What Do We Know About The Elio Interior Materials/colors?

[Coss]

I've never owned a vehicle with heated seats, and never thought about it beyond winter use. I really like your use, and I'm keeping that in mind when the time comes! Thanks for the idea!

Like I mentioned earlier, really easy to do; here's a kit from Amazon Aftermarket Heated Seats

And a different kit with larger pads that have a Hi/Lo setting 2nd Kit

 

[Ty]

A brightly colored interior would be hell here in Albuquerque. Sure, the black heats up a little more but at least I don't have to squint to see out the windows. I can't imagine having the sun's glare off the dash.

 

[Coss]

A brightly colored interior would be hell here in Albuquerque. Sure, the black heats up a little more but at least I don't have to squint to see out the windows. I can't imagine having the sun's glare off the dash.

That's why most dashes are flat black; so that they don't glare.
I used to have a 99 Monte Carlo; took it in to have it detailed and the brain-dead detailer Armoralled the whole dash.
I picked it up in the evening, so I could tell it was shiny, but it was ok. The next day I jump in the car and can't see S**t out the windshield.
Took it back (once I found my way there) and read them the riot act. It took them 2 hours to make it right and I got a full refund.

 

[Ekh]

Even if it doesn't come with heated seats, that is something that can be added later; I know, I was doing it 30 years ago, same goes for lumbar supports, I did those also.
As for the side panel colors and material choices I had planned on making and selling those from day one. I've already have some initial patterns and designs sitting and waiting for delivery. And I'm working on doing the side panels with mood lighting also like they do in the Camaros and Mercedes; they're LED strips. Chevy has the Camaro kits for $250 which is outrageous; I know I can do it for a lot less.
As for the dash covers in Wood, and the other materials, I'll leave those to the companies that already do it; there is no way I could ever compete with them, plus I don't have the equipment that I would need for doing them.

Elio plans on offering color matching panels as an option, that's why I'm going to go a step further and offer material covering in whatever you want. If you want snake skin, you can have it, same goes for any other exotic; I think they also plan on an LED rear hatch inner cover; I'll doing something like it but I can't offer the same without getting into trouble.

As for changing the color of probably what will be plastic throughout the rest of the interior, there is a way to change that also; you can dye it or cover it.

Do you have to register with Elio to offer such items? Either way, put me on your mailing list -- I'm certainly interested in gussying up my Elio in unique (yet tasteful!) ways.

 

[Coss]

Do you have to register with Elio to offer such items? Either way, put me on your mailing list -- I'm certainly interested in gussying up my Elio in unique (yet tasteful!) ways.

Only if I want to use the registered / trade marked emblem, and it has to be at least 5% to 10% different from anything they offer.
You'll know when I start making stuff; I'll have it advertised (here if I can work out something with Steve).
But I can say it won't be until after I get my Elio, so we have some time.

 

[WilliamH]

I'm probably more interested in the interior than the exterior - it's where I'm going to spend the most time with my Elio. Leather seats are terrific, but heat is a must. Ventilation would be nice for the summer months, but that heater is mandatory. It's not just for winter comfort, but I've found that the heated seats on my last two SUV's are wonderfully therapeutic on those long drives after a day of physical labor. My old muscles and bones relish the deep heat of a comfortable, supportive seat cranked all the way to "Broil" - even when the AC is running. I think my last Lexus could actually produce grill marks on my back after 3-4 hours behind the wheel. But then I get home with no residual soreness from my labor. Even a winter commute would be so much nicer with a warm backside too.

As far as the instrument panel is concerned, Dakota Digital has just what I want - conventional needles and numbers that are easily read and interpreted. As far as a custom interior goes, I'll think that one over. There are hundreds of dash kits available, and a few of these look really nice. You have your choice of wood, metal, carbon fiber, or leather kits custom-cut for your dash. I'm sure Elio owners will be one of their largest new customer bases, given the rather Spartan appearance of the OEM interior, so I'll look for most of the larger vendors to supply them. Prices of most kits (for full sized cars) aren't too bad, either.

Colorwise, I think lighter interior colors like tan, pearl grey, or even ivory would be my preferences. In a small cabin the lighter colors make the space look much larger, and certainly not so claustrophobic for your RIO. I haven't had a black interior since my '67 Mustang and the heat those vinyl seats could retain from a day in the August sun was epic. Summer driving in shorts is NOT a good idea, especially with black seats. I think still have the scars . . . .

Heated seats are also nice when you back gets stiff after the first 5 or 6 hundred miles.

 

[BilgeRat]

Like I mentioned earlier, really easy to do; here's a kit from Amazon Aftermarket Heated Seats

And a different kit with larger pads that have a Hi/Lo setting 2nd Kit

HMMM! Thanks for the tip, Coss. :-)

 

[BADBOY]

Heated seats are also nice when you back gets stiff after the first 5 or 6 hundred miles.

LOL 500-600 miles in Elio. You wouldn't be able to pry yourself out with a crowbar.

 

[Lil4X]

^^^ Open door, roll out on the ground, phone someone or just wait for a passerby to help you up.

 

[Ekh]

So let's see ... white body, ruby-red leather seats, burled walnut door panel inserts, dark smoked glass.

Or,

Blue body, white seats, bird's eye maple door panel inserts, and one of Silas's snazzy wraps?

How to choose. Life is so difficult sometimes.