refurbishing interior paenels

[so-cali]

When people talk about re-vinyling their interior im assuming they are only talking about the seats. Is it possible to re-vinyl the dashboard, trim, and door panels as well? Is their some material you can stretch over the panels or some way to shrink it with heat over the panels or something. I was just thinking about this because i saw an eclipse the other day with a really nice looking custom interior and i was pretty sure it wasnt just painted. It looked like either new material over the existing stuff or a new panel altogether. Is their anyone who could give me a bit of information about any of this?

[LiLJami]

Well it's pretty sucky that no one answered you. Yeah I've seen people that have done their whole interior in vinyl so it can be done. Unfortunately I dont know a whole lot about it. I KNOW THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THOUGH. So somebody take the time to answer him. Sorry for the bitchyness.

[kicker1_solo]

I remember an artical on it somewhere, but I couldn't find it. If I remember right it's basically just the process of heating it up and forming it to the piece with the adhessive in between. If I ever find the how-to on it, I'll let ya know.

[so-cali]

thanx... i was beginning to think that nobody cared

[xivera]

1st & foremost, trim would usually be painted... or dyed (it's so much easier).
After redoing my doors (particularly all my armrests), vinyl is a bitch to work with especially when working w/ curves but, it achieves a more professional/durable option. I've noticed that the vinyl I used for my armrests are thicker than ones used on the dash. Because the vinyl used on the dash & upper door panels are thinner, they are easier to work with. But, then again a heat gun does wonders. (I don't have one.)

At this time, aside from my headliner & the other stuff up there, my car is a monotone classic gray. Right now, I can't bring myself into doing the 2-tone scheme that I had originally wanted because it will take a lot of work/time (w/c I don't really have) not only because of the many curves that are present but, to make it flow well throughout the whole interior I'd also need to do the rear panels.

[so-cali]

so basically, is this how its done...?

-cut out a sheet of vinyl in the shape of the panel you want to cover
-apply fabric adhesion spray to the panel
-lay the vinyl over the piece and use a heat gun to mold it into the curves and contours of the panel
-cut off excess vinyl on the sides
-re-install into car

if that's it... it seems pretty easy. what are some of the compliacations that arise when doing this project?

im asking because i have my carr looking pretty nice right now with a painted interior... but its a hassel to keep it from cracking and chipping. i thought vinyl might be an easy way to the custom look that's durable and easy to maintain. the painting looks fine right now but i have to keep up with maintainence and be very wary of what cleaners i use on it.

[xivera]

Easier said than done, my friend...

Some complications may include: phuck-ups due to working around funny curves & other stuff like that...

Tips:
- Heat gun = the equalizer (I need to get one of those! )
- Don't be stingy w/ the adhesive, spray a generous amount so that the vinyl behaves & sits still.
- Work w/ another person (at least). (You should have seen me asking the wife to hold something in place while I worked on a different aspect/issue of the install )
- (optional) Although it's possible to do a good job on top of a bare panel, add in some cushioning material to hide even the smallest of panel errors.
- Take your time & do it right.
- Make sure you have all the materials & tools that you may need.


That's all I can think of right now...
Good luck w/ yours...