1981 Camaro Z28

[DynoDave]

I like those wheels.

But....

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2020/04...and-sport-z06/

[MP81]

Thankfully, I think that supposed "issue" is only on the split 5-spokes, rather than the "standard" Z06 mesh multi-spoke/mesh wheels that I have my eyes set on.

I think another issue that doesn't help is the size of the wheels on those cars and the resulting size of the sidewall, whereas I'll only be running a 17 or 18" and a bit bigger of a sidewall.

[DynoDave]

Gotcha. So it's reproduced in smaller sizes?

[MP81]

Yup! And I can get them in the gunmetal color I like.

Since I can recalibrate my speedometer easily via the cluster, I do have leeway when it comes to tire sizes, though, out back, the height really won't be too big of a factor regarding how wide I can go. I should be able to potentially go wider than I'd usually be able to, assuming I'm able to shove the wheels out about 2" (without a spacer) to make up for the ~2" difference in backspacing. I have no idea how I can do this on the front. The bolt-on spacers work well enough, I just do not like the look, though the wheel design might hide them a little bit more. No idea yet - probably a long ways' off, but doesn't mean the research can't start yet.

[MP81]

With some help from 92conv , I finally picked out the floor mats I wanted. They just arrived today - these are going to be a major improvement over the hard vinyl factory mats, especially since the driver mat has a hole in it, and the whole thing slides around - been sitting in my garage for a year or so, because I got sick of it moving while I was trying to drive.

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[DynoDave]

Very handsome. What brand?

[92conv]

Look good!!..........

You know? Now that I see your original rubber mat, that looks to be the same as what came in the Grand Nationals back in the day. I think those are being reman'd. Let me see if I can find a link.

EDIT: Nope, looks like the company discontinued them. They only offer carpeted mats now.

[MP81]

Very handsome. What brand?

These are Lloyd Mats, the Ultimat line.

Look good!!..........

You know? Now that I see your original rubber mat, that looks to be the same as what came in the Grand Nationals back in the day. I think those are being reman'd. Let me see if I can find a link.

EDIT: Nope, looks like the company discontinued them. They only offer carpeted mats now.

They might very well have been the same mat across a number of vehicles - these are the B37 color-keyed front & rear floor mats (confirmed it on the window sticker).

[MP81]

I installed my brother's floormats yesterday, so I figured I would tackle mine today, as his were the same brand and thus used the same style anchors (his used a combination of the stock anchor - Ford only used one, which had since ripped out because the carpet tore there, and thus would do it again if we just relied on the one - and one of Lloyd Mat's anchors).

Man, these things really fill up the entirety of the carpeted surface in front of each seat - there were actually a bit of a tight fit to get installed. Unfortunately, the anchors really can't install well/correctly for a couple reasons: 1) where they want to be installed for the correct orientation is where the seat bolts in, 2) there isn't enough space under the carpet for the anchor to bite down and grab, unlike on my brother's car. Luckily, the back of the mat is crazy grippy, so that, combined with the size, means they shouldn't go anywhere.

They're so plush and comfortable, it really elevates the experience inside this vehicle, and should probably kill my heel less when driving. The "stealth" Z28 logo really works out well, and the color of the mats is really close to the actual carpet color.

You can see just how much more the front mat will cover compared to the original mat (the ear there on the top left goes around the highbeam foot switch). The backs are close, though the new ones are a touch longer.
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Ignore the giant hole in the front seat...I still need to swap those out for something much, much more aggressive.
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It's dark, but trust me, there are new floormats in the back there.
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[DynoDave]

Those do look good. I need to upgrade from my "vintage" aftermarket pieces.

[MP81]

They're extremely plush and comfortable to be on. I love me an OE mat, but even OE carpet mats are nowhere near this nice.

Looks like they have some T/A or Pontiac graphics if you were to get the Ultimats. You can play around with the design here: https://www.lloydmatsstore.com/ultim...-mats?q=design

I did the black color, and it really works well with my black carpet. I'm not sure if the Ebony would have been a perfect match, or if it would have been too light, but I'm extremely happy with the colors/design I chose.

I got them through Auto Barn and got $10 off as I believe there was a sale. Same pricing, free shipping, and can still customize. They drop shipped from Lloyd Mats.

[DynoDave]

I think the really nice mats my brother has for his 914 are Lloyds. They certainly have a great reputation. His are bright red, like the exterior of the car, and only go in for shows, once he arrives. They are decorative only. He has others in when driving. He's been showing cars (and winning trophies) for decades, and knows how to present them. I'm more of a cruise night guy...dust it, may a bath with detailer, clean the wheels, glass and go.

Lloyds does have the CORRECT phoenix design used for third gens, in gold, silver and red. While silver would match the birds on the nose, tail and quarters, I think with the all grey interior and grey mats, that I would go with the red bird. Only problem is they use a black background. Not sure how that would look on a grey mat.

[MP81]

They have finally arrived (I made these two orders back in the middle of April - the SFCs/rear bushings were what I've been waiting on)!

Gonna be a shame to put these pretty things underneath the car. Global West subframe connectors, solid aluminum interlock body bushings (with new hardware) and Summit Racing subframe-to-body alignment pins.

I'll eventually get around to putting the bushings in and thus getting the subframe in the right spot and then drive it over to Curt's shop to have him install the subframe connectors (need a pair of 3/16" thick washers, per GW, to take up the space in the rear bushings that the SFCs would normally occupy when I install the bushings, sans SFCs), since I don't have a welder or a four post. Hopefully I have the motivation to do so after we get back from NC...assuming I have the time.

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[DynoDave]

Excellent!

I need to have Curt put some in my car as well. With t-tops, it's essential really.

Are you pulling the seats and carpet for him, or having him do it all?

[MP81]

It'll depend on what he needs me to remove. These weld to where the rear underbody rails go up, so it's entirely possible I don't have to pull the carpet since they're so far away from the interior.



The fronts glove over the subframe, sandwich between the bushing and the subframe, and the bolt into the subframe on the sides, as well. I will not be having it welded there, as that would basically make the subframe non-removeable.