Hey all, how do I go about dying the hard vinyl interior pieces (like armrests, sun visors) in an A body? And, what kind of cleaner works best to prep the surfaces? I am not sure exactly how it's done but would like to tackle the job on the Plymouth. Any experiences/ideas would be great.

Thanks,

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'68signet

"Living analog in the digital age."

Yeah, i was wondering the same thing (for when I get to that point on my car) since I have interior parts in every stock color they offered for my car but not enuf of any one color as a complete interior. All told, I probably have at least enuf pieces for 4 complete interiors and want to dye all the best pieces I have to match.

Hey all, how do I go about dying the hard vinyl interior pieces (like armrests, sun visors) in an A body? And, what kind of cleaner works best to prep the surfaces?



SEM makes a vinyl prep/cleaner spray (gets rid of all that armor all and crap) and they have paint for the vinyl...
I did this in my duster and it held up if done correctly (just like painting metal light spray at a time). Unfortunately in 'usage' area like the rear seat it tends to get 'worn' and mine lasted about 4 years and now needs a touch up...(time to redo the seat covers anyway...)

I had to go to an automotive paint store (our PPG store in town) to get it...


-D.Idiot

Great, thanks for the tips!

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'68signet

"Living analog in the digital age."

DI is absolutely correct. For my son's Dart Sport, we used its original "Parchment" (light beige) armrests. Our go-to guy at the local automotive paint supply shop gave us a quart of "Landau Black" vinyl dye from SEM.

We first thoroughly cleaned the vinyl with "Simple Green" all-purpose cleaner and rinsed well. I then used SEM "Plastic Prep" in an aerosol can. Honestly, it was probably intended for use on hard plastic items, such as kick panels or A-pillar trim. But, it was the only prep spray they had. Check on SEM's website, or see if your supplier has a complete description of correct cleaners.

After drying completely, I used an airbrush to lay down multiple light coats of the dye. The airbrush allowed me to control the coverage thickness, maintaining the grain of the vinyl and avoiding potential drips. They have gotten daily use for over a year and still look great. The key to SEM working as promised is to clean, clean, clean the surface.

Jerry

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There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.