Interior - Dash & Upholstery

[Joe's Garage]

There's probably a thread on this somewhere but damned if I can find it. I'm looking for ideas on how I should upholster my replica, including dash layout. It doesn't have to be period correct - I intend to go as clean and professional as possible, think plush. Anyone proud of their cobra interior please post a pic, I'm hoping yours will help me with mine, thanks!

[Tim7139]

Look at any of the countless images of ERA or SPF cars. Black seats, dash, carpet. It's a cobra, not an escalade.

[Joe's Garage]

Originally Posted by Tim7139

Look at any of the countless images of ERA or SPF cars. Black seats, dash, carpet. It's a cobra, not an escalade.

That I have done, I intend to go a little more upscale than the standard black theme, like I said period correct is not a requirement.

[Dwight]

this is a B&B

[JBCOBRA]

My theory on this to make things look as "right" as possible within your budget and ability. Otherwise it just looks wrong.

[1985 CCX]

I will offer some black "Naugahyde" for dash......
Just need feedback....

It will be light leather textured leather type material, backside adhesive coated so easy application. NO CONTACT CEMENT

Peel and Stick....

[66gtk]

Joe, if you are going to do it. Do it right! The original dash design/layout is timeless. You don't need expensive SMITHS gauges, but you should at least try and install your gauges and switches in the reasonably correct locations. I don't see any downside to this approach.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 66gtk

Joe, if you are going to do it. Do it right! The original dash design/layout is timeless. You don't need expensive SMITHS gauges, but you should at least try and install your gauges and switches in the reasonably correct locations. I don't see any downside to this approach.

The only downside is that, unless you have your steering wheel positioned "just right," you won't be able to see at least one, sometimes two, and, at worst, all of the gauges that are in front of your nose. But a quick release hub on your steering wheel makes adjusting the orientation of the wheel a breeze. It also makes working under the dash, while laying on your back, much easier. You should consider adding that to your list of stuff when you're putting everything together.

[Tommy]

Joe,
My interior is race car plain, so I can't offer any help. But I will refrain from telling you why you should do your interior the same as I did. ..... You're welcome.

[Dwight]

Most Cobras have the speedo and or tach under the steering wheel. I suggest you move them to the right (center) so you can see them. If you watch the tach more than the speedo have it closes to steering wheel.

[jolsen42]

My car is a replica 289. I copied the original style.



John O

[Joe's Garage]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. I'm not going the period correct route, no reason for me to do so as I really don't care about accuracy. I want a modern day look with generous padding and accents like you would find on a Z06 or Italia 457. From an aesthetics point of view there are some things I do like about the originals; steering wheel, gauges, e-brake etc. so I will incorporate those, but the interior will be far removed from the '60s template. Notwithstanding the color choice below, I'm undecided there, I'm headed in this general direction.



I might even go for that "diamond plate" look with a dash, all options are open.



As I google AC or Shelby 'replica interiors', more are popping up with a flare for the obscenely decadent - right up my alley As a general observation, the most extravagant interiors I have seen come from across the pond - seems a different mindset over there. Same with the replica builders, take more leeway with "accuracy" and throw in some pretty unique options. I like the DAX Tojeiro air scoop, just need to find a way to get one!

patrickt, not like this eh?

[Dimis]

Enjoy....

Interior Pictures

[xb-60]

You have my attention! That's an AC 428, right?

Here are some nice dashboards (well, to my eye anyway)...



Facel Vega


This one's an easy guess:



(It's a Radford Mini)


....or if you really want to go over the top:



Lamborghini Espada


....or from the dark side



A '65 'vette


...back to something classier:



Bizzarini 5300 GT Strada


....bu then how could you go past this ?



Cheers,
Glen

[Buzz]

If you want to go more modern but remain "within the family" have a look at the AC Mk VI interior treatment. A tasteful take on the classic interior look for those who want a 2015 Cobra as opposed to a replica of a 60's Shelby Cobra.

[*13*]

Classic Corvette's Jag's & Aston Martin's have beautiful interiors. I think for most Cobra people, beauty is in simplicity. Anything else really takes away from the Cobra aesthetic. It's your car.

[Joe's Garage]

Dimis, thanks for the link! - I bet I'll see something there for sure.

Glen, I don't know if that's an AC 428, it could very well be - I just snagged the photo off the web. Great photos, the Facel Vega dash IS pretty slick.

Buzz, the AC Mk VI interior is definitely the direction I'm headed in, close to the right level of decadence without going too far, and believe me there are some over the edge imo.

Dash wise, I'm kind of likin' this. I was wondering how the diamond plate dash would go with a "padded" interior, not too bad ...



This one shows there is room for 10 gauges and a glove box (if you replace the stop watches & bottom dial). I have all the Smith gauges, 10 total with the clock. Getting a layout that works is another matter as I want to avoid steering wheel interference.



Interesting quilt work on this Mercedes, hadn't thought about it until I saw it, another option to consider ...



This would be easy if I just bought a DAX roller, seems they do what I'm looking for as a "standard" option. I already mentioned the DAX Tojeiro hood scoop that I like, here are a couple of their interiors ...







I'm getting closer ...

*13*, beauty is in the eye of the beholder - however twisted that may be. My problem is being anal, if I were to go "accurate" then the only way I would really be happy is if I put in the time, money and effort that G-Pete did with his 289, no way in hell will I do that! (I'm a man who knows his limitations). Pete's 289 is one of the best replicas I have ever seen, as cool as they come. Mine will be kewl too but in a different way - and I won't have to worry about "what still needs to be done to make it right". I'm sure the true-blue types have that in the back of their mind all the time. No question my car will be an eye sore to some, but I bet they will let me hang with them if I bring the beer

[*13*]

Beer always helps

[JBCOBRA]

Whoa...what has been seen cannot be unseen!!!

[Tim7139]

Go with the last one. I think they call that their "pimp daddy" model.