Im changing the interior color in my 87 iroc from red to black. Ive heard alot about painting the plastic panels but not sure how it holds up and how good it looks I dont know anyone thats done it. Any one have any suggestions. Besides the obvious finding a set of black interior panels. Thanks

 

I've "Vinyl Dyed" a few interiors from tan to black... with great results.

The key to Vinyl Dying... is to make sure that ALL... I CANNOT stress this enough...

Make sure that ALL grease, residue, grime, oil is removed from the interior surfaces BEFORE spraying the vinyl dye.

This is achieved by wiping every panel, seat, dash, etc. w/ paint thinner and/or rubbing alcohol.

Don't be afraid to use up a gallon of thinner on an entire interior, as the end results will be excellent.

Remember ALL, the vinyl dye WILL NOT last if sprayed on top of an oily surface... that goes for body oils, grease, grime, and every day oil/dirt that's in the air.

Wiping down prior to spraying the vinyl dye is a MUST !
Take the 15 minutes to do this... and you'll be amazed at the quality of vinyl dye products.

SEM brand is probably the best out there... and also, NAPA Auto Parts stores sell a decent brand of vinyl dye. Expect to spend about $5/rattle can.

<rant off>

Good luck

 

DUDE. You just gave me an absolutely BRILLIANT idea (I grew up in the 80s too, so I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes )! Why not do some light sanding on my gray interior pieces, wipe 'em down, and then re-dye 'em back to the factory gray color? Presto - brand-new interior plastic! Is it this simple, or am I a moron and overlooking something?

- 89_IROC

 

edit: Double post. Apparently, users can't delete their own posts - how idiotic.

 

very good tips above.

i have had EXCELLENT success by putting items in direct sunlight after prepping, even heating them up with a hair dryer a bit before and after if the desired finish doesnt come up. i played hell dying a firebid radio pod. i wanted it perfect. took me 3 times.

hair dryer ONLY. DO NOT use a heat gun, its to warm and will "blister" the dye.

have fun. patience is the key.

 

Thanks guys it was a big help I will post some pics when i get it done. I just got the new carpet installed yesterday so im gonna work on the interior panels today.

 

Dude, You done yet?

 

You must be really bored to resurrect a 6 year old thread with that question! The OP hasnt even signed into 3rd gen in over 4 years.