1981 Corvette - Changing Interior Color
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 496
From: Lenoir City TN
Unmodified C8 of the Year 2021 Finalist
1981 Corvette - Changing Interior Color
I recently found a nice 1981 Corvette.
However, . . I don't like the color of
the interior (red).
My questions are :
"how hard is it to change the interior color" ?
and
"approximate cost of this task" ?
Thanks for everyones input.
Tom
However, . . I don't like the color of
the interior (red).
My questions are :
"how hard is it to change the interior color" ?
and
"approximate cost of this task" ?
Thanks for everyones input.
Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Big job. Can you live with the red?
For DIY, SEM automotive interior dye will recolor everything. I would not use it on carpet.
Second route, and very expensive, would be to order a replacement interior kit in the color you want. Selling your original red stuff, if otherwise in good shape, might help get some of your money back.
For DIY, SEM automotive interior dye will recolor everything. I would not use it on carpet.
Second route, and very expensive, would be to order a replacement interior kit in the color you want. Selling your original red stuff, if otherwise in good shape, might help get some of your money back.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Mar 6, 2009 at 11:07 AM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 390
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
I own a 1980 Vette and I'm looking to redo my Claret interior. I just checked in my Mid America Motorworks magazine for prices for everything that is colored (along with other magazines). Somethings you could probably paint instead of buying a new one to cut down costs. Here's what I found for you:
Door Panels: $740
Armrests: $200
Door handle bezel: $40
Emergency brake console: $60
Steering wheel: $250
Steering column cover: $50
Seat covers (leather): $480
Full carpet set: $330
Floor mats: $50
Seat Belts (any color): $300
Console Cushion (leather): $50
Sunvisers: $100 (May need to get Vanity mirror also if it's colored)
Dash Pad: $530
So I just added all of that up and the total would be $4,060 plus tax and shipping. In my opinion, you should just get used to the red interior unless you are fortunate enough to have a lot of money, unlike myself. I'm going to replace my seat covers and carpet this summer (hopefully at least). What color red is your interior? Also, if you are going to sell the car in the future, you would get more if it were at its original color. That's something to consider...good luck with everything Tom.
Troy
Door Panels: $740
Armrests: $200
Door handle bezel: $40
Emergency brake console: $60
Steering wheel: $250
Steering column cover: $50
Seat covers (leather): $480
Full carpet set: $330
Floor mats: $50
Seat Belts (any color): $300
Console Cushion (leather): $50
Sunvisers: $100 (May need to get Vanity mirror also if it's colored)
Dash Pad: $530
So I just added all of that up and the total would be $4,060 plus tax and shipping. In my opinion, you should just get used to the red interior unless you are fortunate enough to have a lot of money, unlike myself. I'm going to replace my seat covers and carpet this summer (hopefully at least). What color red is your interior? Also, if you are going to sell the car in the future, you would get more if it were at its original color. That's something to consider...good luck with everything Tom.
Troy
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 865
Likes: 53
1981 co
This monthsHemmings muscle machine has an article about a dyeing process that worked well . I called them , and they said it would also work for a change in color . Their telephone number is 877 638 2878 . Hope this helps
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,515
Likes: 255
From: Rochester New York
I own a 1980 Vette and I'm looking to redo my Claret interior. I just checked in my Mid America Motorworks magazine for prices for everything that is colored (along with other magazines). Somethings you could probably paint instead of buying a new one to cut down costs. Here's what I found for you:
Door Panels: $740
Armrests: $200
Door handle bezel: $40
Emergency brake console: $60
Steering wheel: $250
Steering column cover: $50
Seat covers (leather): $480
Full carpet set: $330
Floor mats: $50
Seat Belts (any color): $300
Console Cushion (leather): $50
Sunvisers: $100 (May need to get Vanity mirror also if it's colored)
Dash Pad: $530
So I just added all of that up and the total would be $4,060 plus tax and shipping. In my opinion, you should just get used to the red interior unless you are fortunate enough to have a lot of money, unlike myself. I'm going to replace my seat covers and carpet this summer (hopefully at least). What color red is your interior? Also, if you are going to sell the car in the future, you would get more if it were at its original color. That's something to consider...good luck with everything Tom.
Troy
Door Panels: $740
Armrests: $200
Door handle bezel: $40
Emergency brake console: $60
Steering wheel: $250
Steering column cover: $50
Seat covers (leather): $480
Full carpet set: $330
Floor mats: $50
Seat Belts (any color): $300
Console Cushion (leather): $50
Sunvisers: $100 (May need to get Vanity mirror also if it's colored)
Dash Pad: $530
So I just added all of that up and the total would be $4,060 plus tax and shipping. In my opinion, you should just get used to the red interior unless you are fortunate enough to have a lot of money, unlike myself. I'm going to replace my seat covers and carpet this summer (hopefully at least). What color red is your interior? Also, if you are going to sell the car in the future, you would get more if it were at its original color. That's something to consider...good luck with everything Tom.
Troy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 0
From: staten island new york
St. Jude Donor '10
i did mine over from red to doeskin. only parts i dyed were horn button,steering column,seat frames,hinge covers. carpets door panels armrests e-brake dash glovebox a-pilars t-top quater trim all new. used reflextic (didnt notice a big difference) oh and pulls for rear compartments 3 door were dyed. re-webbed my seat belts from snakeoyl (DO NOT TRY TO DYE. DOESNT WORK) $$$$$ 3500
