Has anyone taken a mint interior that was a color they didn't care for and dyed it another color with success? If it's possible, is it worth it because you retain original pieces. Is it better or more affordable to buy all new and do it that way? Not looking for opinions, but advice from members that have actually done something like this. The reason I ask is I'm considering buying a car, but the interior color I'm not sure I like.

I think a few factors come into play.
What car is it for? What color is it now? What color will it be changed too?
By wanting to change colors, i'm assuming that originality isn't a huge concern, so if the aftermarket pieces aren't 100% accurate, it won't bother you.
How much of it will you be dying?
If it's a popular car, in a not often seen color, i might try to sell the pieces to someone restoring their car.
Like if it's a blue '71 'cuda interior.
If it's a year/model that doesn't get restored much, or wouldn't have people worrying about originality, like say a brown '73 dart interior, dye it.

I did a repaint and thought it worked out nice.
I removed the panels.
Washed them with soapy solution.
scuffed them with a scotchbrite pad, washing again.
I used a spray can from 'Eastwood' Plastic Adhesion Promoter , its clear.
then used their spray Dye -

It looked like new, and seemed to wear good.
had the car for a year.

@Spaceman Spiff, 70' Barracuda 318 auto. Nothing special. The car is burnt orange exterior and interior. The seats have cloth inserts so that I expect would be a challenge. I would like it to be black. After market aren't a big deal if there are good ones, I just haven't heard much positive about after market quality.

@440whiteboy, that's good info. Thank you for sharing your experience and tech tips. That may come in handy.

I love that burnt orange interior color. Personally I think it would be a shame to dye it but that's just my opinion.

If they are in good shape, you might consider trading them, I imagine someone restoring a burnt orange interior would kill for nice original ones..

Where as black stuff is about as common as you can get it seems.

I'd hazzard saying that a good set of burnt orange is worth more than a) a good set of black and b) a reprop set of black.

These are all very good points. I'm thinking once I see it in person it won't look as bright orange as it does in the pictures.

I have a burnt orange interior in great shape. I would not describe it as bright. If that is your biggest problem with it you will be OK once you are driving it.

I agree with selling it or trading for black.

Everyone above is correct...
Certain original interior panel colors are worth much more than black.

When you get the car, post some pictures. You will get some better ideas.

A burnt orange interior from a '69 in particular is something that, if I ever came across at a reasonable price, I would buy just to have.

Back in the '80's I saw a '70 b-body Plymouth in a wrecking yard with a mint burnt orange interior and did nothing about it. Now I'm kicking myself. But back in those days there was a lot of stuff I saw that I'm kicking myself about now !!

@NANKET, that's was I was hoping to hear. It has cloth inserts that help break it up too.
@fastmark, I'll try to add a picture to this thread so you guys can see what I'm talking about.
@skicker and Stanton, I love originality so I'll probably leave it alone once I see it...

Here are some pics of the interior I'm talking about. [img:left][/img]
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Wow! That sure is pretty!

That is way to nice to change. Be proud to have something unique, those who wouldn't appreciate that interior should be driving a red camaro.

Do Not touch that interior. If you do not like it, sell it. I think you would be surprised how much money you could sell it for. My opinion that would never leave that car or ever get a color change. Please tell me you are not even going to get rid of the 318!! There are too many non original cars out there.

I would probably buy that car from you so you could make a profit to buy another car just to save it and keep it original.

You can not dye plastic or vinyl. You can paint it with a flexible paint such as SEM. But it is still a paint, it can chip, scratch or wear through.

I think in person you will see that interior is a little darker than the pictures make it look. It would be a crying shame to ruin those parts by painting them. If you must have the same black interior as everyone else, as suggested, I'm sure there are members who would buy those parts off you so you can buy some nice black pieces.