TR2/3/3A dashboard/instrument panel on 1958 TR3a

[2billydavies]

hi everyone...
so i'm getting ready to do some thing on the interior of my car. doesn't really need much, but I was wondering about the dashboard. I know I can paint the metal center-piece where the gauges and starter is, but I was wondering if anyone can offer some suggestions on the actual dash. it's the typical TR red, but its getting awfully faded, almost to the point around the curves are turning a bit yellowish.

I"m not looking to buy a new dash at all... but was wondering if there was some sort of paint or something that I could spray on it to bring the red color back to life. cleaning it won't work, as the the red paint is really fading and looking worn. any ideas?? or am i better off thinking about buying a new dash? other than the coloring, there isn't anything wrong with it at all.

suggestions would be great!
thanks!

 

[TR3driver]

Not all that hard to recover yourself; and cheap if you use marine grade vinyl from the local fabric store. Or TRF sells a recovering kit for under $75.

However, I've had pretty good luck with using VHT "vinyl dye" on other things, don't see why it wouldn't do to freshen your dash. Of course you'll have to follow the directions regarding surface prep carefully, and mask off anything you don't want to turn red. It also doesn't come in a huge assortment of colors, so the new color may not be exactly the same as original.
https://www.tcpglobal.com/spraypaintdepot/vht-vinyl-dye.aspx?gclid=COvRqqLvi74CFahAMgodNTEARw

 

[2billydavies]

oh wow... thanks so much! I never even gave it a thought to have the vinyl dyed! I really appreciate it!

 

[Tr3aguy]

If you search local repair shops they may have a mobile dye guy that can come out and do the work....Like Randall said.

 

[Kleykamp]

I used the duplicolor product from Advance auto parts in blue. Not sure the red they have would be a good match, as it's more maroon. I think the auto paint stores can mix the vinyl dyes in several color choices and you can air brush it on. The key is to have a really clean surface. Mine had been changed from the original blue to black, back in the 70's. I cleaned the black all off with laquer thinner then resprayed back to blue. I was able to use a lot of the original interior panels, then matched up the new black door cards found on ebay and had seats made with matching vinyl. It looks pretty much like a new interior and I saved a bundle over all new interior, plus i still have most of the original interior which was in good shape. Did it about 2 years ago and it still looks good.