81 to 84 conversion

[So Cal Mark]

We're nearly done with a restoration on this 81, which includes converting the interior to an 84 style. We've installed a custom ac system which takes the place of the original heater box and uses the two center console fresh air ducts for the ac ducts. The rear seat has been converted to the package shelf. The carpet is marine carpet since this car is going to the Caribbean. Dynamat under all of the carpet and along the tunnel. Mechanical upgrades include a 95a alternator, DIS ignition, H4 headlamps with a relay upgrade, 14" wheels with powder coat and our chrome center caps and our new Big Brake kit with braided hoses all around. This car was also used as the prototype for our new steering arms that lower the steering effort.
Once the center consoles are in, I'll post pics of that part of the interior.
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/socalma ... conversion

[westy64]

I like the work done on the rear seats.
Nice !

[ga.spyder]

Mark,that is very nice work.The package shelf conversion is really done well.Did you out-source the upholstery,or do it in house? The door panels are gorgeous.

[So Cal Mark]

we use an outside upholsterer for all of that work. He's really good, fast and very close to our shop. He also did the blue car that I posted last year

[vandor]

"Page not found"?

[So Cal Mark]

the link works for me

[azruss]

Mark, do you know what he did with the carpet that replaced the rear seat back. Is that glued straight to the body are is there a backing, foam, etc.

[So Cal Mark]

the rear seat back was replaced with the rear insert from an 84. I'm in the process of having those reproduced in fiberglass so we can offer a conversion kit

[So Cal Mark]

we finished this car up today, so here are a few more pics;





the two air ducts in the center console are now ac ducts. We built a custom evaporater/heater case
that replaces the original heater box. It allowed us to remove the bulky under dash ac unit that took
most of the passenger footwell. The stereo system has an ipod tray. The engine has been upgraded with
DIS ignition and a 95 amp alternator. This car also got our Big Brake kit and our brand new Easy Steer
arms to lessen the steering effort. The interior got Dynamat under the carpet, and marine carpet was used
to eliminate any chance of mold if it gets wet.
Full video of the car coming later

[So Cal Mark]

http://youtu.be/qkAfVHgWg1s

[Exit98]

Wow, nice. The carpet looks great in the car. Nice installation.

Thanks for showing us, it's a beauty.

[crutdresser]

Very inspirational... beautiful.. beautiful!! thanks for posting... someday mine will be just like it....right after I hit the lotto....lol

[focodave]

Mark,
Very nice, indeed!
Is that your fiberglass reproduction dash?
If so, what finish (level of gloss) and what paint (what brand) did you use to get that finish?
Dave

[davery]

Mark, what is the switch on the dash to the left of the main cluster for?

[So Cal Mark]

we use semi-gloss on the dash and consoles. The switch on the left side of the dash is the headlight switch. The 84-85 turn signal switches are very expensive and they incorporate the head lamp switch onto the stalk, so we didn't include that in the upgrade as it would require a different wire harness