: 77 Corvette restoration/performance
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
: 77 Corvette restoration/performance
Hello,
I am going to purchase a 77 Corvette. Nice mechanically but ugly. I want to change the interior color to black. Right now it is cream or buttercup. I was wondering if any of you have used the Dupicolor sprays. I plan on painting the kick panels, dash and steering column. The rest I will replace in black such as the dash, carpet, seats, and the pads for the speedometer and glove box. Just wondering how good this stuff is. I worry how it will hold when I take it to the car wash to get detailed, etc..
On another subject it is all stock. I was wondering it is smart to install an Edelbrock Performer Series carb and intake manifold (California compliant). Supposedly they will boost power and save gas. My concern is reliability. Will this combo out perform the stock stuff. I plan to use this car quite a bit. I also plan some long trips here and there. Will this stuff require more frequent fine tuning? Should I just stay stock? Sorry I am confused and was looking for various opinions on the matter(s). Thank you!
I am going to purchase a 77 Corvette. Nice mechanically but ugly. I want to change the interior color to black. Right now it is cream or buttercup. I was wondering if any of you have used the Dupicolor sprays. I plan on painting the kick panels, dash and steering column. The rest I will replace in black such as the dash, carpet, seats, and the pads for the speedometer and glove box. Just wondering how good this stuff is. I worry how it will hold when I take it to the car wash to get detailed, etc..
On another subject it is all stock. I was wondering it is smart to install an Edelbrock Performer Series carb and intake manifold (California compliant). Supposedly they will boost power and save gas. My concern is reliability. Will this combo out perform the stock stuff. I plan to use this car quite a bit. I also plan some long trips here and there. Will this stuff require more frequent fine tuning? Should I just stay stock? Sorry I am confused and was looking for various opinions on the matter(s). Thank you!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
I think the OP is referring to vinyl dye that Dupicolor sells in several discount auto stores. I used SEM with very good results.
If your original carb is setup and in good working order I doubt if you will gain any power from changing it. The Performer manifold will have a weight advantage but will not make a noticeable increase in power. Headers are the cheapest gain in power but there are trade offs there.
If your original carb is setup and in good working order I doubt if you will gain any power from changing it. The Performer manifold will have a weight advantage but will not make a noticeable increase in power. Headers are the cheapest gain in power but there are trade offs there.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
SEM ColorCoat vinyl dye works. I can't attest to any 'rattle can' substitutes. Do you want to do it right and have it last? Or do you just want it done quick and cheap?
P.S. [Plastic] interior pieces are dyed. They don't get colored with regular paint. Paint chips and peels; dye bonds to the plastic. At least, use the right product.
P.S. [Plastic] interior pieces are dyed. They don't get colored with regular paint. Paint chips and peels; dye bonds to the plastic. At least, use the right product.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
I think the OP is referring to vinyl dye that Dupicolor sells in several discount auto stores. I used SEM with very good results.
If your original carb is setup and in good working order I doubt if you will gain any power from changing it. The Performer manifold will have a weight advantage but will not make a noticeable increase in power. Headers are the cheapest gain in power but there are trade offs there.
If your original carb is setup and in good working order I doubt if you will gain any power from changing it. The Performer manifold will have a weight advantage but will not make a noticeable increase in power. Headers are the cheapest gain in power but there are trade offs there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
Hi Steve
The interior dyes can be used on hard items as well. The part being dyed must be clean not just clean but really clean. I scrubbed mine with Dawn dish soap and a brush and then did it again. Then did a light wipe down with acetone (which will remove dye) There are adhesive promoters that help the dye adhere to the surface being dyed. Armoral will dry your interior out over time.
The interior dyes can be used on hard items as well. The part being dyed must be clean not just clean but really clean. I scrubbed mine with Dawn dish soap and a brush and then did it again. Then did a light wipe down with acetone (which will remove dye) There are adhesive promoters that help the dye adhere to the surface being dyed. Armoral will dry your interior out over time.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
SEM ColorCoat dye can be used on any plastic/polymer, rubber, or leather part. As mentioned above, cleaning the part so it is completely free of dirt/oil/etc is the most important step of the process.
When you finish your work, take a vow to NEVER use 'oily' protectants again. Use a polymer protectant like Nu-Vinyl or Meguiar's polymer protectant. It wipes on easy, dries completely, never peels, lasts a long time, and it makes stuff look like NEW PARTS. So, fix it--then use the right stuff to keep it in good shape.
When you finish your work, take a vow to NEVER use 'oily' protectants again. Use a polymer protectant like Nu-Vinyl or Meguiar's polymer protectant. It wipes on easy, dries completely, never peels, lasts a long time, and it makes stuff look like NEW PARTS. So, fix it--then use the right stuff to keep it in good shape.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,738
Likes: 644
From: Lincoln, CA
Personally SEM only. Follow all the directions and it will hold.
On my Mustang I had to buy new rear panels. I went from Grey to Red.
It's a convertible so the dye sees direct sun light all the time and it still looks brand new.
On my Mustang I had to buy new rear panels. I went from Grey to Red.
It's a convertible so the dye sees direct sun light all the time and it still looks brand new.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 386
Likes: 3
From: Clifton Virginia
A moment some Honda Civic smokes his heavily under-powered Vette and get laughed at, keeping everything all stock will go out the window pretty fast. Well.. Unless if you care for this kind of stuff that is.
