Interior Questions

80deathtrap said:

I have a '66 Coupe and have some questions about the differences between the standard '65 and '66 interiors. I've decided to do a two-tone '65 bright red/white interior because the extra cost of the stock colored aqua dash pad and steering wheel over a red one almost covers the increased cost of replacing the upholstry and door panels.

So my first question is will '65 door panels fit in the '66 doors?

My second quesition is, what is the difference between the '65 and '66 dash pads? Everywhere I see them they are clearly delineated as either a '65 or '66 and I have seen the '65 bright red as an available color for the '66 dash pad.

Lastly does anyone sell the rear kickpanels for the coupes? They might be called quarter panel trim as that is what I have seen them called for the converitbles and fastbacks but I haven't seen them for the coupes.

Thanks.

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1. Yes, you can swap 65/66 standard door panels without any issues. Same clips, same shape, same holes for the handles--no problems.

2. There is a difference in dash pads. The 66 dash is eye brow shaped on the underside to wrap around the gauge panel and the glove box whereas the 65 is rather straight across the bottom.

How that affects you is that the 66 has extra holes that are lower on the metal dash that would need to be filled in order to install a 65 dash (outside next to the door jams comes to mind.) These holes would be exposed if using a 65 dash. Otherwise, without these holes, the 65 dash would fit just fine.

3. I have never seen the metal part of the quarter trim sold new (yet.) The metal can be painted any color you want.

The vinyl "padded" quarter trim that is typically found in a luxury (pony) interior. This trim basically that covers the existing metal panel. To be done correctly, you will also need the little chrome pieces that are found on the top front of the panel. It protects the padded part when people enter or exit the rear seat. Padded quarter trim is an easy conversion that requires only some glue and the drilling of one hole for the chrome piece mentioned. Both of these items are available through the aftermarket too.