64 Interior Conversion

[csfinan]

I have a 64 Convertible...I'm thinking about putting a 65 Landau interior (seats, door panels, dash.....) in it to sharpen it up. I also want to add the power accessories. Anybody have any experience with this or see any difficulties?
Thanks!

[El Sol Infinito]

Technically, no. However I have to ask: Why? How shot is your present interior? On one hand, there's so little difference between the two, I can't see the benefit. One the other hand, you're going to get smoked by Tbird enthusiasts for messing with it.
Here's what's different between the '64 and '65 that I can tell:
1. '65s offered power vent windows, hence 2 more power window switches and a different center console panel.
2. '65s had the convenience panel with two extra "bullet" switches in the center which controlled the newly offered power antenna and the map lights. The '64 had a more hidden map light switch on the surface of the convenience panel.
3. The '65s had a different AM/FM radio option with buttons that flip to switch bands. Doesn't matter if you have the AM only unit.
4. The door panels on the '65 incorporated a pull handle in the armrest (This is the most important improvement, I think) and used different courtesy light bezels (not as good looking as the '64, I'd say)

That's it as far as I know. I suppose the Landau had wood veneer trim and panel faces, but I think the wood stickers look like crud compared to nice clean brushed stainless...

The power accessories you talk about: Is that the convenience panel? If so, that's not really worth it. The vaccuum door locks are not needed in a 2-door, and the emergency flasher isn't needed (everybody's going to see you from a mile away, anyway). I say this b/c neither my flasher or my locks work at this point, though...
The power seat, however can be easily retrofit into the '64, '65, and '66, just swap out the manual mechanism for the power mechanism and hook up to some good power.
The two things I really had for my car: A power antenna, which would make putting on the car cover about 15 seconds quicker, and viable cruise control for all of the road trips I'll eventually take.
Good luck.

[csfinan]

Thanks Bob,
My interior's kind of worn and this looked like it might have been a good way to get it done over quick...on the other hand I can probably find some nice trim pieces and redo the panels, you're right about the veneer....seems like a lot of trouble for not much gain, and it would detract from the original...
Best Regards,
Chris

[El Sol Infinito]

I'm going throught the same thing myself. When I bought the car last year, I figured I'd reupholster everything, new door panels, new carpet, etc. Now that financial reality has set in, I'm leaning more toward repairing and refurbishing. I'll probably try redying the door panels and dash, and having a local upholstery shop have a try at refurbishing the seats.
Good luck.

[csfinan]

Yeah, the quick fix can be attractive. At least mine isn't beyond repair, just worn. As you suggest, I'm sure a good shop would be able to bring it back.
Good Luck to you too, and thanks again for the input.
Chris