Looking to give your C5's interior more visual impact? The right dress-up items can make all the difference
Not long ago we showed what was involved in replacing a C5's tired carpeting. This month we'll go one step further by taking a look at some of the interior accessories Corvette Central and CorvetteHID offer to make your '97-'04 Vette stand out even more.
It's been said that the little things make all the difference. And no statement is truer when used in reference to your car's interior. Giving your cockpit a once-over with subtle visual cues is not only pleasing to the eye, it's easy on your wallet. Everything included in this story was low buck, and virtually all of the parts were also easy to install. The only real work was deciding which items would look best in our '02.
The entire job consumed just a couple of hours on a sunny Saturday afternoon, and the effort paid off in spades. Who'd have thought you could change your car's whole attitude by just adding a few color-coordinated details? Yes, it really is all about the little things.
If you’re looking to improve...
If you’re looking to improve your A/C’s performance when flying solo, these AC Vent Covers—which block off the passenger-side air outlets—do the trick.
Corvette Central’s Door Sill...
Corvette Central’s Door Sill Decals are an easy way to add some color to one of the most overlooked spots on your C5.
Jumping to the hatch, we decided...
Jumping to the hatch, we decided to add CC’s Cargo Shade with C5 Logo.
Here’s a comparison of our...
Here’s a comparison of our ’02’s sills before...
...And after the installa...
...And after the installation.
Add a color-keyed Grab Handle...
Add a color-keyed Grab Handle Wrap…
…and the passenger side starts...
…and the passenger side starts to take on a whole new look.
This easy-to-install accessory...
This easy-to-install accessory should protect our new carpets, hide any items placed in the rear cargo area...
...And help reduce interior...
...And help reduce interior heat.
These LED replacement bulbs...
These LED replacement bulbs by CorvetteHID ...
...Offer an eye-pleasing replacement...
...Offer an eye-pleasing replacement for your Vette’s standard light array. We went with red to match the interior.
On the driver side of the...
On the driver side of the car, we added a Steering Wheel Emblem Decal.
Moving to the center console,...
Moving to the center console, we traded out some factory pieces for Corvette Central’s Automatic Shifter Boot...
...Leather Emergency Brake...
...Leather Emergency Brake Handle, and Leather Emergency Brake Boot.
As you can see here, these...
As you can see here, these few items really brighten up what was previously a rather dour occupant space.
On the driver side of the...
On the driver side of the car, we also added a Steering Wheel Emblem Decal.
Looks great! Just be ready...
Looks great! Just be ready to spend some time threading the included string through all the holes in the cover. Fortunately it’s much easier than it sounds.
We wrapped up our install...
We wrapped up our install with an Accented Door Arm Cushion…
...a matching Door Pull W...
...a matching Door Pull Wrap…
…and a Door Handle Bezel....
…and a Door Handle Bezel.
Once again, these few small...
Once again, these few small changes...
...Make a tremendous difference...
...Make a tremendous difference in the overall look.
C6 Gauges on a C5?
Recently we came across Corvette Central's great-looking new C6 Gauge Face Kit. While hunting for a suitable C6 in which to install one, a friend asked, "Would those fit on a C5?" With our '02 already apart, and no suitable non-EL (electro-luminescent) kit out there to our liking, we decided to give it a shot. After all, the faces are virtually the same size.
As you'll see, the end result was pretty astounding. But while everything lined up nearly to factory specs, the warning lights were not in the same position. So unless your C5 has a HUD, or you always keep a close eye on the gauge readings, we can't offer an unqualified thumbs-up on this project. However, for the curious, here's how it looked.
We began the project by disconnecting...
We began the project by disconnecting and removing our C5’s gauge pod.
Doing a quick mockup, we discovered...
Doing a quick mockup, we discovered that the needle holes on the circular C6 overlays were slightly smaller…
…while the speedo and tach...
…while the speedo and tach indicators were configured differently. What’s more, the rpm markings were just a hair off.
Since this was a fact-finding...
Since this was a fact-finding project, we pressed forward, reshaping the holes and adding a place for the needle stops.
Going all out, we also added...
Going all out, we also added Corvette Central’s Aluminum Gauge Bezels.
Now that’s a gauge pod that...
Now that’s a gauge pod that pops! Not bad for a “What if?”