Several years ago I decided to update the interior on an 88 Mera. After researching everything available at the time, I settled on a F355 interior made by Amida/Rob. The quality is absolutely outstanding and the work is better than OEM Ferrari IMHO. Due to me being out of the country so much during those years, this project remained boxed up in my basement for nearly two years after I got the new interior.
A couple of months ago, I finally decided to do the installation. This necessitated tearing out the old stock interior, installing soundproofing material, new VDO instrumentation, and the new interior pieces. I hit a snag (time wise) when we needed to care for my youngest son for about three weeks after major knee surgery. With the Silver Springs, Florida show rapidly approaching, I decided to get some help completing the work. I also dislike electrical work since I am so slow tracing all of the wiring on the modified 3800 SC harness. That is where the good folks in Woodstock, Georgia (Whodeanie and crew) came to the rescue. I dropped the car off there for about two days and they finished the work in time for me to make the show.
I have selected a few pictures that illustrate the interior refurbishment process and will use them in the interior build thread. There were a few things learned about VDO instrumentation and 3800 SC swaps that I will also list to help out anyone else who contemplates a similar installation.
With a 3800 SC Series III engine, computer from a 2006 GTP, and VDO instrumentation, there are a couple of potential issues. The computer tach signal will not drive the VDO instrument. The only two solutions considered so far are new ignition systems with a tach output and rebuilding an alternator to include a tach signal from that component. No ignition systems with a tach output that work on 3800 SCs have been located and we are working on possible price for the alternator modification. The other two issues discovered were resolved by a tee in the oil pressure line and a new tap for the VDO temperature instrumentation. It would be a much better solution if the two oil and water pressure measurement points were done prior to engine installation and integrated into the harness.
Original Interior Stripped
Soundproofing Using Dynamat
Carpet Installation
Door Panel Installation
Center Console Area
Dash Installation
Mr. Mike's Leather Seat Covers
Almost Finished Interior
Remaining Work (Stereo/Navigation/Camera System Installation)
New NAV Antenna
Speaker Pods
Interior Stereo/NAV Photos
Electronic Cruise Control
[This message has been edited by hnthomps (edited 11-20-2010).]
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03:49 PM
PFF
System Bot
TXGOOD Member
Posts: 5410 From: Austin, Texas Registered: Feb 2006
I hate you! I hate Whodeanie! Seriously. I Just had a kid. (And he rocks! ) Do you understand just how long it will be before I can afford an interior as great as yours?! You have ruined my perceptions of my stock GT interior. Arrgh!
Oh yeah, I hate Amida also.
And just what were you thinking outsourcing interiors to robots? A human might not have done a good as job, but at least you would have been putting people to work.
Remaining Work (Stereo/Navigation/Camera System Installation)
I have the same exact radio/nav in my 88gt; I LOVE it! Just some notes for ya...
Its a bit difficult fitting all the wires behind the radio. I actually de-pinned quite a few of the unused wires/rca's that were not needed; it freed up allot of space (just make a not of where to re-pin the leads if you wanted to sell it)...
The GPS antenna is very sensitive; I installed mine under the dash on the drivers side front corner. I made a lil "L" bracket to mount it on (mounted the bracket to the lil lip under the windshield). It picks up satellite signal even in my warehouse (w/ garage door open & Fiero by the door) very quickly...
The nav module fits perfectly in the Fiero sub-amp location; a lil Velcro and your good to go...
Depending on your system, if your using the RCA pre-amp outputs; put some electrical tape around the bare metal. If the bare metal makes contact with chassis ground, you will hear a crackle/static...
The ONLY down-side to this kenwood deck is there is no display when the screen is closed. But how often is that going to be The only time I close mine is when I am parked or adjusting the a/c...
Of course not! This is a very quality thread. (Lots'a pics and very great work) The majority of the people that look at the thread don't post, but always like looking. Keep up the great work!
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01:49 PM
whodeanie Member
Posts: 3819 From: woodstock,Ga.,USA Registered: Jan 2008
I hate you! I hate Whodeanie! Seriously. I Just had a kid. (And he rocks! ) Do you understand just how long it will be before I can afford an interior as great as yours?! You have ruined my perceptions of my stock GT interior. Arrgh!
Oh yeah, I hate Amida also.
And just what were you thinking outsourcing interiors to robots? A human might not have done a good as job, but at least you would have been putting people to work.
LMAO!!!! I am no robot and we busted our butts off for 2 days to get this done. long days, but I am gald we could get it done for the show. I have to give it to Amida this kit is by far the nicest one I have ever seen and had the pleasure to install. Thanks Nelson D.
hnthomps, when I first saw this thread (today), I thought, "I must ask him how he handled the usual damage/cracking that often occurs at the lower left corner of the Fiero's dash, shown clearly in one of your photos (which I've copied above).
Then, in another photo of yours (which I've copied below) I saw the answer to my question, so I withdraw my question, but I've nonetheless two points to make in regard to what you did:
That sure fixes the usual damage/cracking that often occurs at the lower left corner of the Fiero's dash.
I also have an alternative solution to the cracking dash corner in that I have a separate Beechwood dash with no damage sitting in my basaement. However, I likely will try to repair this dash just to see if I can do so. BTW, you also get more leg room with this interior!
Nelson
quote
Originally posted by project34:
hnthomps, when I first saw this thread (today), I thought, "I must ask him how he handled the usual damage/cracking that often occurs at the lower left corner of the Fiero's dash, shown clearly in one of your photos (which I've copied above).
Then, in another photo of yours (which I've copied below) I saw the answer to my question, so I withdraw my question, but I've nonetheless two points to make in regard to what you did:
That sure fixes the usual damage/cracking that often occurs at the lower left corner of the Fiero's dash.
G-A-W-D, that looks nice!
[This message has been edited by hnthomps (edited 11-20-2010).]
Just finished the stereo install on this one and I forgot to get pic's so I hope Nelson will post some for all of you. I built custom pods for the door speakers as well as the install and a few repairs while it was here. D.
I got my carpet through Rob/Amida when I was color matching the new interior. He has a connection somewhere and I am certain that he can supply a lot of new carpet in various colors.
Nelson
quote
Originally posted by grkboy707:
Do you have any suggestions on where to buy carpet from? Prices?
Two questions for ya. What are the gauges that are covered by the KVT-514's screen? And how do those Bostons sound? I have always wanted a whole Boston Acoustics setup in my vehicle, not as loud as some Rockford or Alpine, but I have yet to hear a speaker that is more clear, crisp, and as quality as Boston makes. Nice choice!
The sometimes covered gauges are as follows: Fuel, Oil Pressure, and Clock. I have used the BA 4 x 6 plate speakers in the back for years and really like them (crisp and clean). The BAs (6.5") now in the door pods also sound good but I only have a few hours on them right now. BTW, I am currently running the system off the head unit without an additional amp. I may or may not add an amp at a later date.
Nelson
quote
Originally posted by 1988holleyformula:
Looks great, nice work Dean!
Two questions for ya. What are the gauges that are covered by the KVT-514's screen? And how do those Bostons sound? I have always wanted a whole Boston Acoustics setup in my vehicle, not as loud as some Rockford or Alpine, but I have yet to hear a speaker that is more clear, crisp, and as quality as Boston makes. Nice choice!
In answer to a recent e-mail question, not all of the switches on this vehicle are currently functional. The A/C works just fine but I have not relocated the headlamp/dimmer switch or the emergency flashers due to the amount of work involved. I have also used other switches for different things (such as power to the rear view camera). All of ther switches are physically present with this interior but no wire is currently connected to the unused switches.
Neslon
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09:14 PM
Amida Member
Posts: 2357 From: Seattle, WA. USA Registered: Jul 2003
Looks like the installation went well Nelson. Don't bother with the hazzard switch. It's integrated into the steering column & will be a nightmare to re-wire. Any pics from the car show?
The cost is dependent on the materials selected to cover the panels and dash, instrumentation replacement costs, and whether or not you can do the work yourself. I will say that the cost is significant for the covered panels and dash, but very worthwhile. Contact Amida for details on the pricing and options available for this interior.
Nelson
quote
Originally posted by CSlater21:
Your Interior is amazing!!!
Well done!
So how much total would a setup like this run excluding the Audio system?
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01:15 PM
Rick 88 Member
Posts: 3914 From: El Paso, TX. Registered: Aug 2001
As soon as I can limp to the basement without undue pain, I will get the requested pictures. I had a knee replaced last week and am still working my way back to functionality.
Nelson
quote
Originally posted by Rick 88:
Nelson, please post some pictures of the entire Mera with the drivers door open. That way we can see the whole effect of the interior swap.
[This message has been edited by hnthomps (edited 12-20-2010).]
) Do you understand just how long it will be before I can afford an interior as great as yours?! You have ruined my perceptions of my stock GT interior. Arrgh! 
