TMI Products Interior Install on RideTech’s 1972 C10

By now, most of you have seen photos of the classic blue-and-white ’72 C10 that we recently used to develop our StreetGRIP system for the 63-72 trucks.  This truck has quickly become a favorite of many here on the RideTech campus, even though a few details really needed addressing…like the interior!  It was equipped with a dated, white-vinyl-and-faded-blue-crushed-velour combo that was probably all the rage in its day, but a few years on the material (along with 40 years worth of foam deterioration) really took a toll on both looks and comfort.  Before the truck even rolled into the shop, we knew who we were going to call to help fix this issue!  Not only are they one of the only companies who make full aftermarket kits with an other-than-stock look, we have seen their products used in quite a few SEMA booth trucks, so we knew it was exactly what we needed to bring this truck into the 21^st century. After a little window-shopping on their website at www.tmiproducts.com, we decided to go with the Sport-R Series; they’ve got many options available, and we opted for the black on black color scheme with black suede inserts and white contrast stitching.

The kit we chose included a new dash pad, door panels, and split bench seats with all the bracketry included.  The quality was evident straight out of the box, and we couldn’t wait to get the new custom headliner and carpets in so we could get started on the install!  After adding some sound-deadening material and new carpets, we started our install with the dash pad.  That white stitching really pops on that flawless vinyl, and since it utilized the factory mounting holes, it was in and done in a matter of minutes.

The seats were next; the TMI brackets bolt right into the original holes so there’s no drilling required.  After marking and cutting the holes in the new carpeting, the brackets sat right in and a few turns later, they were done.  Mounting the split bench seat to the brackets was just as easy, and we loved the modern look of the suede inserts.

The doors took just a little more time as we decided to do away with the old window cranks and assemblies, and upgrade to power window units.  We installed a power window kit from SPAL; these are an unbelievably easy and affordable upgrade for any vehicle, and seem to be twice as strong as many of the aftermarket kits out there.  We’ve used them before and have always had trouble-free installation and usage.

After getting the power window mechanisms installed and wired, we got down to the only drilling required for this install.  TMI provides two easy-to-use templates so you know exactly where you need to drill.  One template locates holes near the armrest for some mounting points there; the other is for the bottom of the panel, since these panels extend further down than the stock ones did.  That extra coverage will fill some of that dead space and give a sleeker finished look.

The only nerve-wracking part of this install was cutting the holes in the nice, new door panels where we decided to put the power window switches.  But once they were marked and checked a dozen times or more, we proceeded with the cutting and everything looks great!!

The superior fit and finish of the TMI Products interior packages are evident before you even open the door.  The new seat brackets seem to give a much better driving position than the old seats did; the package does come with sliders so the seat adjusts, and the backrests are adjustable as well, so you can achieve the maximum level of comfort whether you’re on a long drive or a short cruise.  RideTech sales representative George, who had the opportunity to spend more than 34 hours and 2,000 miles behind the wheel immediately following the install, was extremely pleased by the comfort level during his travels.  He says, “These seats are really easy to adjust; and the foam bolsters give you a firm, bucket-seat feel without being hard on your back.  I didn’t mind the long drives nearly as much as I would have in the old seat!”

For more information on TMI Products, visit their website or call 1-888-460-0640.