If you've been following our True Street project, Repeat Offender, then you probably know that last month we shored up the front suspension with a tubular K-member, and put the LX coupe on the straight and narrow with a lightweight manual rack and pinion from Flaming River. This month, we turn to the interior of the '85 notch, and set up the tan interior with an Auto Custom Carpets rug, Corbeau seating, and a trick sheetmetal rear-seat delete from Scott Rod Fabrications.
Since we already removed the...
Since we already removed the seats, console, and carpet to install the rollcage ("Behind Bars," Sept. '10), this was our starting point.
When we first picked up Repeat Offender, it's rather unique exterior appearance was equaled by late-model Fox-body high-back seats that had been custom-upholstered in tan "pleather" with black piping. Although comfortable, they were visually challenging, for sure. The carpet was relatively clean but an odd shade of tan. On closer inspection, we discovered someone actually installed an orange rug and painted it tan.
After removing the dash, we...
After removing the dash, we then discarded the entire A/C system, including the evaporator case.
Since this is more or less a max-effort street/strip project, we sold off the back seat with the front seats, and opted for a lightweight rear-seat delete. As we are required to run a rear battery cutoff switch (due to the intended e.t. and NHRA rules), we're forced to run the battery in the back of the car, and when you do that, you need a proper firewall between you and the battery.
With these challenges ahead, you can follow along as we give Repeat Offender some interior upgrades.
The next step was to install...
The next step was to install the window net. Summit Racing Equipment provided a 24-inch-square net (PN SIM-36003BK; $53.95) from Simpson and an installation kit (PN RCI-7651A; $42.95) from RCI...
...After test-fitting the...
...After test-fitting the net, we welded the upper mounts to the rollcage.
We then pulled it tight and...
We then pulled it tight and mounted the lower bar to the cage...
...Note: To be NHRA-legal,...
...Note: To be NHRA-legal, you must mount the net to the inside of the bars.
Scott Rod Fabrications hooked...
Scott Rod Fabrications hooked us up with a package tray (PN FPT-928; $50). After the cage was installed, we sent Scott Schuette a cardboard template of Repeat Offender's tray. A few weeks later, this matte-black copy arrived in the mail. We fitted the center piece first.
The two side pieces had to...
The two side pieces had to be opened up a bit with a file. "I cut everything long," says Schuette, "so the pieces can be trimmed to fit upon installation." Once in place, we used hook-and-loop hardware to attach the panels to the underlying frame.