Inner Space
The last time we discussed the interior of the coupe, it looked like this:
I remember our “rocket ship” control panel and temporary steering wheel. We used to watch the ground pass by under the car through the big hole in the floor. Those are good memories.
Even though this car will be taken back apart to be painted, I need to drive the “Mint Green Shark” for 6-12 months as I test, refine and add various systems. I can’t very well be looking at steel floors and wires this whole time. I need to finish out the inside of the car just enough to make it feel comfortable - and presentable to bring home to my family.
Starting with the Dash
The original vinyl dashboard had more cracks than a dried lakebed. And the foam inside had swollen and split in areas. Our neighbor by the shop does fantastic work so I walked it over.
After removing the vinyl and repairing the foam, I had them wrap the dash in new stitched leather.
Then The Floors
Currently the car sounds like a tin can driving down the road. I really wanted to get it as quiet and tight feeling as possible. I opted to put a layer of Dynamat to the exterior surfaces. The floors, doors, roof, behind the rear seat and upper shelf. After completing this work we took her for a spin and the difference was stunning. Suddenly it felt like a fine automobile!
Brett then went to work on carpet. We could not use one of the moulded carpet kits made for the car because of the modifications we have made. The seat brackets are no longer there, the handbrake is no longer there, we reduced the size of the transmission tunnel to give a bit more foot room on the drivers side. So we opted to custom pad and carpet the car.
Padding is glued down to the entire area.
Then the carpet makes its first appearance.
Cozy.
Center Console Area
I then got the console reassembled. I found a vintage Blaupunkt cassette stereo (not the one that would have come with the car, but one that BMW used a few years later). I installed the heater and vent controls, even though they are not connected to anything yet. One of the next projects is designing in a modern air conditioning and heating system.
Putting the console in brought together the dash to the shifter, which from this angle makes the car look totally complete!
I had an epoxy sticker printed up with the CSE logo which replaced the Audi Sport logo on our shifter. Things are really coming together!
Lower Console and Armrest
Since I have no hand brake between the seats, I had a blank space which I thought could use some custom attention. This was one of my favorite little modifications that I’d dreamed about early on.
Notice that we removed the handbrake. Our car uses the same Brembo electric parking brakes that Tesla uses.
I fashioned a lower console out of plywood. BMW would have used plywood in 1974 so it’s fitting.
I then shaped the edges and sanded it smooth.
I wrapped it in vinyl (I will have my leather guy get his hands on it eventually).
And I inserted a BMW cupholder and coin tray. I also attached an armrest with console.
I couldn’t resist taking a period-correct photo with some smokes. The car did come with three ashtrays from the factory after all.
Rear Headrests and Blue becomes Black
Since I plan to drive my kids to school each morning, I wanted to increase the safety in a few areas. In addition to the modern BMW front seats with integrated seatbelts, I also added headrests to the rear seats.
Remember that my car had blue interior from the factory. While the blue looks fantastic with the original silver paint, it wouldn’t work at all with the orange paint I plan to go with. So I dyed the rear seats and all the door panels from blue to black. It is remarkable how well this turned out. The car is finally one cohesive blend of black, wood and chrome - a terrific combination.
These modern rear headrests came from the same BMW as our front seats. Notice the original blue vinyl on the rear seats in this shot.
After the seats were dyed black and a liberal amount of vinyl repair tape was applied. I think I can bring the car home looking like this.
Don’t forget the Trunk
Finally, we made our way to the trunk carpet. This was almost as gratifying as inside the cabin. The trunk has been a dirty messy area for so long. Now all the panels are carpeted or painted so that the trunk is a proper compartment.
Now I’ve got a car that feels as nice on the inside as it looks on the outside. As you drive the car you begin to forget that very recently this was that tin can with metal floors. The coupe has come a long way!
Cheers,
Paul