I would like to change the tan interior of my 81 Pinafarina Spider to black. Am I crazy. Can this be done by dying the existing components, or will I have to replace them all? Seats and panels are in pretty good shape.

thanks, mg

I did this myself, the key is in the preparation. You need to get the seats clean and the use a vinyl prep before spraying (dying them). SEM landau black is a close match to the console and dash black.

I have started this myself, having completed the door panels. Prep is really important. A LOT of the "prep spray" that they specify prior to dying is key, and scrubbing prior to that with soap and water and proper rinse is key as well. Here are a couple of before and after pics. I have only done the door panels and Center Radio Console so far. Will have the seats professionally done. I know my skill limits! It took at least 3 coats using Duplicolor, and the key was to never let the spray stop on the piece, i.e. put down some newspaper way out to the side of the piece being sprayed and spray right past the edge of the piece so the spray doesn't stop and reverse direction on the piece itself.

Before:



After: (with Madrone Burl veneer)



Door panels are going Gray and Black. (The Gray field and the Black armrest were dyed, the black at the top is new vinyl fabric):

Thanks guys. Makes me think that maybe I am not so crazy after all. Will you specify the product(s) that you use, and where they may be obtained?

There are some premium dyes and paints available that others may comment on, I have used Duplicolor and VHT, both from places like Pep Boys. No quality issues so far, but I may explore the more premium brands.

Pete

You did not give much time for replies before jumping into the job.

F.W.I.W. Not crazy but STARK RAVING MAD ! Or are you a Mashochist ? Do you realize how much hotter your seats are going to get when it is sitting outside on a sunny day. But perhaps you like the "sizzle" on the back of your legs as you jump in, wearing shorts ?

There's no rule of design that says the seats have to be black. I am thinking a cream off-white that will go well with the black, gray and madrone of the balance of the interior.

I did mine not long ago.I also did a 2-tone on the door panels and changed the rest of the interior to black.I did get a deal on black seats,which is what got the ball rolling.I have used dyes quite a bit,and I have found the SEM brands to hold up the best.As stated before,dont scrimp on prep!
My previously all tan interior.Some people dont like the two-tone panels,but I have had way more positive comments,and it does set it apart from all others.

The PO changed the interior of my '72 to a 2 tone black and red, but the red is like a cloth red not vinal.

I will try and get a picture of it after I get home from work. I think it looks good and since it is in great shape I don't plan on changing it anytime soon.

Jeremy