Interior Plastic Restoration: Who has the tips and ins/outs?

[js27]

I had this same problem back when I restored my car in early 2000. Nobody made repop's worth anything back then especially convertibles rear panel. As far as I know nobody make rear conv. panel today either. I had my original rear panels bead blasted and dyed. They were chalked but not scratched up to bad. I got a set of good 72 fronts and I went with a dash cap ( again nobody made anything worth buying back then). I took everything including a console to a local interior shop and had them prep and paint everything. It came out great. Everything is just as nice today almost 20 years later. The only problem that just started last year was the rear panels around the boot snaps started to flake. Probably from the flexing of the panel snapping and unsnapping the boot. Judge for yourself-These interior shot I took last November. I would not be afraid to have the stuff painted. If done right it should not crack or chip for a long time

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Just a quick 2 cents. I've used SEM on a few on my Pontiac's with very good / long lasting results.

[kawahonda]

Bumping this old topic because one of my goals this winter is to get my panels restored:

* Both Seatbacks
* Driver's side rear panel
* Front panels

Let's stick with the front door panels for now for discussion. Here are my options:

1) Replace them. I'm aware that the injection molded one are the best ones. Dante's sells these, as well as classic industries. You can only get these in White or Black. Assume I'd get the black, then go to Herbs and get the primer + paint. The holes for the woodgrain insert would need to be professionally filled if I wanted to truly make it original since my early 70s car did not have woodgrain inserts. Either that, or I buy the woodgrain inserts. Thoughts? This is about a $650 endeavor.

2) I have a picture out to the local restoration shop to see what they would charge with restoring my door panels. I'm assuming it's going to be a pretty penny being that sanding, filling, and texturing is likely required. Oh yeah, plus prime/painting. It would be interesting to see what ballpark quote I get back.

Anyhow, I need to make the leap and either go with 1) or 2).

The other panels I mentioned will need to be replaced because they are scratched.

[anlauto]

I would suggest buying your new panels from Roseville Moparts, members here get a discount.

[kawahonda]

I'm going to take it in locally tomorrow to an interior specialist and get a download on how much they would charge and what not.

Seems like you can get decent results simply by prepping and spraying.

I'm curious how one would go about filling scratches and sanding. Perhaps scratches are really well minimized after just painting.

[kawahonda]

I don't mind putting in 50 hours to make it right, but am I correct in assuming that any plastic that you can leave a white mark is pretty much no-good to even sink any amount of effort in? I can do this to every panel that I am considering replacing...

[cudaragtop]

Late to this thread but better late than never...



I used Duplicolor FP102 (Filler Primer) on my plastic and metal FK4 Burnt Orange Parts and then a top coat of satin clear.

Console before.


In process.
The inside of the Console Lid is not painted. I left it the original color. Pretty darn close.
Had planned to use Herbs after priming and just decided the FP102 was close enough for me.
With the satin clear, it's even closer.
Only ever got compliments on the car...










I used PVC cement to mend the crack first.





Then Duplicolor FP102


I used Herb's on the dash pad.



I actually like the fact that they are not exact matches for color. Just like the Factory!
Duplicolor is way cheaper and can get it at any car parts store or Amazon prime.




The kick panels were swiss cheese when I got the car. Don't ask.



These were black so I painted them to match.


The A/C vents were black too.




The door panels are Black painted Burnt Orange. I don't know who's door panels or what paint was used.
They were done before I got the car.

My complete EK2 Go Mango Orange 1970 Challenger Google Photo Album can be seen at the link posted here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oS5Wxj4M0CNBFZga2

I sold the car a few months ago so any and all pics I could share are in this album.
589 photos of my journey of buying restofying and enjoying. I say restofying because it was not all original when I got it and originality was secondary to just being better than when I got it.

In the end I sold the car and made a small profit.
My labor was free... or you could say I made a couple bucks for the couple hundred hours or so I put into it. Estimate since I did not track my hours. I did keep track of parts and 3rd party labor.
I also got to enjoy it for a couple years and learned a bit along the way.
All in, it was a great trip.

I would definitely do it again and probably do a few things better cheaper and faster.
Maybe I'll do another car when I retire from my day job.
For now it's back to work on the 69 Barracuda G3 Hemi Resto-Mod
That thread here:
https://forum.e-bodies.org/your-restoration-project-roseville-moparts/10/69-barracuda-fastback-g3-hemi-father-son-project/1892/120

I would try to re-use the original door panels first with paint and try to simulate the grain where needed.
Testing on something first to find the right technique.
Probably someone has done a YouTube video on how they did it... I haven't looked.

I did try to disguise the spot on the front of the console that had a lump of epoxy or cement when I got it.
I didn't try that hard though... :-)
Guessing there was maybe a crucifix or a Hawaiian Hula Girl glued there at one time.

Buy several more cans than you think you need if using Herbs paints.
If you think you need 1 can, buy 3... etc. Been there. I used 3 cans on the Dash Pad or 2+ anyway.

Anyway, Good Luck.

- Randy

[wes473]

Great info! Yeah since the repops aren't cheap I'd like to just freshen mine up but mine are quite brittle and the surfaces are "sugaring" pretty bad. I'll give this a go but if it ends badly has anyone had any luck covering these with material?

[tparker]

@kawahonda
What was the result? Did you have the restore work done or get new panels?

[kawahonda]

@kawahonda
What was the result? Did you have the restore work done or get new panels?

I think they turned out terrific!

https://forum.e-bodies.org/interior/6/interior-plastic-restoration-journey/18703/