AEmedic

My door panels are black and grey and are not the original color since everything else in the interior is black.

What is the best way to change the color, other than 'buying' black ones?

I am a novice at interior resto so be easy on me...

MyBlueC5

Other than replacing the entire door panel, you can either get them reupholstered or dyed.

I wouldn't normally recommend dyeing interior trim parts but I recently had our upholstery guy that does work for my bodyshop try some new stuff. He redyed my entire seats and I took a screwdriver to an extra piece and purposely tried to scratch it.... I couldn't. And since you won't be rubbing constantly on the door panels, I couldn't imagine why you'd have any problems. It's been about 5 months on my seats and not one stitch (no pun intended...lol) of any wear or tear.

I can't remember the name of the company but I'll ask again. It was something like Vinyl masters or something....

HTH's

Mark

rsafier

You can get dye spray paint that will work perfectly on the door panels. It kind works on the carpet, but best to get the real thing for that part. Make sure you get the Prep spray and it will stick perfectly. I did mine when I switched the carpet to black. Think Ecklers and the Forum Mall has the supplies needed.

xs650

Some modern vinyl dye in rattle cans is really good. Just be sure you get everything clean and well prepared.

Silicone is your enemy. If any silicone based conditioner like Armor All has ever been on your interior, be sure you remove it with a silicone remover.

When you are convinced you are ready to spray the dye, spray a small area first where you think any silicone contamination mighht have been worst. Include a couple of up facing seams or joints that might have trapped silicone.

AEmedic

Thanks for the response. I've had a few people recommend dying them, I just need to find some quality dye so it gets done right. Sounds like you found it; if you have any luck finding the name please let me know.

Does anyone know the best way to prep them?

Chris

MyBlueC5

Chris,

I called my buddy and he said the name of the company was leathermagic

Their phone number is 800-232-4092

I think you'll be better off with professional dye than a spray bomb. Hope that helps.

Mark


[Modified by C4 Newbie, 11:10 PM 12/13/2003]

AEmedic

Thanks Mark! I'll be checking it out asap.

Chris

AEmedic

Judging by thier website and your recommendation they are pretty good, I am going to order the kit and give it a shot!

Chris

MyBlueC5

Chris,

For over 20 years that I have been in the bodyshop business, I have tried all sorts of dyes and to be honest, there isn't much that I would recommend... however, the stuff they sell is REALLY, REALLY good.

I think you'll be well satisfied.

Mark

RutsRup

A year ago, I bought the interior dye from Ecklers and dyed my red door panels to black. At first I was skeptical about whether it would work or not, and was prepared to simply buy new ones if it didn't turn out.

Wow, what a difference! The application was pretty easy, but you must clean the surfaces repeatedly before applying the dye. You cannot get the door panels too clean. I used a soft-bristle brush and dishwashing liquid, and cleaned them three times to get the years of oil and dirt off of them. After drying, I put on two coats of the dye and my door panels look great. After a year of fairly heavy use, there is no sign of flaking, cracking, fading, etc. It's a pretty cheap route to go if you want to freshen up your interior.