Dyeing vinyl upholstery?

[ecdysiast]

I want the door panels in my late Sprint to be red, but they are black. They're in almost-perfect condition. Having them redone in new red vinyl would cost about $1K + shipping to/from Italy + months of time.

Research indicates dyeing might not be a bad alternative, first up to beige or gray and then to red.

Does anyone have any experience with this technology?

Jeffrey
'63 Sprint
'6[5] Spider
'71 Morgan +8
+ all-year cars

[pathung]

Where are you located that the door panels need to be sent to Italy? I'm in the U.S. and had mine made locally in vinyl for much less than $1K, and they came out well, with the correct material pattern and all. Dying, with its future fading possibilities, seems like a less desirable alternative to me.

[101/105guy]

I have had great results dyeing door panels and seats. The most important part is using the right dye and following the maker's instructions.
I used SEM products because my upholstery guy recomended it.
First on an Abarth OT 1000 Spider door panels. The car had red interrior, but the only good door panels that I could find were black. Used SEM cleaner and prep solution first, then applied the dye in many very thin coats. It came out perfect ! In fact, every time that I took the car to a show, people asked where I had found new door panels in red !

Next I used the same brand product on my Duetto seats. New covers were red, but the wrong shade. Again, great results.
BTW, I wouldn't worry about wear or fading on door panels.

[pathung]

Wow, that looks great; I stand corrected!

[ecdysiast]

Thanks, 101/105 guy, very encouraging--what is an Abarth OT Spider, and can we see the door panels that went from black to red?

Jeffrey

[101/105guy]

Mine was a '67 model, white w/ red int.
Abarth took the 850 spider and installed his 1000 engine, special wheels and suspension, exhaust, trim and badges. Really powerful and fun!
Unfortunatly, I sold it to a Japanese collector some years ago and none of my pics are digital.
Really miss this one ;^(

[phila3885]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pathung Where are you located that the door panels need to be sent to Italy? I'm in the U.S. and had mine made locally in vinyl for much less than $1K, and they came out well, with the correct material pattern and all. Dying, with its future fading possibilities, seems like a less desirable alternative to me.

[pathung]

"Silvery" vinyl? I don't recall anything on the door panels that's silver in color...

[phila3885]

Hi, Pat. I meant the 101 Sprint door panels- the aluminized vinyl panel behind the door handles. I did find a really close substitute, very shiny with a tight pattern very close to the original (not from Re-Originals), and with an upholstery-grade vinyl backing. If anyone is interested, I have a yard of the stuff. Shoot me a private IM and I can send you a sample.

[lgbalfa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 101/105guy I have had great results dyeing door panels and seats. The most important part is using the right dye and following the maker's instructions. I used SEM products because my upholstery guy recomended it. First on an Abarth OT 1000 Spider door panels. The car had red interrior, but the only good door panels that I could find were black. Used SEM cleaner and prep solution first, then applied the dye in many very thin coats. It came out perfect ! In fact, every time that I took the car to a show, people asked where I had found new door panels in red ! Next I used the same brand product on my Duetto seats. New covers were red, but the wrong shade. Again, great results. BTW, I wouldn't worry about wear or fading on door panels.