Budget Interior Restoration

When good enough is just that

Matt Carlson / autoMedia.com

Comparison

Molded Plastic Gismos: These would include things such as armrests and center console lids. They are often made of molded plastic, with a hard or soft foam molded around them and finally covered with a vinyl. It is sometimes possible to sand down cracks in the vinyl just like you would with flaws in the body of a car, then recover them with new vinyl using special contact glue and heat guns.

If you have ever tried to buy a part like this in good condition from an older or obscure car, then you will understand why the effort of recovering these parts often makes sense.

The dash is also very expensive to replace. There are companies that make a hard molded plastic overlay that glues down to the original dash pad. If installed correctly, it is difficult to tell that the overlay has been used, and this can save you hundreds of dollars.

If the part is made out of solid hard plastic and has faded in the sun, or is just the wrong color, then another option is available to you. Paint. Yes, paint. There are special paints designed just for plastics and vinyl for car interiors. It actually penetrates into the material, so that it is nearly impossible to wear off or chip or scratch. In reality it is more like a spray-on dye. Regular use and even sanding will not wear through to the original color because it has soaked into the plastic, re-coloring it. Make sure to match colors before trying this option. Once you have sprayed it, there is no going back!

Hopefully there is some information here that will make your interior restoration more tolerable and less expensive. Shop around for a good upholstery shop, and ask to see some of the work that they are doing. Make sure to communicate exactly what you want done with the car. (e.g., full factory restoration, or low-budget quality). Being specific will help the business to order the correct materials that you want without having to guess as to your intentions.