I am going to be starting the restoration of my interior on my 75 coupe in a few months and wanted to know what the best method for restoring the hard plastic trim pieces is. I will have to replace some of the pieces but other parts are still good but scratched. I have seen the interior dye but has anyone used it and what kind of results did you get? Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

I have used SEM automotive interior dye with excellent results. SEM will cover vinyl, leather, hard plastic, and metal.

Check automotive paint suppliers for SEM.

 

 

 

I've used interior dye with great results. I've purchased many times over the years from Corvette supplier found on this web site. Most recently I purchased from Corvette America. I believe this same brand is also sold through Wilcox. Wilcox also has great pricing on interior pieces.

 

I have used Corvette America's product as well, worked great, no problems, with all materials hard and vinyl.

 

Consider doing the same with your carpet if is sun bleached, but otherwise in good condition. I did mine and it looks like brand new carpet. Cost me 6-7 bucks.
Glenn

 

What products are needed besides the dye(adhesion promter, etc.)? What are the steps for this? Thanks

 

Remove the part from the car [some difficult parts can be done in the car with enough masking]; clean the part well...detergent and brush, rinse well to remove all soap, dry; place part at an upright or angled position so that your sprayer is approx. vertical; shoot light, covering coats...1 or 2 should do it (let dry about 10 minutes between coats); let dry overnight. [Note:If you spray too heavy and get a run, let it dry as-is...do not try to wipe it off and respray. Chances are it will dry without leaving any visible "run" mark. If it doesn't, use fine steel wool to buff off the high area and re-shoot that area so the color matches.]

Get a pint [or 2 if you are doing seat covers, too] of SEM "Color Coat" at a professional auto paint supply store. Have them mix it to the GM interior color code or to match a piece you bring in. If you are doing the whole interior {all pieces} choose the GM color code 'route'; your pieces have changed color over the years. If you do not have spray equipment, buy a PreVal bottle/gas-cannister sprayer (about $7) and 2 or 3 extra gas cannisters. With vinyl dye being a thin, watery liquid, it will do a great job shooting your parts...and it's inexpensive.

When your parts are dry, make a decision to NEVER use petroleum 'protectants' on them again [ie, Armor-All, etc.]. They will degrade and/or crack vinyl materials over the long-term. Use a polymer protectant like Nu-Vinyl {Google it, if you are not familiar with it} or a similar product that Meguair's makes (for plastic parts). It dries and doesn't stay oily, it protects from dirt, goo, etc., clean-up is a breeze with water/soap, you can re-coat them at any time after cleaning, it won't peel or turn yellow, and the interior will look like it just came off the assembly line!

Follow above steps and you WILL be thrilled with your results.

 

1. Read through the AIM to familiarize yourself with what you're doing and how things will come apart/out.

2. Repeat #1.

3. Clean parts.

4. Repeat #3.

5. Clean parts again.

6. Have at it.

(Good advice from 7T1.)