I'm working on my '79 Camaro. This is one of those typical car restoration projects that includes a "do - over" . When I began the resto a few year ago, I planned to do everything in the original light blue. After installing light blue seat covers and carpet I discovered that all the other interior panels aren't available in blue so I did those in black. Now I've decided it would be better to do the entire interior in black. When I started, a guy that restores Camaros told me to do the interior first and then get it painted because you will messs up the paint while doing the interior. Now I have my doubts about doing it in that order. I'll be doing a color change so the door jams, everything, will be painted. Should I get the paint job first, and then replace the seat covers and carpet? I have completed 95% of the rest of the interior.

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2000 Corvette hardtop black, 6 speed, Halltech Tric cold air intake w/nylon MAF ends, Corsa Touring cat back exhaust w/pro tips, Taylor wires, 1/4 mile: 12.918 @ 111.29 mph on stock EMT's 330 rwhp, 342 rwt on MTI's dyno, 3075 lbs

79 Camaro 355 CID, Edelbrock intake, Edelbrock 600 cfm carb, Edelbrock performer 64 cc alum cyl heads, comp cams extreme energy 262 cam, erson roller rockers, hooker headers, Mallory Comp 9000, 3.42 posi, 700R4 rebuilt w/ B&M kit, 2400 stall converter w/ TCI lockup kit, energy suspension f.e. rebuild, 1-1/4 front sway bar, 5/8 rear bar

67 Camaro, 327 w/ a 'glide , waiting on "funding"

I always, always do bodywork and paint first. I always gut the interior prior to the bodywork.

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70 SS 454 CI Dynoed 650+HP (with old cam) All Aluminium Fuel Injected Small Block 708HP (based on Engine Analyzer) with new cam, 908HP with 200 shot of Nitrous Express go juice. 1208 if I put the big jets in it and want to bust rings.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by Rick WI:
I always, always do bodywork and paint first. I always gut the interior prior to the bodywork.

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I concur!

I don't see how you would mess up the exterior paint when working on the interior - unless you rest the seats on the hood while you look for the seat bolts http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif. It's pretty hard to paint the sills under the carpet after the interior is installed. But seriously, I would think it be a PITA trying to seal the interior from overspray mist. My interior is gutted in prep for the soon-coming paint. But I did pre-fit all my interior parts first, then took it all out again. This way, they'll be no surprises.

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Steve. 74 orig owner
383, Comp 280, Sportsman II, HD TH350, 3:42 posi, 4wdisc, 12:1 box, IAS, headers, true-dual w/H-pipe. All new susp/bushings.
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Long Island Phantom Hockey -23-

the upholstery shop I use won't touch a non painted car, he figures some overspray will get inside, he uses blankets, and masking tape to keep from doing damage, it's also easier to do body work with no interior or glass

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<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by HCKY23:
I don't see how you would mess up the exterior paint when working on the interior - unless you rest the seats on the hood while you look for the seat bolts http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif. It's pretty hard to paint the sills under the carpet after the interior is installed. But seriously, I would think it be a PITA trying to seal the interior from overspray mist. My interior is gutted in prep for the soon-coming paint. But I did pre-fit all my interior parts first, then took it all out again. This way, they'll be no surprises.

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Well now, aren't we the comedian http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif .... you make me laugh and I agree with you. Setting the seats on the hood sounds like something I would say to someone who asked what I asked. I sure wish I would have ignored this guys advice. It looks like he was F.O.S. It looks like I "pre-fitted" my interior too, but not intentionally...ha ha. At least there will be no surprises.

Thanks to all of you for your advice. I'm glad I asked. It is wonderful to have this sight as a resource for good information. http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/smile.gif