Resurfacing Of Interior Panels

[Elanlover]

Ok, even cars in the best of condition likely have some dented, scratched, chipped or otherwise worn door panels, centre consoles or dash components. I know mine does and the car's in pretty good shape. All these pieces apear to be made from a foam core with what looks and feels like a colourized rubber surface over top. Some of the piecec (like the dash) also have a fibreglass backing for reinforcement. So, my question is: has anyone looked into the possibility of resurfacing these pieces?

Given that most pieces are no longer available, resurfacing may be a legitimate alternative if it can be done easily. Might even offer an opportunity to chnage the colour if desired. So, is anyone aware of a "spray-on" rubber compound that might be appropriate for the task? Do we even know what the original panel surface is and how it was applied?

[epipete]

Elanlover, you have tapped into an interest of mine! Recently, I had my seats recovered using a pale slate grey (and red) leather so am interested in matching the remaining trim. To that end I obtained a spare door card and some vinyl (to match the grey).

So far I have striped the panel of it's old covering by the judicious use of a heated paint stripper, (the heat melts the plastic and it can be scraped off) this is a disgusting, time consuming, and probably poisonous activity. Nevertheless I now have a door panel devoid of any covering, but with some residual vinyl traces, tool gauges etc.

The next issue for me is to find some sort of solvent to remove the residue and some sort of stable, sandable & sprayable filler to complete this first stage.

Having already got the vinyl the concern is how to apply it; probably again with the use of heat but the surface is such an irregular shape that this will be a problem as will the issue of sticking it down.

As for the Centre Console probably somewhat easier but the lid will be a nightmare! The main dash will need sewing (not good for vinyl).

A sprayable vinyl might work also vinyl paint???

This may be an abortive task for the DIYer, bit I'm also interested in anyone elses experience.

Pete

[theelanman]

mmmmm.....just thinking out loud.....
have you thought about getting something sandable.......some form of filler which could then be rubbed down....
the door card should then be easy enough to 'wrap'........using a type of vinyl sheet....
think the dash may be a bit trickier due to its shape.....

just a thought

[Elanlover]

mmmmm.....just thinking out loud.....
have you thought about getting something sandable.......some form of filler which could then be rubbed down....
the door card should then be easy enough to 'wrap'........using a type of vinyl sheet....
think the dash may be a bit trickier due to its shape.....

just a thought

Not sure if you're responding to me or epipete (or both) but I was thinking more of a spray on rubber that would cure and end up looking more like factory dash boards and door cards. I recently recoated my fascia with Plastidip. Looks more OEM now but I'm not sure I'd want to use that for the interior panels as its not really smooth enough and perhaps not as rugged as I'd like. Don't know if it would adhere to the current surfaces well either.

There seems to be "stuff" out there like this and this but adherance, longevity, durability and appearance might be quesitonable.

[HJ2]

Plastidip could be worth a try!
Gives a nice OEM matte rubber look
Durability might indeed be an issue. Perhaps the solution is in some sort of primer so the plastidip will be a more permanent layer in stead of semi-removable

Look at my plastidip wheels post:
viewtopic.php?f=45&t=20744&p=263570#p263570

[Elanlover]

I'm not convinved about Plastidip and the finish isn't as smooth as I'd like. There do seem to be a fair number of vinyl paints around like this. I think it'd be nice to know what the original material was on the dash and panels so we could check for adherence.

[Elanlover]

Intersting what Googling can do for you. Where would we be without that interwebby thingy?

I've used Duplicolor products before and they seem pretty good. Saw a Youtube video of a guy painting his Xbox with Duplicolor Vinyl spray paint and it turned out pretty good. So I went to there website and looked it up. When I went to their "success Stories" and found this person's story about using this stuff on his '90 Lotus Esprit. Maybe this stuff would do the trick?

Still would be nice to know what the stock surface is made out of first.

[HJ2]

I am gonna plastidip some parts of my (brand new!) radio, just because it matches OEM look & feel.
I noticed that the spray technique is quite different from normal spray paint and the technique determines the smoothness off the finished look.

Duplicolor looks good without the need for experimenting though ...

[GoM100Go]

I used the duplicolor carpet and vinyl color to match up my under steering pad to the rest or the interior when I got a new steering wheel and dashboard as they were a very light charcoal compared the the old dash and steering. I always thought the black padding was out of place, with the new wheel and dash it seemed even more misplaced. The color is holding up very well, I bump/rub against it every time I get in and out and no problems.

[lotusgirlmarie]

I recovered the knee bolster and centre console in graphite leather. Exact match to the GM colour code. Landau adhesive is best for this. It's the same stuff ford and GM used to put the vinyl covers on the roofs of the old muscle cars. Just a thought.

[stonefish]

ive built various kit cars with bespoke dashboards, lots of curves etc..ive had these flock sprayed...very fine short fibers that are sprayed onto adhesive and then static charged to stand on end..like you get on the inside of glove boxes or sliding sunroofs..will go onto any shape surface and wear well..and not give glare onto windscreen and choice of any colour..will try to find some pictures but would recomend..