Changing dash pad color

[bams50]

How does one change the color of a padded dash? Last time I did one was maybe 30 years ago in school, and consisted of a spray-on paint. It came out well, but then the car was gone; so I don't know how well it held up.

Anyone have experience with this? I hear people talk about "dyeing" them; is this really a dye (that penetrates the vinyl), or is it a spray-on paint?

I'm "dyeing" to find out the answers!

Robert (Bob) Andrews Owner- IoMT (Island of Misfit Toys!)
Parish, central NY 13131

[JDP]

Use vinyl paint, it holds up well and even Studebaker used it. Just make sure the vinyl is cleaned real well with vinyl prep or enamel reducer.

JDP/Maryland
64 R2 GT cost to date
$59856.52
63 GT Hawk
63 Lark 2 door
59 Scotsman
54 Starlight
52 Starliner
51 Commander
39 Coupe express
39 Coupe express (rod)

[N8N]

I've had good luck with "SEM" brand vinyl dye, they have a "vinyl prep" that you should use if this is the first time you're dying a particular piece. I did a lot of parts on my '62 with it (NOS was available but not in the colors I needed) and it turned out great.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight

http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[fmarshall]

I'm with N8N. I redid an entire leather interior with SEM dye. It held up like the original. It had been dyed previously and needed a repair, and the new leather didn't match, so ...

Anyway, critical to the success was using the cleaner that SEM sells also.

Warning: Don't breathe that stuff ...

========================
63 Avanti R2, 4-Speed, 3.73 TT
Martinez, CA

[JBOYLE]

I had a guy color a tan Avanti II glove box door to match my fawn dash which had a already repaired crack it in but was too far gone to repair again.

Anyway, he has a mobile service and does work for new/used car dealers fixing blemishes. He airbrushed dyed/painted (or whatever) it in 15 minutes, got a perfect match and it cost me abouyt $30. Not a bad deal. See if someone in your area does similar work.

63 Avanti R1 2788
1914 Stutz Bearcat
(George Barris replica)

Washington State

[JDP]

I just had a pint custom mixed to match the slightly metallic, light green for the GT's arm rests. it cost me about $30, but I have a lot left. I sprayed it on with the nifty Eastwood tools sprayer that has a bottle and a replaceable gas spray canister.




JDP/Maryland
64 R2 GT cost to date
$60,222.25
63 GT Hawk
63 Lark 2 door
59 Scotsman
54 Starlight
52 Starliner
51 Commander
39 Coupe express
39 Coupe express (rod)

[bams50]

Looks good, John. Thanks all for your help!

Robert (Bob) Andrews Owner- IoMT (Island of Misfit Toys!)
Parish, central NY 13131