Removing Dye
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 922
Likes: 2
From: Delta BC
Removing Dye
The interior in my 63 has been dyed black (even the steering wheel). I want to put it back to the original #'s blue. I plan on replacing the less expensive items such as the carpet, door panels, seat skins, kick panels, rear quarter panels and re-painting the steering wheel column. The dash pads and center pad are in excellent shape and expensive to replace. I would like to just take the dye off. Has anyone had any luck removing dye from these pieces?
Bob
Bob
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,343
Likes: 668
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Would be concerned that anything strong enough to remove the dye (solvent or paint remover), would damage the vinyl. Probably better off just re-dyeing them.
Plasticman
Plasticman
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,554
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
I think if you clean the pads you have to make sure there's no wax or silicone preps on them, prime and redye them you'll be just fine. Put multiple thin coats on so that you preserve the grain. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 12
From: Woonsocket Rhode Island
I would side with the others to redye the parts...but....I have used DOT 3 brake fluid to strip plastic parts before with good luck. It is a lot of work and takes time! If you do wish to attempt it, test your skills and patience on an area that does not show.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 825
Likes: 17
From: Rowlett, TX
I used lacquer thinner on my Corvette dash pads and it attacked the vinyl covering. It may also be harmful to the steering wheel, though I have never tried that.
To remove dye from the steering wheel I would fill an oil drain pan with DOT 3 brake fluid and then let the wheel soak until the dye lifts off, which may be 24 hours or longer. For the dash pads you can try brake fluid on a rag but you may run out of patience before you get all of the dye off.
To remove dye from the steering wheel I would fill an oil drain pan with DOT 3 brake fluid and then let the wheel soak until the dye lifts off, which may be 24 hours or longer. For the dash pads you can try brake fluid on a rag but you may run out of patience before you get all of the dye off.
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