Interior Dye Question

[dburdyshaw]

Though I'll pose this question to the guys at Metro Auto Parts Market as well, I'm curious if anyone has knowledge or experience with this issue.

As I'm having more than a little bit of difficulty in finding all the plastic interior that I need for my restoration ---- in that caramel color ---- I'm starting to think about dyes.

Again, I'm talking about the interior plastic ---- not the seats.

Let me add that I know nothing about this topic. (Yeah, no shock there.)

Is it necessary ---- or even just a better idea ---- to start out with a light-colored interior? It would seem to me that it would be easier to end up with the correct shade of caramel if I had a light color to start with versus trying to dye a black interior to a lighter shade. Yes? No?

Thanks.

[negusm]

Yes. In general.

For example, the best color to turn Charcoal Grey (which is more of a medium grey) is the blue.

FWIW, for color changes, tan and blue both work well.

Red and black are not so good. But if your coverage is good, it really won't matter a whole heck of a lot.

One of the most popular (and oldest) reproduction is the coin holder for the console. It comes in black, paint to match. I have never heard of anyone really complaining that it was a problem. It probably just took an extra light coat of paint.

-Mike

[dburdyshaw]

Well ---- this sounds too simple ---- so let me see if I get it.

I go to Metro Auto Parts and buy some rattle cans of this vinyl dye and spray paint all my plastic stuff . . .

Link (http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-9473&category=originalautopaintandvinyldye&keywords_2=&maxhits=20&keywords_1=1980&keywords=Caramel&go=GO%21&bool=AND)

. . . and then presto chango, my interior is caramel-colored?

Does this stuff peel and flake off ---- or does it last pretty good?

[mudgepondexpress]

I have never used the aresol stuff, but the Martin Senor stuff I use lasts a long time. You don't want to spray it thick or heavy for it will fill in the grain. Many light coats is better than 2 heavy ones.

I also have the dreaded carmel interior. Between the Mustang and the 81 F150 with a Nutmeg interior I think I have the market cornered.

Kenny

[roush235]

.... simple enough, assuming "caramel" is "caramel." There are many blues throughout the Fox model years (I don't know if that is the case for your color). I was having the same general problem you are having. I ended up sending a piece of interior plastic (broken seat belt sleeve) to Metro so they could exactly color match, which they did. To date my new seat belt sleeves are the only pieces I have painted, and so far so good as to color steadfast-ness, adhesion, etc.

[cmccarthy]

Listen to Mike. I did, and my interior re-dye turned out stellar.

[negusm]

I have had good luck with the stuff.

I dyed my dash and then proceeded to install it and remove it twice more and with all the jstling of the radio, etc, I only got a scratch when it dripped and hit the shifter handle. That was fixed with some more Metro paint sprayed in a dish and a q-tip to dab it on the spot.

Here is my writeup:
http://www.ascmclarencoupe.com/Projects/InteriorPainting/

I have found that a good hot day is the best (80degrees).
The adhesion promotor really does not need to dry hardly at all before you apply the color. The Metro stuff doesn't do well on cool days. A hair dryer will help keep the part from "blushing" on a cool day.

-Mike

[JTurbo]

I've used SEM spray can interior paint on my SVO. A previous owner went crazy with a black spray can (dash pad, console, fuzzy's) and added black carpet. Here is the before picture:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s226/jturbo1014/FuzzyDashBefore.jpg
After I scuffed the black paint, cleaned with wax/grease remover, and applied an adhesion promoter, I shot the aforementioned parts with SEM Graphite Grey. It's been a few years and close to 20k miles and I've had no issues with wear, peeling, etc. Here is the after picture (when I replaced the black carpet with grey):
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s226/jturbo1014/SVOInteriorAftercarpet.jpg

Not exactly carmel, but this gives you an idea what you can expect with interior spray paint results (assuming proper prep)
JT

[JTurbo]

By the way, here are the chemicals I used on my interior re-bop:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s226/jturbo1014/Paintandprepchemicals.jpg

[dburdyshaw]

This is all great information from everyone. Many thanks!

I also have the dreaded carmel interior. Between the Mustang and the 81 F150 with a Nutmeg interior I think I have the market cornered.

Kenny

I actually like the caramel interior ---- even though I'm probably the only one on the planet that admits to liking it.

I really want to end up with an outstanding looking car. It might not be a nuts and bolts restoration ---- but it needs to end up better-than-new. I've already purchased the replacement caramel carpets and SMS has the material for the seats. Now I just need everything else.

This is the best picture that I have of how it needs to end up ---- colorwise ---- so if anyone can help in any way, I would appreciate it very, very, very, very, very much.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i188/dburdyshaw/MustangCaramelInterior.jpg

[dburdyshaw]

JTurbo ---- thank you very much for that information and the pics.

Very helpful.

I appreciate the input.

Dang, it looks like your car came out good!

I keep looking at those pics and hoping that mine comes out that good.

That plastic looks new.

IMO, one of the best things to do to spruce up a car is new carpets.

I can't believe I'm actually going to try to do this myself.

[dburdyshaw]

I guess I need to get back in touch with the carpet people and get some extra for the door panels.