dash pad redye
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,554
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
dash pad redye
I'd like to redye (I guess the stuff they sell is really more like paint) the dash pads in my '64 red/red roadster. The originals are in great shape with no tears or splits but have faded over the years to an orange color. Have any of you redyed the pads with success while still in the car or will you guys run me out of this forum for even suggesting it??!! 
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
From: Children of the corn Illinois
I dont think anyone will run you out for asking. This isnt the ncrs. But if you have to remove to dye it, might as well just buy a new one in my opinion. I tried to dye mine from black to red. that one is in the garbage and i am procrastinating on installing a new one.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,121
Likes: 9,436
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
I was told by other poeple who dyed other dash pads, red is the hardest to do that will trun out well. so good luck
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Spokane Valley Wa
Redye dash pad
I have done several of these over the years. The key to use quality products from a good paint store. Follow the directions carefully and fully. Don't cut corners. I got my products from the local paint store. Doing it in the car will just be a little more difficult but with proper prep, I don't know why you shouldn't be able to complete it without problems. Prep and following directions is the key. I used a good paint spray gun for even application. Paint it much like you would paint, but follow the directions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
Originally Posted by dkleather
I'd like to redye (I guess the stuff they sell is really more like paint) the dash pads in my '64 red/red roadster. The originals are in great shape with no tears or splits but have faded over the years to an orange color. Have any of you redyed the pads with success while still in the car or will you guys run me out of this forum for even suggesting it??!!
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield IL
I just got through watching them do this to a 1962 Vette on the DIY TV channel. I have got to say it turned out real well on theirs. They left it in the car and used a cleaner first. They had a primer available if you were to change colors, but it wasn't needed if you were staying with the same color. They stressed to use very light coats and to just continue to add as needed. It would sure be a lot cheaper than replacement and of course you would not run the risk of damaging windshield by dyeing. You can go to doityourself.com and there is info concerning each episode and also a lot of other info for auto's. A lot of their work is very shoddy during the 1962 Vette restoration, but they do go over a lot of info in a matter of minutes and you do get the jest of what is going on.
Good luck,
Richard
Good luck,
Richard
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Niceville FL
I am in the process of dying mine right now out of the car. I also went from black to red on one used replacement pad. No problem with spay cans from Corvette America. Needs alot of coats to cover, but is coming out fine. I used the dye on all my old interior parts that I did not replace. 
Steve
Steve
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,554
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
Thanks guys for the info on the redye.....I'll give it a try with alot of prep without removing the pads. If I screw it up, I can always take them out and try again or recover. I've got more time than money anyway!! dave 
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: newton IA
Here is mine. The pads are reskined with skins from Al Knoch and I painted the center piece with dye from LIC (Spray bomb). I thought the dye came out great on the fiberglass and some metal parts I sprayed. I never used it on vinyl so cant help there but the dash pads don't get touched alot so I would think it would be ok. I'd use some kind of Primer conditioner first on vinyl especially for a color change. Spraying seats just seems wrong to me. I've seen some bad seat dye jobs at car shows. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,554
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
Thanks...I've seen some lousy seat dye jobs too and since mine have been redone that's not on my list. My carpet is faded some although it's only four years old and I've heard that can be redyed as well. The dash pads have never been restored and with time have faded to the red/orange color they presently have....Thanks for letting me know about your experience with spraying the other pieces...I know when I get the dash done, the rest of the red stuff inside will look like it needs it too so that will be next. I drive my car as much as possible in the summer Ohio sun and so I expect some fade....I'll trade that for the thrill of the ride!!!
