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1981 Corvette - Changing Interior Color

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Old 03-05-2009, 10:47 PM
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CACTI 1
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Default 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
Old 03-06-2009, 12:16 AM
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mrmarchuk
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door panels 700 carpet 300 seats i donno, dash, 600? im sure it can be done for under 2k?

what color are you going with? what condition is the stuff inside in?
Old 03-06-2009, 11:04 AM
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Easy Mike
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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.


Last edited by Easy Mike; 03-06-2009 at 11:07 AM.
Old 03-06-2009, 02:54 PM
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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
Old 03-06-2009, 03:04 PM
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msandym
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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
Old 03-06-2009, 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by tgauld1
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
Old 03-06-2009, 04:06 PM
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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

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