21 GT Interior

[johnnywhale]

I am working on a 21 GT project, trying to get it ready for next summer. The upholstery is beyond it's usable life, to say the least. My friend with an 18 was able to purchase a complete interior, but I don't see anything available from the sponsors / usual sources. I guess I am realy in a niche market! Any suggestions for someone on Long Island?

[olredalert]

----I had a GT21 new. If you are intent on a correct restoration, look for the best interior guy you can find. You wont find anyone that has GT21 interior pieces. The GT21 had a completley unique interior. If you at least have the original patterns you can start there. If not, look around this sight for some pictures of original GT interiors to duplicate. I would call Lakeside (sponser) and at least talk to him initially......Bill S

[johnnywhale]

The vinyl is a lttle "crunchy" to say the least. I would rather have the bucket style seats, but I don't think there is room inside, the passenger compartment is pretty narrow because of the "step" on the sides. I will have to do some measuring!

[Conquistador_del_mar]

It would be great if someone bought the old patterns from the old Donzi seat maker. I remember getting a set of white/yellow and white/blue for two different GT-21s I had in the 1980s. They bolted right into place and were perfect! Bill

[mattyboy]

the gt interior is one of those unique ones among donzi classics. it always reminded me of a mustang interior. it is very car-like and i would imagine a good car interior guy could do one easily

[Scott Pearson]

There is a guy here in NJ that did the interior for the 21 GT Holman Moody 427 all original boat and it was amazing. I will try and get the information. I saw the interior first had it it was spot on and 100% perfect. And I'm picky....

[knots2u]

You're 50% on the way to a new interior; you have the old interior to use as a pattern. The other 50% is talent + money.

[Buddyc]

Hey knots... Good to see you, when are you going to put those patterns to use ? I'm sure you could bang out that interior in no time! And I still need a all white for my Barrelback.
Matty, they really do look like the front seats of 60's mustang

[Morgan's Cloud]

I was gonna say +2 on what olered said , but everyone else is good too.
You already have the originals, if you can find a really good marine upholsterer (especially one who likes your boat to boot.. which they will ) you're good to go.
No panic.
The GT21 is one helluva cool Donzi and the interior has to be done right.

Just one tip from personal history .. the gal I used for all of my previous upholstery work was a marine specialist and a sailmaker as well. She turned me away from teflon thread in both of my jobs because as she put it , the thread is so tough that it'll cut through the fabric , rendering re-use of the upholstery impossible. If you keep your interior clean , dry and covered AND keep bleach off of it the cotton will last for years and still be repairable if the need should ever arise.

[maddad]

You're 50% on the way to a new interior; you have the old interior to use as a pattern. The other 50% is talent + money

This is what I did almost 15 years ago, before I even found this site, to get an interior for my 18. I found a local guy who did good work, and he used my old and cooked to a crisp interior for a pattern. The fit is perfect and it still looks good with the minimal care I give it.

[johnnywhale]

Maddad,
You're Mike correct?
I am friends with Ralph Sav. Who did you use locally? I am in Islip so South Shore would be great! As another option, Is Jaime from Lakeside? In Pa.?
Thanks to all for any advice,
John R.

[OFFSHORE GINGER]

For your interiior on your GT i also would go Jamie @ www.lakesiderestorations.com which is all in house .

[maddad]

Hi John. I remember. It's nice to see your project moving along.
The guy I used, Crest Canvas in Amityville, doesn't exist anymore. There's a guy in Patchogue that I've heard good things about. I'll try and hunt down the name.
What are you doing for power and drive in your GT ? Let's see some pictures of it.

[maddad]

John, I've never used them, but I've seen some of there stuff and it all looked top notch.

Ke-Per Enterprises,,78 Campbell St Patchogue Ny 631 447 9668

Close enough where you could drive by and check out the shop and make a decision.

[johnnywhale]

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It's allegedly a brand new 350, it does look new through the oil fill, and the stock risers are new as well. My plan is to replace the heads with better iron Darts and a slightly bigger cam as well with Stainless Marine exhaust or the equivalent. That is, if the lower end looks new as well after I get it apart on a stand this winter. Don't worry eventually I will build a 406 or bigger torque monster for it, just not in the budget this year.

The drive is a 280 volvo no power trim, but it supposedly has been rebuilt as well, it surely has a nice paint job in and out!

I just have to move a couple of projects out of the garage, if I ever get time. I have way too much going on in there and the stuff that goes along with it! If it stays mild, I might not have to, and look at all the money we're saving on heating costs - 60 degrees in January!