How many spray cans of interior dye do I need to brighten up the interior of my '79 (all the plastic bits, seat buckets and maybe even the dash)?

And is there a specific dye for the interior window moulding for the "bubble"?

And are tere any specific tips for a 1st timer?

Thanks,

 

Do a search for Interior Dye. There is alot of info on this in the forum archives.

You would probably go through 10-15 cans of many various types, depending on what material/location your spraying. Just buy them as you need them.

I did my interior from tan to black and really liked how it turned out. Dont try to spray the carpets though, its better to replace these

Brent....

 

I would say you need 2-4 cans depending on how much spray each piece needs to be returned to its original colour. The prep is the secret to a good job that lasts. You need to use a good grease and silicone remover . Then I would wipe the parts down with lacquer thinner just before you spray. You need to do the spraying in dry weather as moisture in the air will turn the dye a whiteish colour. A little heat on the part before you spray will also help the process.
Ed

 

Should I scuff or sand the surfaces? What about primer, is it necessary?

And the black bubble trim inside the car... Special paint or is it dye as well?

Thanks guys...

 

Use #400 grit sandpaper LIGHTLY or you will remove the textured finnish. I re did the whole interior of my CE. The things I could take out I used my compressor and spray gn and it looks like new. Take your time and it will be OK

 

I didnt have to scuff or sand any surface. I cleaned up mainly with simple green/water mix 25/75 and then let dry. Then I used Xylol (Xylene) which is just a slower evaporating mineral spirit type solvent to final clean.

Before I sprayed, the parts get REAL clean once you take the Xylol to them. No primer was necessary and I haven't have any problems with the dye or paint adhesion.

The black bubble trim? Im not sure what you mean except maybe T-Top interior trim? Mine were already black so I didnt touch them.

Brent..

 

Talking about the black window trim around the back window. It is quite chipped and scratched...

BTW I'm taking as many digital pics of this as I can think of as I do this job, gonna take the season to do it, so if you guys want to see how something comes apart or goes together, let me know... I'm taking out the plastic trim pieces this w/e...


[Modified by NorthVette, 7:55 PM 11/20/2002]

 

I took that out to and used Vinyl paint on it too and it looks great now. I also just did the water/simple green clean up and then a quick rub down with Xylol and shot it.

The transformation a little vinyl paint can make is amazing. I did use gloss black epoxy paint on the column and seat frame ends, but every thing paintable was painted. I ended removing the complete interior.

I wish I had a digitial camera to record what I did. Show us what your doing, we all love to see photos :yesnod:

Brent.....

 

I'm afraid that's what I'm gonna end up doing!

I bought the digicam for this job... I wanted to remember how to put this stuff back in the car when I'm done! :crazy:

Thanks for the tips guys! Keep 'em coming!

 

NorthVette, You'll be amazed how well this dye works. I redid my complete interior to black this last summer, and a few weeks later, I scored a
BEST INTERIOR AWARD at a car show.
3 tips for you:
1. USE THE SPRAY, not the brush on dye (MAJOR difference in coverage)
2. AutoZone and Pep Boys sells interior dye: $ 4.99 a can
3. MOST IMPORTANT: TAPING, Take your time, be patience

Good Luck :cheers:

 

What did you guys use for dye? I would prefer not to buy the stuff from the vendors. I am already giving them all my money for other stuff.

I am lucky my interior is black... I just want to touch everything up, while I have it out.

Thanks for the info.

Tim M.

 

Tim,
You can get the dye at most local auto supply stores in the paint(s) section
Like I stated, $ 4.99 a can at AutoZone
:cheers:

 

Sweet. Finally something for the Corvette that doesn't break the bank. :)

Tim M.

 

For the dye - I can make these recommendations, because they worked excellent:

Plastikote Vinyl paint - $5 (16oz?) can Wallmart or Autozone or any autoparts store - I used this on dash, door panels (even carpeted area) all interior trim peices (plastic or vinyl without any primer) around windsheild and t-tops and rear window and plastic seat backs.

Molecubond on seat covers- a true dye and does not wear like the paint could. $8 can( 8oz) Walmart

Epoxy paint on steering column - Home Depot $7 for 1 can

Plastikote fabric paint on seat belts. Although these didnt go as black as I wanted it, Im ok with the result 3 light coats each side of belt. BSeery was going to try Rit black fabric dye, maybe this will work a litle batter.

I also used SEM vinyl paint (spray can) from a professional body shop PPG paint store and found that it did not do anything more than the Plastikote paint did.

I went from Tan to Black and really like the results.

Try not to paint in high humidity. I noticed a little nicer finish when the humidity was lower while doing the seat covers. Oh yeah, my seat covers were brand new vinyl (leatherette?) from previous owner, not leather. But still looks great.

Brent.......

 

MN-Brent,

That is awesome. It goes in my printed folder of Corvette stuff.

Tim M.

 

It sounds like good stuff... What's it called? There are no Pep Boys or Auto Zones up here... There is a Wal Mart and a Canadian Tire though! :D

 

Great topic and answers. one of my future projects.

 

I've done two interiors so far. The 77 remained the same color, and the 72 went from saddle to black. 5 cans of Corvette America dye (no primer) did the entire 77. (no seats or carpet) I used 6 cans of SEM to do the entire 72 (with primer for color change...no capret or seats) I like the SEM as well as the Corv. Amrca stuff and it's $5.00 cheaper and available locally.
Eddie

 

Thanks for all the tips and product ideas guys! This is the best forum!!!!

Keep 'em smokin'!