Author Topic: Dying seat covers  (Read 5126 times)

bertfam

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Dying seat covers
« on: January 20, 2019, 05:32:58 PM »
This isn't Camaro specific, but IS a general question about dying vinyl.

On a really nice gesture, one of the guys on the Tri-5 web site has offered to give me the old seat covers and door panels from his 57 150 2 door sedan. (I have a 57 210 2 door sedan so they'll fit). They're supposedly in good shape (no rips or tears and they look good other than a few minor scuff marks), but they're silver and black (see attached) and I'm looking to go black or dark green. Right now I just have some cheapo aftermarket "stretch" slip-on covers on the front seat and a blanket on the back, so I sure could use them.

Has anyone ever had any success in dying vinyl seat covers and door panels? You can see they're cloth and vinyl, and I don't think I'd have any problems with the cloth parts, but I'm concerned about the vinyl. I've seen vinyl dye, but I've never used it and I'm curious if it actually works. I'm thinking it would just peel off after a while.

So anyone ever dyed vinyl and if so, how did they turn out and did it last?

Thanks
Ed
« Last Edit: January 20, 2019, 05:59:30 PM by bertfam »

169INDY

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Re: Dying seat covers
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2019, 06:07:58 PM »
I will also be in a similar situation, just a little more simple in the sense that I want to renew the original finish of some 68 red int parts,, to your point  would the SEM plastic adhesion promoter work in this (your)  instance?
Jim
68 SS/RS L35 Th-400 LOS
69 Pace Car L48 Th-350 LOS
68 Z28 M21 LOS

Sauron327

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Re: Dying seat covers
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2019, 06:47:02 PM »
Been using SEM for years with success.  Check out their website and full instructional video on YouTube. They also have a tech line you can call.  Buy at your local jobber. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYPr7ea_NfY

ja69rs350

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Re: Dying seat covers
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2019, 06:52:04 PM »
SEM color coat works extremely well for repainting vinyls and you can use it on cloths like velour and carpet also. Make sure you use the correct prep product for vinyl to make sure it has good adhesion and it will last along time. I’ve been in the automotive Paint industry for 40 years and that is the best I’ve ever used.
1969 NOR10C RS/SS 350 X1 2nd owner

x66 714

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Re: Dying seat covers
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2019, 07:24:33 PM »
Elliot Knoch (Al Knoch Interiors) says Sems is the best. It actually tattoos the vinyl. I need to find someone who can color match the 69 yellow madrid so I can send Elliot some for my interior...Joe
See America's First, Chevrolet

1968 Z/28 Corvette Bronze. Black Hounds Tooth. 02E Los Angeles born 3/13/1968 pnt OO. Purchased March 1976
1969 SS396 Yellow/Yellow 08E Norwood born 8/28/1969 pnt 76E. Purchased April 1981

bertfam

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Re: Dying seat covers
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2019, 07:30:54 PM »
Thanks guys. SEM it is then!

Ed

JKZ27

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Re: Dying seat covers
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2019, 08:22:58 PM »
I've used SEM also for changing white door panels to black and had great results. I did use the prep and adhesion promoters.
John
69 RS/SS Cortez Silver, L48 MC1
68 RS Ash/Ivy Gold 327EFI M20

Kelley W King

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Re: Dying seat covers
« Reply #7 on: January 22, 2019, 01:15:38 PM »
SEM is what I used. But it does make the velour material feel crisp. I used it on my 77 TA Smokey car because the black had faded to gold and replacements were not available. It has been on there a couple years and other than the (feel) it is great.
69 Z28 RS Scuncio Hi Performance
69 SS L78
67 SS Chevelle
64 Corvette
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ja69rs350

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Re: Dying seat covers
« Reply #8 on: January 23, 2019, 11:32:14 PM »
When using Sem Color Coat on velour, cloth seats or carpets to avoid the stiffness  or what you referred to as crisp you need to spray it with light coats and use a stiff nylon bristled brush while it is still wet and rub in multiple directions in between each coat
1969 NOR10C RS/SS 350 X1 2nd owner

Kelley W King

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Re: Dying seat covers
« Reply #9 on: January 25, 2019, 03:53:18 PM »
I did do something similar to what you described but it still feels like to use a better term like a shirt with heavy starch. It is not a problem you can just "feel" it.
69 Z28 RS Scuncio Hi Performance
69 SS L78
67 SS Chevelle
64 Corvette
66 GTO Tiger Gold
77 Trans Am Special Edition