restoring interior plastic

amp88fan · Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 7:22 pm Post subject: restoring interior plastic

the interior on my 78 is all there...and some of it aint in bad shape...but the plastic kick pannels and the seats back and sides are dry rotted and have bad uv damage as well as the dash and a pillars...i have read about some pretty slick ways to fix the cracked dash for cheap...but i was wondering if anyone had had any luck restoring dry rotted and knicked plastic pannels?

Steve81OR · Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 3:44 am Post subject:

The kick panels and A-pillars are made of plastic, I guess this will depend on what kind of damage they have. I had A-pillar trim that had rotted away from constant exposure. I just replaced them since repairing/rebuilding plastic isn't really a DIY project. In fact, the only way I can think of to fix it would be to basically rebuild the pieces using fiberglass or something.

But my kick panels just needed paint. I used a Krylon paint made for plastic. It has held up better than some of the "plastic dye" crap I have tried in the past.
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1981 Chevy El Camino
1991 Chevy S10
"The only thing collecting dust in my garage... is my broom"

dave1987SS · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 7:52 pm Post subject:

Well let me know if you are able to find anything to patch the plastic. I have not been able to find any repair material to fix the GM interior plastic, might try some of the flexible bumper material to patch chips in the kick panels but I think you would be better off getting some nice used ones from the local junk yard. Get a good set for not too much money, although a used dash may cost some bucks if it has no cracks. Any G body (Elky, Malibu, Monte, Regal, Cutlass, Grand Prix) will work for the kick panels and front parts, but the piece above the window that goes back to the rear panel is El Camino specific and may be more expensive. You can get plastic/vinyl/fabric dye at most auto parts stores in most standard colors, or have some mixed up to match original specs at a paint shop. Be sure to get a can of plastic prep as well, this clear spray goes on before the first coat of dye and you spray it on, wipe it off and the color coat sticks better. For damaged dash easiest and cheapest fix is a one piece dash cover as sold by The El Camino Store and others.
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1987 El Camino SS Choo Choo customs package w/ Monte Carlo SS tranny, 3.73 rear end, sway bars, alloy wheels & exhaust system, SS dash & S-10 dual piston brakes - Soon to come - 350 roller cam... all emissions legal!

Fasteddie753 · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:52 pm Post subject: Replacement Parts

I was able to sand the parts that were in one piece and order repro replacement parts and matching paint through:

http://www.dixiemontecarlodepot.com

They have quite a bit of components to complete your project.

FE
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FAST EDDIE

Cyclone · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:02 pm Post subject:

If the pieces are dry rotted and breaking... It is not worth the time and hassle to redo them...

I bought the entire interior out of a car to fix my stuff... I have a '81 and the interior was red. I changed it all to black but I re-dyed everything before I put it back in... Duplicolor has a vinyl/fabric dye that works great... clean with simple green, and then use this dye... I have been using it for a while now and never had any problems...

Also, let me know what parts that you need, I still have all the red pieces left over that I will be selling, I only had to toss a couple parts that were not salvagable, and I do have a set of kick panels.
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just plain john · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 6:27 am Post subject:

amp88fan wrote "...i have read about some pretty slick ways to fix the cracked dash for cheap...", Are you referring to the dash cover, or another method? My dash is pretty good, but it does have a single crack in it. Is there a way to fix it?