update on my interior conversion (pics)

[97GSTspyder]

While i was at Summit last night (for the 2nd night in the row) i got some vinyl paint i seen there from VHT. I know VHT paint is good because i used their "high temp" on my valve cover and was amazed with it. Being that it was only $7.95/can i got 2 of them. I read the can before i purchased them and it says "will not flake off, bonds to almost any interior pieces". So I got everything set up in the basement. I already had the rear panels out so i decided to try it out on those. Cleaned and prepped with dawn dish soap, then used 2000grit wet to get all the excess garbage out. Dried everything all off, and started to paint. Here's the before and after pics.

Before...


After...



Everything is still in the 'curing' process. The can says let it cure for 72 hours. It's already been at least 4. Just a few minutes ago I went and tried to scrape some off in an area you can't see. Nothing came off Hopefully it never comes off...I hate tan. Then to accent it, i'm still using the Metallic Silver model paint you get at wal-mart for like $2/can. I sprayed the rear speaker covers silver, and the little plastic piece for the sealbelt.

Oh, and i'm not sure if i posted about the carpet yet...Like 2 weeks ago i ordered black carpet from e-bay. Like $130 shipped. Got it 4 days later. It was kind of a bitch to get in considering you have to cut everything out yourself, but i finished it and it looks AMAZING. I'll get some pics of it later.

[SilvrEclipse]

Looks much better, be sure to post pics when you get it completely finished.

[Blackcrow64]

Looks awesome!!! You should post a picture of the can so I make sure and get the right stuff.

How many coats did you (or are you planning) on putting on the pieces? Any clear coat?... I'm really curious as to how it will stand up to the sun and daily use.

[AbsoluteGTR]

$7.98 is kinda expensive for a can of spray paint...either that or I am a cheap fuck, lol, I paid $0.94 for a can of white spray paint to do my interior bezel pieces, and it still came out great!

[97GSTspyder]

i'll post a pic of the can in a bit (gotta recharge my camera)...i applied 3 coats of black, making sure the first coat was light, but still covered all the tan. and then 2 thicker coats. as for the clear, i might clearcoat them. i have to see how glossy the stock black color is first (i know it's not very glossy). so which means i'll have to wait till it's completely cured and hold it next to the dash.

i had an idea. i seen a couple spyders with the 2 seater conversion piece (the piece that covers the whole rear and has 2 bubbles, 1 behind each seat). i'm thinking about getting that piece, have it painted to match my exterior color, then building a 'wall' behind the seats. not sure out of what material, though. then laying black fabric on it (like i did with my visore), cutting 2 holes in the wall for subs, then having the amp mounted in the center. then i was thinking of making 2 'peep holes' and having them covered with plexiglass. then have a constant green light (that turns on with tail lights) behind the wall so my painted rear pieces are still visible. anyone think that's a good idea? i've never seen an actual wall behind the seats like this on a spyder w/ the 2 seater conversion.

[Blackcrow64]

Originally Posted by 97GSTspyder

i'll post a pic of the can in a bit (gotta recharge my camera)...i applied 3 coats of black, making sure the first coat was light, but still covered all the tan. and then 2 thicker coats. as for the clear, i might clearcoat them. i have to see how glossy the stock black color is first (i know it's not very glossy). so which means i'll have to wait till it's completely cured and hold it next to the dash.

i had an idea. i seen a couple spyders with the 2 seater conversion piece (the piece that covers the whole rear and has 2 bubbles, 1 behind each seat). i'm thinking about getting that piece, have it painted to match my exterior color, then building a 'wall' behind the seats. not sure out of what material, though. then laying black fabric on it (like i did with my visore), cutting 2 holes in the wall for subs, then having the amp mounted in the center. then i was thinking of making 2 'peep holes' and having them covered with plexiglass. then have a constant green light (that turns on with tail lights) behind the wall so my painted rear pieces are still visible. anyone think that's a good idea? i've never seen an actual wall behind the seats like this on a spyder w/ the 2 seater conversion.

That would be really sweet... I'll try to draw up a picture of it so you would have an idea of what it would look like. Then I'll have to find a way to get it online. lol

[Blackcrow64]

I was bored and had nothing better to do so heres a little drawing of what your concept is... I didn't understand where you wanted the plexiglass to go though... Take a look and lemme know what ya think.

[imtheoneandonlyD]

VHT is an awesome company. I used their nightshades on my taillights and it turned out great. Cant wait to see what your interior looks like finished.

[david-b]

What is nightshade? Is it a smoker for the lights? I want to smoke mine this summer. Link please? Thanks

[97GSTspyder]

Originally Posted by Blackcrow64

I was bored and had nothing better to do so heres a little drawing of what your concept is... I didn't understand where you wanted the plexiglass to go though... Take a look and lemme know what ya think.

i don't see the pic...must not have uploaded. i drew a pic myself, i'll hook up my scanner (or just take a pic of it) and post it.

[Turbodog97]

damn that turned out really good. Be sure to post some pics when you get the whole conversion done...

[nova1313]

the place that sells the back part to convert it to a two seater also sells the plate that makes essentially a wall. It comes with 2 holes for subs.

I bought the 2 seater part. Didn't get to paint and install yet but it's quality. I didn't get the back wall. I'm going to fabricate plastic on a hinge so I can use the back seat for storage or something. Not sure yet.

My sub is already under the convertible boot..

I used the same paint you did for accenting my black interior. I got the blue color though. I used it on all my speakers. My front speaker takes a beating from my foot when getting out in tight parking spaces. It doesn't come off I've beaten the crap out of it. It does however in that color at least mark. Mine has black shoe marks on it. you can tell the paint is underneath however. But I can't get the black off for the life of me.


I can't wait to see pictures when your done. I saw your post about carpet the other day. I think I'm going to try that myself with the black carpet. I have grey now and it just gets way too dirty way too fast.. I can't keep it looking nice. By cut it did they just send you a big sheet of black carpet or was it cut to fit already and just needed some trimming? I was thinking of just going to the carpet store getting a remnant and putting that in. Hrm black shag carpet in a car anyone? j/k

[97GSTspyder]

ok i got some more pics

the finished product (the silver pieces are just laying in the correct spots, didn't want to snap them in yet)




the pic of the can...




my sketch i came up with for the rear wall...

[david-b]

Nice. I like the black and silver. That's a big grill for that.

[97GSTspyder]

Originally Posted by nova1313

the place that sells the back part to convert it to a two seater also sells the plate that makes essentially a wall. It comes with 2 holes for subs.

I bought the 2 seater part. Didn't get to paint and install yet but it's quality. I didn't get the back wall. I'm going to fabricate plastic on a hinge so I can use the back seat for storage or something. Not sure yet.

My sub is already under the convertible boot..

I used the same paint you did for accenting my black interior. I got the blue color though. I used it on all my speakers. My front speaker takes a beating from my foot when getting out in tight parking spaces. It doesn't come off I've beaten the crap out of it. It does however in that color at least mark. Mine has black shoe marks on it. you can tell the paint is underneath however. But I can't get the black off for the life of me.


I can't wait to see pictures when your done. I saw your post about carpet the other day. I think I'm going to try that myself with the black carpet. I have grey now and it just gets way too dirty way too fast.. I can't keep it looking nice. By cut it did they just send you a big sheet of black carpet or was it cut to fit already and just needed some trimming? I was thinking of just going to the carpet store getting a remnant and putting that in. Hrm black shag carpet in a car anyone? j/k

It was already pre-molded. It was just one big ass piece. The sides both had excess carpet for trimming. The quality of the carpet i got is excellent. I had to cut out the center part for the console, trim up the sides, make the hole for the gas tank/trunk popper, the two holes in the back that go around the rear seat releases and some other minor work...It did take a while, considering i took my time because i didn't want a hack job. I purcahsed the carpet from autocarpet on ebay. I highly recommend them. The guy i talked to was very nice and told me that when you order carpet, they actually make it. They mold it for your floorpan, and he explained to me that i'd have to do some cutting. Very honest, and like i said before, i'm 100% satisfied.