Hello all, I just recently got a '65 GS, 4 speed car. It seems pretty original, although I'm not particularly well-versed with that era of Skylark/GS, so I'm not sure yet as to which direction I'd like to go with the project overall. It definitely needs some help with the interior, though. I'd like to get a new carpet, the front seats need replaced or re-foamed/recovered, and I need to put a new headliner in. I'm looking for any and all input and suggestions as to companies to go or avoid, as far as quality and value. For the seats, I've read that ACI makes decent foam (https://wellingtonclassics.com/aci.htm). I'm not sure where to get decent covers, although I've seen them at Jegs for around $100/seat. For the carpet, does everyone recommend loop style? I think I prefer that. Also, does anyone order the additional backing, or just get a dedicated sound deadener and lay that first? https://www.ocautocarpets.com/product/1076/1965-1967-buick-gran-sport-2dr-4spd/ Any recommendations on where to go for a good replacement headliner and dash pad? Again, not looking for a total restoration as of now, and maybe never while I own it, I just want to be able to comfortably cruise around in it for now. Here's another option I may consider. https://www.opgi.com/interior-accessories/interior-kits/1965-stage-iii-interior-kits1/s240461p.html Thanks, Kelly
Hey Kelly, welcome to V8 Buick! There is a dedicated board for 65 guys here: http://www.65gs.com/board/ Legendary interiors is considered top tier for interior components. They have sales around the holidays, might be worth the wait for 15-20% off. ACC carpets offer nice carpet sets. Other vendors sell them at a discount, especially if you can buy them locally at a show to save on shipping costs. Adding sound deadening to the floor under the carpet is popular. It can range from the 'Peel N Seal' from Lowes to higher cost Dynamat. ACI makes nice seat foams. They cost more than the PUI, but should be better quality. I used some PUI foams for my 66 (different seats than 65) but the PUI foams are way too firm. The ACI cost considerably more, might be worthwhile. Dash pads were recently repo'd by a company in Texas. There was a group buy on 65gs.com, there's a thread there somewhere.
Good stuff Walt. Legendary is top shelf. Just got carpeting and trunk liner in for the conv. Nice weight And thickness to the pile. Waiting on panels, seat covers, etc., etc.. Used them on previous builds. Really non better. Shop sends all dash pad cores to Just Dashes, 4- 5 a month. Always come back perfect. Sound deadening for sure, carpet sets and wears better with it.
Jack, your place does mostly Mopar resto's? Word is that Just Dashes does incredible work. This is the place that did the 65 GS Dash pads. We did get a discount with a group buy: https://dashpadpros.com/shop/ols/categories/buick Have you worked with them? P.S. Loren sent you a message about getting armrest bases 're-chromed'. I'm real interested in the process since I'm in a related business of optical coatings. I understand the 'chrome' coating, just don't know the prep and overcoat process. Hoping you can provide some guidance.
Hi Walt, The shop has the stripping tanks for removal of the "chrome" finish, then they prep for gouges, cracks, etc., then they go off to MA for the final finish. Yes, Just Dashes does all the dash pads for the shop. Excellent work, just sent my conv dash pad to them. We have the dash restoration department in part of the shop where the gauges, knobs, buttons, bezels, etc, etc get restored. Its quite the operation.
Thank you! I ordered one of the catalogs from Legendary. This will give me some time to get it stripped down and see what all I will need, and maybe I can get a Black Friday deal. Too bad I just missed out on the group buy for the dash pad...just my luck!
Thank you! It looks like I've got a solid plan forming. I am considering getting two aftermarket universal fit seats from Summit to fill in while I learn how to re-foam and recover the original seats. I've kind of liked the looks of the suede headliner, too, but I'd probably just go for a stock style from Legendary for now.
I’d say the shop is about 40% Mopar. The rest being GM, Ford and a sprinkling of antique autos. I. S. does all Makes of dashes.
