Modifying my SE's Appearance with Stock GT stuff

[westtexastiger]

So, I've been doing some thinking, which is what I do a lot of when I don't have the money to do a mod. It's more like brainstorming, or day dreaming, but here's what I came up with.

I genuinely like the appearance of all of the '99-up GAs, whether they be SE or GT. Not real fond of the pre-'99s, just a personal taste thing, though. Although, I do have to say sweet98GA has the only GA of that vintage that I really like.

So anyways, I like my body style SE, but I like the GTs more. I've never really been one who likes body kits, no offense. There are VERY few that I like. So, I am looking at converting the outside of my SE to look like a GT. I like the fact that I can modify my car with factory parts to get the look I want. As for the interior, I don't know too much about the differences in SEs or GTs, other than the dome light.

I've also never been one who likes a lot of billet in his interior. So, I've looked at pics of GAs with the plastic interior pieces painted, and decided to try that. Had to get my buddy's wife to help me choose a color. I wound up choosing silver, and so far I've painted all 4 of those door handle backing parts, and it's turned out very nice. I will wind up painting most of those plastic trim pieces silver, and it should look awesome.

When this is all said and done, my SE will look like a GT. I like the fact that you might call it a semi-custom look, since the color of my SE wasn't offered for the GTs. And I do think it's very cool that I can use stock parts to get the look I want, and won't have to do anything wildly custom.

So anyways, that's what I was thinking about. Ideas and opinions are welcome.

[car audio dave]

I really like your idea, i was one of the first to do that to my SE. depending on which trim level SE you have, your interior might be exactly the same as a GT. GTs had holes in the headrests (front seats) and thats about all i can say about every GT. the upper optioned ones had stereo controls in the steering wheel, monsoon audio system, leather wrapped steering wheel, shifter, and ebrake handle, and of course the speedo goes up to 150 on all GTs.

as far as other differences, of course theres the bumpers an side moldings, "ram air" intake, and the dual exhaust (single muffler, dual outlets), rear disc brakes, and GT specific tail lights.

heres a couple pics of mine convertered:
stock
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_88_full.jpg
done
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_354_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/482000-482999/482117_355_full.jpg

[westtexastiger]

Mine is an SE1. I know where I can dig up a set of GT seats, but I'm not too worried about that. I like mine pretty well. Sure would be cool if my interior was already leather, but that's another thing I'm not too worried about.

If the money situation I'm goes well, I might look at finding a Monsoon MP3 deck. I will also eventually look more seriously at an aftermarket muffler, tailpipes, and cats. The same goes for the rear disc setup.

[tgussie666]

I may be able to help with the MP3 stereo....we have an audio place that deals strictly in factory stereos new and used......I can look for you if you like, or find the # and you can call them.....You also don't need GT seats.....just cloth headrests with the holes in them.....the seats are the same otherwise.

[GT2000]

Definitely do it! The GT's are so sexy. You could also even think about adding the SC/T kit on there too, dunno if you have seen it before. I like it because it looks like it could have come from the factory. I guess that is because it was designed by GM and used on some of the concept cars.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a16/ponycargt/AngleWall-1.jpg

[Rennation]

i did the body conversion too...check my cardomain below

[02SilverGT]

gt's = very very nice

[kicker187]

if your goin to buy all that stuff and the cars not all ready modded i would just sell the se and buy a gt it would be cheaper.

[XoticGA]

Yea, I think if you bought an SE, make it the nicest SE around...

[OpTiMaTeZ]

you said you wanted the monsoon audio deck, i took mine out of my car and put in an after market unit and i still have my old one from my 05GT. if you want it ill sell it to you cheap, its just taking up space now.

[westtexastiger]

Originally posted by OpTiMaTeZ
you said you wanted the monsoon audio deck, i took mine out of my car and put in an after market unit and i still have my old one from my 05GT. if you want it ill sell it to you cheap, its just taking up space now.


I might. Right now I'm considering buying a complete GT body kit off another member. Not quite sure if I will take it, though.

I may wind up taking someone up on their offer about the stereo, but I may have just gotten some bad news. The LIM gasket repair is done, along with the lifters, but the mechanic said the engine is still noisy. He's gonna try and narrow the problem down tomorrow.

I do agree, GTs are niiiiiiiiice.

Kicker187 - You are right, but as of right now, I've had the car 2 years, with only 3 more years to pay for it. My payment is only $190 a month through my credit union, so it's hard for me to want to start over again, you know?

XoticGA - I also see your point. If it turns out that the noise my engine is making is a rod or piston slap, I will forgo the GT conversion, and begin piecing together a new shortblock. If I have to do that, I will make the nicest SE around. At the very least, I'll probably get some grills from customcargrills.com.

GT2000 - I certainly agree. The GTs are sexy. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the looks of the SC/T stuff, but with that front fascia being so low, I'd have the front lip broken in a week, I bet. I don't think I've yet seen a GT with just the front SC/T chin spoiler, and without the hood, but your car looks good.

[kicker187]

i hear u man good luck with the conversion i hope it works out for ya

[GatorGA]

Originally posted by kicker187
if your goin to buy all that stuff and the cars not all ready modded i would just sell the se and buy a gt it would be cheaper.

What he said. I personally don't care for the GT appearance.

[westtexastiger]

Originally posted by GatorGA
What he said. I personally don't care for the GT appearance.

True, but like I said, I've only got 3 more years to pay on this car, and it's hard to beat the monthly parment, since it's only $190.


I've at least been entertaining thought of doing the trade in, and getting a GT.

[coupe]

Originally posted by kicker187
if your goin to buy all that stuff and the cars not all ready modded i would just sell the se and buy a gt it would be cheaper.

Originally posted by XoticGA
Yea, I think if you bought an SE, make it the nicest SE around...


:agree:

[Rennation]

I agree with coupe and others even tho i have done the conversion, for two reasons:
1. you have a v6 and your SE is worth more than any 4 banger SE, closer to the value of a base level GT....which isnt much these days with our resale
2. you have no mods that you have to worry about taking off or selling

Also, if you get a gt, you can just buy an sc/t kit and maybe some rims and your golden.

[westtexastiger]

Originally posted by Rennation
I Also, if you get a gt, you can just buy an sc/t kit and maybe some rims and your golden.


Well, if my engine needs a new bottom end, I'm seriously considering just repairing the car with SE stuff, then getting rid of it, and getting a GT.

And I do so love the looks of a clean GT.

[Rennation]

Originally posted by westtexastiger


And I do so love the looks of a clean GT.

You say that now but you will want more :lol: