Removing Interior panels? (1997 Explorer 4Door)

[240SX_89]

Right now the interior is a green blue, what ever it is I think it is ugly. I am thinking about painting all the interior panels and dying the carpet black. My qestion is how do i remove all the interior panels. I dont know much about explorers but did ford ever come out with a black interior so I could replace the seats instead of recovering the seats.

[shorod]

The interior pieces are all pretty much fastened with a combination of screws and snap in plastic or metal retainers. Good luck finding someone who will type out for you the intricacies of each interior piece. Your best bet would probably be to pick up a service manual. Any tricks will likely be listed in there.

I'm not sure if black was ever an interior option, but gray and tan certainly were which are both fairly neutral colors. Or you may opt to do a combination of gray and black. I would seriously think twice about using the spray dye on any high wear items such as the steering wheel, arm rests, door pulls, etc.

Also, on items such as the carpet and headliner, the spray dye causes a crusty feel for awhile, and has a dandruff effect when combed. I have a friend who did this on his Mustang. Looks good, but certainly doesn't have the longevity or feel of an OEM dyed piece.

-Rod

[240SX_89]

For the dye I was planing on using Dupli-color Vinyl&Fabric. Would that be good enough for any high wear items. If not what would you recomend I use?
For the color I will probably go for a black grey interior. I am planing on beginnig this on thursday and when I am done I'll see if I can post some before and after pics.

Thanks

[shorod]

The Dupli-Color spray is what my friend with the Mustang used. I would not suggest it for high wear items.

Unfortunately, that's the only product I've seen the results of as far as fabric and vinyl "dye." I've heard though that the dyes available at the professional automotive paint store is better. It's also MUCH more expensive. I'm not sure how well it works, but if the price is any indication, it must be excellent. Good luck in whatever you decide.

-Rod

[240SX_89]

Well I decided to try it in my 240 to see how it comes out and it looks like a brand new carpet. Ill probly wont start with the explorer for a while b/c of rain.