Interior Project

[E's 81Vette]

Well, I'm going to redo my interior this winter. The prevoius owner really let the car go!! Anyway, I was wondering which company offers the best vinyl dye and who has used them?

 

[Dave L.]

Welcome to the CAC, E !
try some of these threads...
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20369&highlight=dye
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19309&highlight=dye
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13072&highlight=dye

Do you have any pictures of your car?

Dave

 

[mikejpss]

Your local auto paint retailer should have what you need and can custom blend the colors to match. I recently re-dyed most of my plastic parts for ~$45 in supplies which included the primer and the dye. Had a buddy do the spraying after I had prepared by soap/water cleaning, pure (hot) water rinse then the dye sprayed on. One quart did the following:
Both seat bottoms and backs, storage compartment frames, kick panels, and rear speaker surrounds.There was enough left in the quart to have done more.
The spraying process was done with several light coats to cover instead of one heavy coat. Flash (drying) time was short. If you dont have the equip., suggest you borrow whats needed, or rent it- or find a very good friend that has it to help. Mike J.

 

[E's 81Vette]

Thanks for the info and tips. I'm trying to gather the necessary info before I begin which is slated for 12/1! I need to have my garage heater installed and then I'm set.

I was thinking about buying the spray can type vinyl dye from Eckler's but, they also offer quarts and will investigate the other method of spraying the parts.

Thanks again.
Eric

 

[Corvette Craig]

Interior Dye

Don't waste the money on the quarts.
I tried (and failed) using the paint on method.
The dye "lifts" itself on the second and third coats, causing a never ending cycle of multi-coats.
After two days, I scrapped that method, and tried the spray.
All I can say is..............WHEW!!!!!

Go with the spray can, this worked 100% better.
I got my dye (black) at Autozone for $4.99 a can, I did the entire interior with 4 cans, and still have one left.

 

[mikejpss]

Craig- did you use the primer made for the dye first? Just curious, since mine turned out perfectly with 2 or 3 coats applied lightly.

The primer actually melts the vinyl/plastic on the surface, allowing the pores to open and accept the dye. I know we may be splitting hairs on which to use (dye vs. paint) , but I was just curious since mine turned out so well- actually looks like they are new from the factory..no peeling whatsoever ;-)

Seems to me the paint would be more willing to scratch than the dye since the dye is embedded and the paint would be a top layer on the surface.

Guess they both have their own advantages.....
Lets do another beer..

Mike J.

 

[Corvette Craig]

Mike,

When I used the dye in the quart cans, like an idiot I tried to sponge it on, and it simply did not cover.
In your post, you stated that you had a buddy do the spraying, I should have done the same.
The DYE in the cans works wonders, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Two years since and no problems.

Dollar for dollar, it's been the best thing I've ever done.

You can see it in the members gallery section.

 

[mikejpss]

Craig, thanks for the info.
looks like you did a fine job, and I'll remember this in case I need a touch-up in the future. A spray can has to be easier than what I did.
Now , lets celebrate with another beer ! Mike J.