I have a 1973 Chrysler Newport 2dr with a white vinyl top.It has discolored in spots and won't clean up with regular cleaners.The roof is solid with no rust underneath .No vinyl coming unglued or ripped.I don't want to replace it because it is original and in very good shape.Has anyone here ever used a dye or paint to restore a top ?If so what did you use and how did you prep the surface?
Vinyl top restoration
- Thread starter chry73luv
- Start date
SIPLOWGUY
Senior Member
Many years ago, when vinyl tops were prevalent, there were dyes available. A friend of mine who had a small-scale limo company had a white Lincoln. He dyed the black top white to use for weddings. Looked great. I would avoid "paint" because "sealing" the top with paint might lead it to cracking as the vinyl won't "breathe".
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1965 LeBaron
New Member
If you want to dye the vinyl top get SEM vinyl/leather dyes. Also PPG has their line also. You want to scrub the material down good removing any kind of grease and when it's dry simply mix up the product as is no thinner and spray it you'll be amazed. I've done this on many show cars
1965 LeBaron
New Member
If you want to dye the vinyl top get SEM vinyl/leather dyes. Also PPG has their line also. You want to scrub the material down good removing any kind of grease and when it's dry simply mix up the product as is no thinner and spray it you'll be amazed. I've done this on many show cars
Gene
Gene
I painted the vinyl seats in my 300L and I can't see why this wouldn't work well with a vinyl top. The stuff I used was a lacquer with a flex agent in it.
I had to go with paint from History of Kolor Korrect, started as Mopaint as my seats are pearl white and they could match my existing interior. It's only been on there a year and a half, so I can't give you long term results, but so far I'm really happy. The "pearl" had to have white applied first, followed by the pearl, which is basically clear with "pearl" in it.
I also have used SEM paint on my '70 300 vert with good results too. The key is to follow the directions on either product to the letter. With a vinyl top, the issue you'll face is getting it clean enough for the paint to stick. YouTube videos for SEM will be your friend here and KolorKorrect has their procedure spelled out really well. I suggest using their XXX adhesion promoter. I had a good place in Syracuse to buy this, but it has changed hands and the last time I was in there, they were closing out SEM products.
One thing I found to help clean it up was a rotary brush like this one in my orbital polisher, but it can be done by hand too. Just clean until you think it's good, then do it once or twice more.
Pete Kaczmarski
Senior Member
When I purchased my 1962 Chrysler 300 Sport Convertible there was some spots like you describe that no matter what I tried, I could not get them clean to my satisfaction. I read that using a good quality "White" liquid shoe polish would work. I purchased I think 6-8 bottles of Kiwi brand. Shake good and mix two at a time together. Make sure the roof is clean and dry. Don't apply in the sun and it needs to be at least 70 degrees. Apply with a wide foam brush in even strokes all in the same direction. Let dry a day and reapply in the opposite direction. The two will blend nicely. It has been eight years and my roof still looks great. The product does not come off.
SIPLOWGUY
Senior Member
Looks great! I wonder if that will work on carpet. My carpet is black. It is intact just faded. My Fury is a convertible and carpet is not available. I was planning to ask my upholstery guy if he could dye the carpet when I get my seats done.
Carmine
Old Man with a Hat
Black lacquer spray paint that is fogged lightly and brushed while you apply will give you the same result as paying an upholstery guy. Likewise off-white lacquer paint lightly applied to a vinyl top will even out the color.
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