Picked up Calypso 92 LX hatchback

[Dakar09]

Hello all!

Been lurking for a while, trying to see if I wanted to jump back into the Fox Body game (my first "real" car was a brand new '88 Mustang GT when I was 18). LOVED that car and the memories it left me with. I LEARNED to really drive on it. It was amazing to see how much support exists for these cars now. Being an intense DIYer, I'm not afraid to work on anything and figured I'd jump back in.

Recently picked up the 92 LX hatchback in rather faded Calypso Green. It needs a lot of electrical work (airbag light, no fuel gauge, tach is wonky, no AC), a full interior refurb (this has worked it's way up on the list due to POs smoking in it and needing to get down to the wiring anyway), suspension is shot, and the engine/auto transmission are very tired (138K miles). But body is straight, never wrecked, only light surface rust (originally a southern car), and it's not missing anything.

 

[gkomo]

Clean looking ride. Ya that smokers interior would bug the crap outta me.

 

[Dakar09]

She is definitely straight, just needs some love!

Looking forward to diving further into the forums.

 

[91AOD5.0LX]

Welcome and Very nice fox!

Use a “Bissell” carpet cleaner machine on your carpet and seats to get as much of that smoke smell out…. Do it several times over and over again. If You’re replacing the carpet and headliner that helps but for sure hit those seats over and over. Maybe a white vinager mixture to wipe down the plastics. It takes time to rid that smell but it can be done.

 

[AeroCoupe]

Headliner and visors are usually the worst with the smell. I bought a Turbo Coupe long ago that was a smoker mobile and I had the interior steam cleaned by a shop and that killed 95% of it. The rest was gone in one summer with the windows cracked and weekly wipe downs of the all the trim pieces and dash. I did not put any Armor All or anything like that on it as I did not want to trap the smell. If you go this route make sure you remove the center console have them unbolt the seats so they get everything.

 

[Dakar09]

This is great info. I am actually doing new upholstery, new front cushions, and new carpets (including the cargo area)...it's all shot anyway. Hadn't thought about the headliner, but I'm not replacing that., so will need to shampoo the snot out of it. And the visors, may replace those.

I'm putting in a different console for some cup holders. And great advice on the dash protectant trapping stuff in there.

 

[nickyb]

Welcome to my nightmare.

 

[AeroCoupe]

I’m second guessing myself here. Any kind of moisture on that headliner will probably cause the headliner to detach from the backer board. This is just due to the age and the foam layer breaking down very easily at this age. I would just order new headliner material and replace the old stuff.

 

[Dakar09]

It's been a long time since I cleaned a headliner, but I thought they made some "dry cleaning" type stuff. Now I have to look into this. I'm not keen on replacing headliner, but then again I haven't even looked up at it yet to see what shape it's in. But the smoke would definitely pool up there and soak into the fibers. What's it like to replace the headliner in these?

 

[91AOD5.0LX]

What's it like to replace the headliner in these?

Most choose to replace just the fabric instead of the entire board.. I did mine a few years ago and purchased the one-piece headliner from CJ Pony that had the fabric already glued to an ABS backing board with the holes pre-cut for the dome light, etc… I didn’t want mess with glueing and reusing the brittle original board.
It took me maybe 2 hours with my father to install. Easy peezy… I don’t have a sunroof though. Just remove the front/rear, and side trim pieces then the whole unit drops down. Disconnect the visors if lighted. The new unit went right up and clipped into place. Install the Trim pieces and you’re done. One of the best interior improvements I made. It was worth the expense (to me) and encountered no installation issues. Just have an extra set of hands to help hold it up and shift it around while installing.

 

[Dakar09]

I may follow your lead on this. I don't want to mess with the gluing either. I am currently installing a new conv top on my '65 Galaxie, and I have been unimpressed with off-the-shelf spray adhesives. And gluing the old worn out board will likely bring out the deficiencies in those adhesives even more.

 

[91AOD5.0LX]

I may follow your lead on this.

If you go this route, throw a blanket over your seats so when the old one comes down most of the brittle crap doesn’t get all over your interior. Wear gloves when installing the new one to prevent the dirt, oils, sweat, etc, from your finger tips and hands from getting on the new fabric and staining and marking it up as your pushing it up, holding it in place, and sliding it around into position, etc… This keeps it clean.

 

[Dakar09]

I'll have the seats and carpet out when I do it anyway. I'll definitely wear gloves to protect it.