Interior painting
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: RI
Interior painting
So my interior was all red and the vinyl is in good condition for the dash and doors not imcluding the handles or center arm rest. I really want to change the color to like an off white/beige. Has anyone painted their vinyl? Any suggestions on type of paint that will last?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Good quality vinyl dyes are available. However, going from a dark color to a light color isn't always the best plan. The other way around usually works out OK.
even with the best interior dyes. Scratches happen.
If you can afford to purchase new panels. That would be the best.
Or learn to love your red interior.
even with the best interior dyes. Scratches happen.
If you can afford to purchase new panels. That would be the best.
Or learn to love your red interior.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,949
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From: Virginia
Red is the best interior color. I wouldn't change it.
If you really want to change it, SEM dye will work, if you use the whole system, and only on pieces you don't touch (so not the seats). My 80 originally had a red interior. A PO changed that to black. For the above bottom edge of the window, I repainted everything oyster white (or close to it, whatever SEM had that was close), so it resembles a modern car interior. That's halos, T-Top center piece, visors, and windshield corners. It turned out okay.
I'm not looking forward to dying my door panels or dash, which is all that's left. Everything else (seats, armrest, carpets), I just replaced with new red items.
I used SEM Super White Color Coat, along with SEM Soap and Sem Vinyl Prep.
If you really want to change it, SEM dye will work, if you use the whole system, and only on pieces you don't touch (so not the seats). My 80 originally had a red interior. A PO changed that to black. For the above bottom edge of the window, I repainted everything oyster white (or close to it, whatever SEM had that was close), so it resembles a modern car interior. That's halos, T-Top center piece, visors, and windshield corners. It turned out okay.
I'm not looking forward to dying my door panels or dash, which is all that's left. Everything else (seats, armrest, carpets), I just replaced with new red items.
I used SEM Super White Color Coat, along with SEM Soap and Sem Vinyl Prep.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,815
Likes: 1,726
From: Summerville SC
I had gotten a brand new dash for my 78 at a REALLY good price a few years ago when my plan was to keep the red interior. As my plans changed I needed the dash to be black. I used SEM products and prepped it all properly. The black looks great except it does scratch on corners easily. I might be concerned putting white over red. You might end up with a Mary Kay Cosmetics interior. You old guys know what I am talking about. Good luck on your project. 
