Topic: Interior help
in Forum: C3 Interior
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Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum...and I have a couple of questions regarding interior.
I just purchased a 1979 Vette with Oyster interior. I'm wanting to restore the interior, but not sure if I should get all new parts, or just paint what I've got.
My seats are in pretty good shape, but are old and dull, and the plastic window trim etc. is dull, dirty, and worn. Anyone have any suggestions??
I just purchased a 1979 Vette with Oyster interior. I'm wanting to restore the interior, but not sure if I should get all new parts, or just paint what I've got.
My seats are in pretty good shape, but are old and dull, and the plastic window trim etc. is dull, dirty, and worn. Anyone have any suggestions??
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I would start with a real good cleaning. Lots of elbow grease will do a world of wonder.
Plastic parts that show wear can be painted and will look like new.
Driver's seat, which is usually well worn, can be switched with the passenger seat.
Carpet may need to be replaced if well worn, but it can be cleaned too.
I like the combo of red exterior with oyster interior.
Does everything else work?
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SEM automotive interior dye. Shoots like lacquer and is good stuff. Any automotive paint supplier should carry it.
The key to redying interior parts is the prep work; everything needs to be as clean as you can get it.
Stock Corvette leather seats have a clear protective coating on them. You want to ensure to get that stuff off or the new dye will not stick.
Personally, I would not use the SEM on carpets. Carpets are vat dyed which is a different process than shooting the SEM.
Yeah. I got lucky. Everything else (except the horn) in the car works..including the clock. The AC also works, but you're rolling the dice when it comes to which orifice the cold air will exit 
Thanks for the advice. I've already scrubbed the interior pretty good, but some of the trim is just beyond help. I'm going to the auto parts store today...I'll take a look for that SEM dye while I'm there. Once I collect all the parts and figure out what I'm going to do I'll post before and after shots.
Thanks again.
Thanks for the advice. I've already scrubbed the interior pretty good, but some of the trim is just beyond help. I'm going to the auto parts store today...I'll take a look for that SEM dye while I'm there. Once I collect all the parts and figure out what I'm going to do I'll post before and after shots.
Thanks again.
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
Looks like a pretty nice car you have there. Good luck with your interior project. It sounds like the boyz are steering you in the right direction.
Shane,
Nice looking Vette!
I also have a '79 and the interior rear window trim in mine is UGLY! When you're done, post what worked for you. It'd be helpful for me to know what worked before I take it on myself.
Thanx!
Former Member
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Fayetteville, NC - USA
Joined: 2/13/2005
Posts: 244
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette Convertable, 4 spd, 350 SB, Daily Driver
The eastwood company sells an excellent line of interior dyes. They have a cleaner, a primer and the finish colors to match your interior color. You may find that after you refinish one part you have to refinish it all because of fading and wear. I bought new parts mostly then dyed what I had left to get the new look.
got my dye from Wilcox. I'm a big fan of Wilcox.
also, look on eBay for used replacement parts. I have a 79 too. dark blue interior. bought a couple of arm rests from an 80 real cheap. they were dark gray. dyed them dark blue. they look new.
use the dye to freshen up the rest of the intereior. you'll be amazed at how well it will look.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
Cleaning the plastic parts is critical. When I redid my interior I used a scrub brush and a little TSP I think it was called. Then ran them through the dishwasher a couple of times. Don't use the dry cycle, the heat might warp the plastic. Then bought a pint of interior paint to match the new seat covers.
Shane, me again sound like your tracken on your interior your lucky to have alot of the stuff in good to fair condition. I wasn't that lucky I completly removed my interior form firewall to bluk plate in back. Had issues with floor pans, cracked and dry plastic and damm field mice eating insulation of the wires. Plus lots of BUBBA work. Tried to clean and restore wht I could but not much luck. Got it back together though. Looks great. Just suggest you use major parts people in oredring new parts. The Genuin GM restoration are the best if possible the best you can. Too much cheap stuff out there beware of cheap parts. By the way I'm military too, take care.
sgm2004 2007-11-28 12:55:22
Guy
in Forum: C3 Interior
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