Looking to re-do most of my 88 camaro with t-top. As far as body and interior, I want to "modernize" the look as much as possible, making it appear like it might have been if new today.

I don't like 4th gen interiors
I don't like leather interiors
I don't like shaved handles

I'm leaning toward painting it sunburst orange metallic, with cowl hood, 91-92 gfx, 17" ZR-1 type wheels.

Any ideas that might lead to a more modern feel, and look would be appreciated.

 

SOM and ZR1 gee now that has been done like a milion times and none of em look modern.. it does look nice but comon lets get more original.. you want modern go look at some new colors that are out now or coming out. how about a rim no one has used before.. or a new model of something that is out now?

jeff

 

such as ?

I was looking for ideas, not a critique.

 

go look at some new colors that are out now or coming out. how about a rim no one has used before..

 

The SOM with 91-92 gfx and ZR1's would definetly modernize the outside appearance of your ride, and look good. There are some other choices out there that would look very nice also, but a lot of the nice rims for our cars are unfortunately custom billets and cost a good bit more than most wheels.

Dont let someones mistaking something thats common and been done around here as actually being old and not looking "modern"

As far as interior goes, i'd swap it to a 90-92 style dash shell with cluster, some 4th gen cloth seats would also do it nice.

 

Interesting thread, this is actually my goal with my 91 Z28 project. I dont want to totally change the look of the car, but I want to modify it to look and feel newer with that new style. Its hard to mix the two and keep from going too far one way or the other. Its gonna be extreme when I'm done (about 33% done now) but I think I can do it.

If you dont like 4th gen Interiors then you're gonna have to do some really custom stuff to have a newer style interior (imo anyway). The blocky style with straight edges went out in the 80's, early 90's. The 4th gen swap is sweet because its an easy swap. Other stuff might require alot of custom fabrication. Really up to you though and what you consider modern. Maybe some new different style seats and a steeringwhell might do the trick, maybe you'll need to do more to accomplish the look you want. Newer exterior paint would be a definate improver as far as appearing more modern, so would some new wheels.

Just remember what you see on the Internet and what you see around town are two different things entirely. Something commonly done on these forums might be unique in your area (depends).

Here's a pic of my 91Z28 with SOM paint (since you mentioned SOM and 91-92 GFX). There are a few SOM 3rd gens on these forums with 91-92 GFX, one of em even has the same exact wheels as mine. But I still dont think they're commonplace or played out, and where I live, nobodys 3rd gen Camaro looks like mine.

 

I was also thinking of running no rear spoiler at all. I've seen some like that, and thought it adds to a sleek appearance.

I'll investigate the 90-92 dash, that might be something I'm interested in.

Also, a different door handle, perhaps moving or removing the antenna ?

Thoughts ?

 

I think the 90-92 dash looks more "modern", but it's not as cool as the earlier dash, IMO.

How about body colored door handles? ...and a power antenna if you don't already have one?

SOM is kinda the "in" color right now, but don't confuse that with bad. It's a SWEEEEET color.

Again, ZR1's aren't original, but that's no reason NOT to run 'em. They look awesome. ...maybe black GS/ZR1's? Not for everyone, but I think they're awesome!!!

I don't like 4th gen interiors either. They look good, but IMO, they're the ONLY custom interiors you see, if you consider that "custom". If ya do it, do it cuz ya like it, not because it'll fit, ya know what I'm saying? ....don't get me wrong, I think they look good, and it does require work, but I think someone should try swapping in something different. I personaly like the 3rd gen interior myself.

Colors? Since old school colors are comin' back, why not something like that? Maybe a pewter color with a touch more gold than the GM pewter. Kinda like an import color. Maybe an oxblood color. How about brown/orange metallic? Something close to SOM, but with more dark earth tones?



Be careful where you say that. A lot of folks here will lynch ya for that one! ...I however agree whole heartedly! If I didn't have so much time, effort, money and now reputation for "stock" appearing Irocs, I'd do that myself!

 

....I think the "no spoiler" look goes best with lowered suspension.

This is one of my FAVE thirdgens. And no one will say you're not original. I can probably count on one hand how many "no-spoiler" cars are here on TGO!!!

 

"New" ideas? Hre's a couple...

One thing I did with my old 86 Suburban was bought a Nordskg "build your own dash kit" with all digital guages from Summit for around $400. I took the instrument panel out and mounted all the circuit boards to the old backing, put the blackout plexiglass panel over them, and then mounted it to the front bezel. That way the panel was black when the key was off, but I had the digital guages (they had the marching blocks around the outside edge as well on the tach and speed) when the key was on. Had digital oil pressure, temp, voltage, speedo, tach, and gas guage, really looked sharp. Have been considering that n my '91 but the cash has been too short to do for right now.

As for "modern colors", I personally like the white pearl you see on the Cadillac Escalades. Definitely new, and still pretty sharp in my opinion. I'd also consider it in a black if available because I generally like black Firebirds, but that white is alfully nice looking and would be cooler inside temps, especially in hotter climates.

How's that for a couple of starter ideas?

 

this is great, much food for thought. keep em coming.