fine with me, if its not a daily driver! I drive the Phoenix way to much to not carry a spare. Went to a junk yard and picked-up a full size spare when I had the Thunderbird. No donut for me. Still got it.

[blancojp]

Okay, instead of letting the Gargoyles loose, I will speak on their behalf as well.

Keith I have been doing restorations for over 20 years and I know enough to say that my company would never release a custom panel in this condition. Honestly, you have talent and I would not argue the point because this is not a bad start. However the door panel needs revisiting to resolve problems which I believe, should be done prior to delivery.

In a nut shell, you have several problem areas:
1) You have three different radiuses on the lower right side, where the speaker is. The pleat has one radius, the insert has another radius and the speaker area has a third radius. None of the three match therefore you are not creating continuity on the panel.
2) The pleats on the insert panel are not uniform to the design. Some have round edges others are flat. Some are thinner than others and overall do not fit properly in the space allocated.
3) The upper center of the panel, where it meets with the factory recovered piece, is bowed up and it is thicker at this point.
4) The mid and center inserts do not fit properly.

There are several other items however you would need to resolve the first three before tackling the rest. I also know this is your first attempt at interior work, you have proven it can be done by a novice and I commend your effort. Again, not a bad start but by far a finished product.

[opelspyder]

This is not really my first in the interior part, but yes my first into the hard look foamed panels. I appreciate your comments, and can see your points. The curves are a different radiuses, but I mearly had to follow some already implemented parts, like the speaker location and such. I do plan on leaving the panels as they are, in person, I feel they look better than most any Opel interiors out there, and again there isn't too many that have been able to create something out of the box. Yes, they are not perfect, but yet not worth reinventing the wheel and eating up time to come up with something better. My original plan was to either make a bunched up pleated center, or sew in the pleats...but due to sewing machine failures-I opted to carve out of foam. They are just going to have to work right now. Its easy to see the bad of an item when you study a picture and pick. I know I have done it to several restorations here on the site-and bit my tongue a few times. If someone is judging my panels that closely-well it actually makes me feel pretty good, as they are taking notice. I guess what I am saying is in everything I do-there is always something someone can pick at wether it is liked or not. I do appreciate the comments good or bad though...but I guess if the owner wants them changed, I can do that-it just costs more.

[markandson]

Keith,
I am going through the same kind of "trying to get it perfect" problems right now as I am also doing my interior and we are at pretty much the same place as I am now doing my rear panels below the pop outs. If you looked at my thread you know that I am going the sewn route. One thing that I think might have made your panels more consistent would have been the use of straight edges and cutting tools rather than going totally by steady hand. A mat cutter for doing picture framing would have been a great tool to use to create the cuts for the beveled panels, you could have run it along a straight edge and created nice "V's" so they would all look the same. Overall I think the design is OK but I too thought that it looked a little on the home made side, primarily due to the non-uniformity of the cuts and a few wavy lines that should be straight. I am just as critical, if not more, of my own work and when I have time I may remake my panels as they are not identical and I would also add more foam to the top portion to make it more uniform.

Please forget what I just said when you look at my car at Carlisle .

[Phoenix]

I like the console. I think it would be nice if you made up a shift boot out of the same leather/vinyl that you did the E-brake boot. Would tie in and make it pop. Can't wait to see it all put together. Will there be a party for this car? I'd sure like to see it in person.

[opelspyder]

I don't know about another party, although Matt Newman is dying for me to put up another one.-Ha I thought about doing a shift boot that went over the rubber boot, but I have to get this done, so a few things have to be subtracted from the equation, or it will not make it. Tony, you know that I don't have to be having a party for you to come and see the car, your welcome anytime to check out my shop.
Keith