My IROC is relatively low mileage (98K) and really hasn't been driven or left in the elements much, but it's getting that musty smell that old cars get inside.

I have most of the interior out since I've stripped the car down for a repaint. I may replace carpet and possibly jute. I did notice that some of the tar in the sheet metal joints in the floor pan has deteriorated, so that may be causing odors. I may end up getting new seats too.

Has anybody freshened their interior up? How did you do it? My brother likes Damp-Rid but that's just a band-aid.

Thanks

 

I dunno, I like that old car smell... adds class... (makes it a 'classic')...

new carpet and jute is what'll do it for you. Perhaps cleaning the HVAC ducts too.

 

You also may want to deoderize the seat foam. My 82 had that musty odor from the seats. Just FYI..

Bill

 

Yea, If you are sticking with the original seats like I did, i went out and bought a "Bissell Little Green Clean Machine" aka an upholdstry cleaner. I went over both the seats and WOW clean as new as well as smells fresh... Good luck

 

Thanks guys. I agree. I actually have a little green clean machine. I'm on my second one...they're great!

Strangely, I've found a few times that when I clean seats with it I tend to get a "cat pee" smell for weeks or months afterward. It's happened on two or three used vehicles I've owned...not this one, though. I don't know if it's something in the Florida dust or huge amounts of nicotine/tar in the seats from previous owners.

 

Lol, I am on my second one as well, my other one the motor burnt out, but it was about 10yrs old. Just got my new one a few weeks ago... Are you using the reccommended cleaning formula with the correct concentration? I know that it does make a difference.
Have fun
Dennis

 

yea, I got that cat pee stench before... I think it's the water and ammonia or whatever in the cleaning solution, soaks in, and doesn't dry right, then stinks after...

 

like they already said, most of that smell is from a combination of whats in that jute padding of the carpet, the HVAC ducts, and the seats.

if your carpet isnt perfect, now is a good time to replace it...
if it is perfect, try using one of several carpet soaps made to kill mold and bacteria.. if you cant find any, try boating supply stores. they have several kinds, due to things that like to grow in boat carpet and seats.. i like Boat Zoap, but thats just my personal preference..

 

It's funny. I agree and like the old car smell. I don't like the idea of my car rotting to achieve it though.

 

IM in Clearwater so i know where your coming from. Its the humidity/heat..Florida summers are really bad.

Keeping the car in a climate controlled garage and installing new carpet did the trick for me. Keeps the interior nice and dry.