How does one restoring a faded dash?

Post by **QuickSilver** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 9:42 am

Has anybody re-dyed their faded dash board to the orginal black color? What type of dye did you use?

My orginal dash board is close the orginal black color after 10+ years of exposure, but it just came undone one day and is permantly warped. I bought a used dash the other day that is pretty straight, but is no where close to it orginal black color.

I just check Griot's Garages and they don't have any products for this application. I was thinking of just of experimenting with some types of dyes, such as leather shoe dye. Any suggestions or warnings?

Thanks in advance.

Post by **911/Q45** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 9:42 am

I'll bet the Griot's Garage bumper trim dye would work well. Clean the dash with naptha to remove all the old Armor All, then dye, then follow up with their vinyl treatment and it should look new.

Post by **QuickSilver** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 9:42 am

Isn't the bumper trim dye for rubber products? While the dash is made of some type of vinyl or plastic. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll ask the guys at Griot's Garge.

My guess is most black dyes aren't too different. I think the trick will be just not do too much damage with the stripping agents. Have you ever used napha on your dash? Do you have any experience with Griot's vinyl treatment? Is there anything special about their vinyl products compared to other non-silcone based vinyl protective products?

Post by **AZhitman** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 9:42 am

I have dyed an entire interior to a different color with great results.

My 1968 GrandSport had a pristine pea-soup green interior when I bought it in 1988. While it was incredibly hip in 1968, it was incredibly FUGLY in 88.

Preparation is key, as well as not putting too much dye on at once. Use in a well-ventilated area, and cover EVERYTHING as the overspray can travel a long way...

Again, prep with the proper solvents and neutralizers is key. I'd recommend going for it.

Post by **QuickSilver** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 9:42 am

Hitman-

"Oversray?" - That means you put the dye or your case maybe paint in a spray gun? I was thinking of more in the lines of applying a black dye with a cotton rag.

In regards to a proper prep, did you use napha to strip it? What purpose is a neutralizer used for?

Post by **AZhitman** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 9:42 am

Mine was indeed a rattle can job. The automotive paint supply shop sold me the dye, put it in 10 rattlecans for me, and also sold me the prep chemicals. They can hook you up with the whole process.

Post by **SOCAL91Q45a** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 9:42 am

Im thinking of doing this to a FUGLY 87 Mustamg LX interior that is BLUE - well very faded blue like a well worn set of levi's jeans.

Its a prokect car for resale - so - you recommend eh? Recall the name of the stuff? They make some VINYL paints ... but it looks extremely FUNKY on the parts like the steering wheel :-) AC Vents door knobbers .... etc ....

I'll look into that for the other cars - the Q I have is pretty nice otherwise

Post by **AZhitman** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 9:42 am

Don't use the vinyl/plastic dye on the door handles, the AC vents or the steering wheel. Get those from a junkyard in the color you want.

Post by **QuickSilver** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 9:42 am

Once again, thanks, Hitman.

I was going to wing it on my own because I thought it rare thing to do. But now I know there is a established process and I can get the correct materials at an auto paint shop. Needed to get my paint matched at one soon any ways. I've been working on repainting the front bumper, and hopefully the rocker arms with a buddy of mine.

How does one restoring a faded dash?

How does one restoring a faded dash?

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