Interior paint question

[hinz57]

What kind of luck will I have with painting some of my interior parts. I am in the process of changing my saddle interior to black on a 72 Cutlass Supreme. New parts that are available are being replaced, (ie headliner, package tray, door panels, seat upholstery etc.) But as you all know, you can't get dash bezels, pads or consoles. The one's I have are in decent condition except for my dash pad which needs some work. I have been contemplating painting my dash bezel and console with interior paint. Mostly stuff that doesn't get touched much. What luck has anyone had with doing this and what tips might you have? I am familiar with painting prep and the like but am not confident about a factory appearance. I've been looking for replacement parts but they want a fortune for them and you may not get one in the condition you want. I have painted a few small parts in not so noticeable places on the car so far (trim below rear window, rearview mirror boot) and they turned out fairly decent. Any advice?

[Eric Anderson]

You are lucky in the fact that black stuff is easy to find. You hit the nail on the head with painting stuff that doesn't get touched much, things like seats dont usually work out so well IMHO but cosoles and the like come out great. Cleaning and prep. work is the key, take your time and follow the instructions with the paint system you are using and I'm sure you will be happy with the results. As for looking factory you want to pay attention to the gloss of the paint.

[gh5168]

Originally Posted by hinz57

What kind of luck will I have with painting some of my interior parts. I am in the process of changing my saddle interior to black on a 72 Cutlass Supreme. New parts that are available are being replaced, (ie headliner, package tray, door panels, seat upholstery etc.) But as you all know, you can't get dash bezels, pads or consoles. The one's I have are in decent condition except for my dash pad which needs some work. I have been contemplating painting my dash bezel and console with interior paint. Mostly stuff that doesn't get touched much. What luck has anyone had with doing this and what tips might you have? I am familiar with painting prep and the like but am not confident about a factory appearance. I've been looking for replacement parts but they want a fortune for them and you may not get one in the condition you want. I have painted a few small parts in not so noticeable places on the car so far (trim below rear window, rearview mirror boot) and they turned out fairly decent. Any advice?

I used a product from Eastwood for painting interior parts. It is manufactured by SEM.I also purchased the Prep from them. What I did was to first used acetone to wipe off all the grit. If there has ever been armour al on them you are going to need some type of chemical to remove it.and that why I used acetone. Then I used 400 sandpaper and went over them. Then I used the prep,before I painted. The paint comes in aerosol cans.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by gh5168

I used a product from Eastwood for painting interior parts. It is manufactured by SEM.I also purchased the Prep from them. What I did was to first used acetone to wipe off all the grit. If there has ever been armour al on them you are going to need some type of chemical to remove it.and that why I used acetone. Then I used 400 sandpaper and went over them. Then I used the prep,before I painted. The paint comes in aerosol cans.

Prep is absolutely important, but don't expect these vinyl paints to last very long on part that flex in normal use like seat covers. The back seat might last a while, but fronts usually start cracking and flaking soon. On the other hand, I've had excellent results on semi-rigid parts like consoles and dash pads. Be aware that the paint is not very scratch tolerant, however. The other problem is that if the parts have ever seen Armor All or similar silicone products, you have your work cut out for you.

[gh5168]

I agree with you Joe. I am not going to use this product on the front seats,because I think with the wear and tear that It will probably peel or flake. I dont want to chance it. I plan on getting new covers for the front. I think like you said that doing the back might last for a while since it wont have any wear on it. No one will probably ever sit back there. But I think it just might last on the dash and the console. Keeping my fingers crossed

[68Tom]

Hi Gary. Just thought you should know, Legendary Auto Interiors is having a 25% off sale at the moment if you were interested in getting your seat covers. I highly recommend going with their stuff over PUI.

[gh5168]

Originally Posted by 68Tom

Hi Gary. Just thought you should know, Legendary Auto Interiors is having a 25% off sale at the moment if you were interested in getting your seat covers. I highly recommend going with their stuff over PUI.

thanks for the tip, I will take a look at them.

[hinz57]

Thanks for all the input guys. Hey Gary, from the pictures it looks like you may have done what I am in the middle of. Changing my interior from Saddle to Black. Is that right? If so I am about to paint my console and dash bezel. I figure what the hell. It's worth a shot. After all why replace them with black one's when mine are in decent condition. I do have a question on the plastic chrome trim on the console. How did you get refinished?

[68Tom]

No problem. As a heads up, they take about 4-6 weeks to make the covers. However, I'm fairly certain you'll be more than pleased with the results.

Honestly, if I were you, I'd just go ahead and buy the back seat cover. By the time you buy the prep and then the paint for the back seat, for a bit more you can simply buy a rear cover. They're not too expensive as it's basically one piece, especially with the huge discount. And, if your current covers are still in really good shape, you can always sell 'em on eBay. There are people out there who want the original stuff. Anyway, that's just my opinion.

[68Tom]

Oh no! It looks like the sale is over. I've heard that sometimes they'll still honor the discount. You can tell them that I sent you, if you want. I've spent about $1000 or more with them in the last couple of months. Not sure if it'll help, but it's definitely worth a shot. Also, check their 50% off specials. Looks like there's a couple things on there that will work for you.

[gh5168]

Originally Posted by hinz57

Thanks for all the input guys. Hey Gary, from the pictures it looks like you may have done what I am in the middle of. Changing my interior from Saddle to Black. Is that right? If so I am about to paint my console and dash bezel. I figure what the hell. It's worth a shot. After all why replace them with black one's when mine are in decent condition. I do have a question on the plastic chrome trim on the console. How did you get refinished?

The lower chrome that goes 3/4 around the console,I removed it. It wasnt hard at all. The chrome around the compartment door on the console,I just taped it off.I bought the glossy paint from Eastwood. But I found the same product at the auto paint store that I use here in town, It is manufactured by SEM,and the color is Landau Black #15013. The prep is by SEM also # 38353. I have not put the chrome back on yet,it is not plastic so I plan on polishing it.