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The Complete Guide to Restoring a Classic Chevrolet Camaro Interior

The Camaro: Built for Performance, Restored for Perfection

Since its debut in 1967 as Chevrolet's answer to the Ford Mustang, the Camaro has been one of the most beloved American muscle cars ever built. Today, first-generation (1967–1969) and second-generation (1970–1981) Camaros are among the most actively restored classics on the road — and getting the interior right is just as important as the engine and bodywork.

This guide walks you through what you need to restore your Camaro's interior correctly, from choosing the right carpet to finding the factory shop manual for your year.

Start With the Factory Shop Manual

Before you pull a single seat bolt, get the factory shop manual for your Camaro. The manual covers the correct disassembly sequence for the interior, torque specs for seat and console hardware, and the wiring diagrams you'll need if you're troubleshooting electrical issues while the interior is apart. Many Camaro shop manuals also include full-size wiring diagrams — an invaluable resource for any restoration.

We carry factory shop manuals for several Camaro years:

Don't see your year? Browse our full shop manual collection for additional years.

Choosing the Right Carpet for Your Camaro Generation

First-Gen Camaros (1967–1969)

The 1967–1969 Camaro is the holy grail of the muscle car world. These cars command serious money at auction, and a correct interior is essential for both show judging and resale value. The first-gen Camaro used a specific carpet pattern that wraps around the transmission tunnel and under the rear seat — fitment precision matters.

We carry ACC carpet for first-gen Camaros in both one-piece and two-piece configurations:

The choice between one-piece and two-piece often comes down to whether your car has a center console. Consult your shop manual or a Camaro-specific resource to confirm which configuration matches your build.

Second-Gen Camaros (1970–1981)

The second-generation Camaro ran from 1970 through 1981 with a sleeker, more European-influenced body. The interior evolved significantly over this period, but carpet fitment remained generation-specific. We carry ACC cut-pile carpet for the second-gen run:

Third-Gen Camaros (1982–1992)

The third-generation F-body Camaro brought a more modern interior with a wraparound dashboard and updated trim. These cars are increasingly popular restoration targets as they enter the classic car age. We carry ACC carpet for the third-gen as well:

Modern Camaros (2010–2022)

For owners of the fifth and sixth-generation Camaros who want to refresh a worn interior, we also carry ACC replacement carpet:

Don't Forget the Trunk Mat

A complete Camaro interior restoration includes the trunk. The factory trunk mat gives the car a finished look and protects the trunk floor from scratches and moisture. We carry trunk mat carpet for the most popular first-gen years:

Note that the 1969 trunk mat is sold separately from the 1967–68 version — the trunk dimensions changed slightly in the final first-gen year.

Installation Tips for Camaro Carpet

  • Remove the seats and console first — The Camaro's bucket seats and center console must come out completely before the carpet can be removed. Your shop manual will show the correct bolt locations and removal sequence.
  • Inspect the floor pan — First and second-gen Camaros are prone to rust in the footwells and along the rocker panels. Address any rust or floor pan repairs before installing new carpet.
  • One-piece vs. two-piece — If your car has a console, the two-piece carpet is generally easier to fit correctly. If it's a bench-seat car or a stripped-down base model, the one-piece may be the better choice.
  • Heat for fitment — Warm the molded carpet before installation to make it easier to work around the transmission tunnel and into the rear footwells.
  • Replace the jute padding — Original jute padding compresses over decades. Fresh padding improves sound deadening and gives the carpet a factory-correct feel underfoot.

Ready to Restore Your Camaro?

Jackson Automotive Products carries ACC carpet, trunk mats, and factory shop manuals for Camaros across every generation. Browse our Camaro collection to find the right parts for your year and build, or contact us if you need help confirming fitment before you order.

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