My son received a message from the painter that we can pick up the car. He's so far done with the spraying. We haven't seen it in real life yet, but from the photos it has become really beautiful. The black spoiler and black accents on the window pillars were an idea of the car painter. And that works out very well, it gives a completely different look to the car don't you think?
We can then start rebuilding everything. The first thing we need to do is attach the upholstery to the roof, and then put in the new dashboard. Both parts are best attached when the windscreen and rear window are still out, then you can reach them better.
We bought new fabric for the back seat and side panels, which my wife and mother-in-law have already made to measure. For this they used the old one as an example. The only annoying thing is that my mother-in-law's sewing machine was not strong enough for the fabric to be able to pierce it properly with the needle. Fortunately, we have friends who have a curtain workshop and professional sewing machines, but we can only go there in 2 weeks, they are now on vacation.
Most parts are still new, or can be obtained second-hand. Only the floor covering was a problem. The original floor covering is molded and (of course) a special shape. You can't just copy this, but it's also not just for sale. My son eventually found a copy, but unfortunately that is not quite the color we wanted. But we just have to deal with it for a while. A comrade of mine has given a phone number of an acquaintance who also makes upholstery for Campers, maybe he can help us.
When we are going to replace the dashboard (and as long as the car is still bare) we also install extra cabling for new speakers. Then we can tidy it up. Because of course it also needs a good stereo :).
It is really nice to be busy with the car, looking for parts, etc. Only then does it become apparent how large that community still is. And the funny thing, most of the owners are my age and certainly not my son's age (17). A lot of people like that very much, that such a young guy likes those old Opels so much.
When the interior is ready, we will do a small piece on the exterior. He wants new rims and a new exhaust. We already have new shock absorbers with springs that lower the car by 4 CM. I think that gives it a really tough look.
Have a great day,
Peter
