Can a convertible top be dyed?

[wmachine]

Any experience dying a convertible top? I'm considering dying a white top black.

[Jamesbo]

I've never tried it but I would imagine what keeps the water out would keep out the dye. Kinda like trying to dye a rain coat.

[Bluevista]

Vinyl isn't permeable so anything you do sits on top as said. It is "dye friendly" meaning it does adhere well to it. There is no real "vinyl dye", it's a surface coating. Varakote can be used on vinyl tops and seats and doesn't crack, maybe contact them and see what they think?

http://www.parasolinc.com/index.asp

[wmachine]

Thanks Bluevista, I'll check it out.

Guys, I'm aware of the physical properties of vinyl. Call it what you want, there are vinyl "dyes" on the market, and interior panels and dash pads are quite successfully "dyed".
I'm asking about dying a convertible top because of all the flexing that occurs with a convertible top that doesn't occur with interior panels.
I'm looking for someone with experience with it, as I wouldn't just trust a product's claim.

[Oldsmaniac]

Had good results with the vinyl spray (paint?) sold at local parts stores for interiors. Used it on seats a couple of times for a color change and was very happy with the way it held up. Dont know how it or similar product would work on a top that the sun would beat on and water. If there is a specific one for conv tops I would think it would work as advertised.

[citcapp]

Seems like a convetible top would take a beating from rain, sun, and other conditions that would really take its toll on a dye job.

[Nilsson]

I suggest using SEM products. Go to their website and view the instructions on convertible top coloring. I have used their products
for other applications then this and are they are top shelf.

[wmachine]

Originally Posted by Nilsson

I suggest using SEM products. Go to their website and view the instructions on convertible top coloring. I have used their products
for other applications then this and are they are top shelf.

Thanks Nilsson. Well that was interesting. I called SEM and the tech guy there told me no, nothing there for convertible tops. He said the convertible top is more of a fabric, so I should look at fabric dyes instead of vinyl dyes.

I know about 20 years ago, Sherwin Williams Automotive had a dye that was for vinyl *and* carpet. I had my doubts, but I tried it on both, and it worked surprisingly well on both. But again, not so sure about it on a convertible top. And 20 years later, I'd think there would be better product.

[ent72olds]

Are you sure the top isn't canvas? That can be dyed!

[Nilsson]

Originally Posted by wmachine

Thanks Nilsson. Well that was interesting. I called SEM and the tech guy there told me no, nothing there for convertible tops. He said the convertible top is more of a fabric, so I should look at fabric dyes instead of vinyl dyes.

I know about 20 years ago, Sherwin Williams Automotive had a dye that was for vinyl *and* carpet. I had my doubts, but I tried it on both, and it worked surprisingly well on both. But again, not so sure about it on a convertible top. And 20 years later, I'd think there would be better product.

Is your convertable top vinyl, cloth or canvas? If vinyl SEM is a go if canvas or cloth I do see that they state not recommended.

[wmachine]

Originally Posted by Nilsson

Is your convertable top vinyl, cloth or canvas? If vinyl SEM is a go if canvas or cloth I do see that they state not recommended.

Well that's a good question. Are convertible tops made from all 3 material?
If you buy a top for a '60s Oldsmobile, what material do you get?
The guy at SEM was a firm "no" for convertible tops, and there is no reference to them on their webpage.

[Jamesbo]

One of the sites I was looking at had 2 types "pinpint vinyl" and "stayfast canvas." Mine is not vinyl so I guess it's some kind of treated canvas. I remember vinyl tops mostly on smaller foreign cars like my new 66 [dare I say it] Austin Healey 3000

http://www.convertibletopguys.com/cg...at.cgi?cat=685

[wmachine]

At this point, I might just experiment with some inconspicuous spots.

[Jamesbo]

Why not go to a trim shop and experiment on one they have replaced and is going in the dumpster. In my mind, I'm trying to visulize where you are going to find an " inconspicuos spot"

I just don't want it to look like "poop on a white rabbit"

[wmachine]

Figured I'd ask someone who should know, and I asked "The Auto Top Shop" about dyeing. Not surprisingly, the response was "Dying it would be more trouble than it's worth. If you want a new black top, let us know". Of course that doesn't mean it is true.
I just don't like the white top with the black and black interior.
I'll have to go to a black top eventually, when I return the car to the original Gold color, with black being the original top color.

[Texascarnut]

Originally Posted by wmachine

Figured I'd ask someone who should know, and I asked "The Auto Top Shop" about dyeing. Not surprisingly, the response was "Dying it would be more trouble than it's worth. If you want a new black top, let us know". Of course that doesn't mean it is true.
I just don't like the white top with the black and black interior.
I'll have to go to a black top eventually, when I return the car to the original Gold color, with black being the original top color.

You might want to investigate this stuff. Might be good, might be crap but at least it is something to look at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Forever-Black-Black-Top-Vinyl-Convertible-Top-Dye_W0QQitemZ310087238384QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors _Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4832a3c2f0&_ trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A1|39%3A1|240%3 A1318

[wmachine]

Originally Posted by Texascarnut

You might want to investigate this stuff. Might be good, might be crap but at least it is something to look at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Forever-Black-Black-Top-Vinyl-Convertible-Top-Dye_W0QQitemZ310087238384QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors _Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4832a3c2f0&_ trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A1|39%3A1|240%3 A1318

Thanks, I'll look into it.
Can't say I'm too optimistic about a product that is called "Forever Black" and then says the "results last for up to 12 months"