Interior color change winter project - neat surprise

[mwilson7]

So this winters project is to change over my interior from the current black back to the original 5W white interior. I’ve been searching for white interior parts for about 5 years now and have found some but others seem to be impossible to find (white 71 rear inner plastic for instance) so it looks like I’ll be painting my existing parts.

Last night and this morning I removed most of the interior except for the dash which will end up coming partially out so I can change out the heater and ac cores. I also removed rear window molding and the rear glass which came out pretty easy all things considered.

I’ve got someone who does mobile installation of headliners so I’m going to have that done over the next few weeks while I paint the other white and black pieces.

As a bonus I found some Japanese coins from the 90s plus a milk deposit ticket from the early 70s under the carpets. My car was original an export car to Japan so finding these little “treasures” is always fun.

 

[Greg]

I remember when your car was for sale. Glad you're going back to white. Your car with white interior is my favorite color combo. Too many people don't like green cars and white interiors and have been changed. I painted my 71 rear plastic white which was already white but discolored and needed repairs. I will never be satisfied with the results. Hope you have better luck. Too bad the people who make them in black can't make a batch of white ones. I would think the fold down seat etc. will scratch them too soon. Good luck

 

[clevelandcoupe]

I also changed the interior to white, but mine was a beautiful shade of avocado. I carefully prepared and prepped all parts, ie rear plastics, window trim, seat backs and door pulls with SEM products. Initially it all looked great and all colors pretty much matched. Now after 4+ years of use I am finding a lot of chips and discoloring of all the painted pieces, headliner and sail panels. I will continue to touch it up just because I can and enjoy the contrast with my 4Q green and the white interior because it looks great... Good luck with your project.
Thanks, Jay

 

[mwilson7]

That’s what I’m afraid of. Trying to figure out the best surface prep to ensure proper adhesion is key.

 

[Hemikiller]

That’s what I’m afraid of. Trying to figure out the best surface prep to ensure proper adhesion is key.

I also used the SEM ColorCoat system, but haven't had any issues. I made sure to use exactly what they called out for prep and primer materials. Their TDS explains the process for each material you're spraying.

https://www.semproducts.com/product/color-coattm-mixing-system
https://manage.semproducts.com/public/content/techsheets/TDS_color_coat_092020.1.pdf

 

[mwilson7]

Well I followed the SEM process and am extremely pleased with the results so far. Coverage and adhesion is awesome and all the colors match. Painted everything above the belt line so far and will take care of the inner quarters and fold down seat pieces over the next couple days.

 

[c9zx]

Looks great! Chuck

 

[Sheriff41]

What Chuck said.

 

[mwilson7]

Moving right along with the installation of the rear inner panels along with the sail panels. I did have to modify my sail panels due to the rear window defrost. Installation was fairly simple as long as I took my time. I’ve got to wait a few days for the weatherstrip adhesive to arrive so I’ll love on to the inner quarter panels and door panels next.

The sail panel isn’t glued in yet in the individual pictures but is glued in the picture showing both sides.

Really happy with the progress I’m making and I can’t wait to see it completed.

 

[revsitup]

Moving right along with the installation of the rear inner panels along with the sail panels. I did have to modify my sail panels due to the rear window defrost. Installation was fairly simple as long as I took my time. I’ve got to wait a few days for the weatherstrip adhesive to arrive so I’ll love on to the inner quarter panels and door panels next.

The sail panel isn’t glued in yet in the individual pictures but is glued in the picture showing both sides.

Really happy with the progress I’m making and I can’t wait to see it completed.

Looking good!

 

[mwilson7]

So I spent yesterday working on my Just Dashes door panels which turned out to be junk. The wood grain insert didn’t fit, the lock knob chrome area was completely incorrect,the door pull handle area was wrong and door handle cup just wouldn’t fit. The last straw was when I cut the power window hole about 1/4” too high because the door panel isn’t the same dimensions as the stock one so taking measurements off two old door panels didn’t do me any good. After getting pissed and walking away I was convinced by a fellow member here to just dye by original panels as they were in good shape.

Spent the morning dyeing them and reassembled the drivers side. Realized that the upper door pull handle sheet metal is stripped and I need to get a nut for it so it will go on later. Also installed the 71 specific speaker grille.

Overall I think they turned out pretty good.

I need to figure out how to fix the attachment points where a previous owner removed the door panel and broken the cardboard.

 

[tpj71mach]

They look great, nice job! It's a shame you bought the door panels and they didn't work out for you though.

 

[mwilson7]

Finished the one correct inner trim panel that I have. Still looking for another one.

 

[Sheriff41]

I need to figure out how to fix the attachment points where a previous owner removed the door panel and broken the cardboard.

Use some fiberglass resin and a small patch of fiberglass. Don't be afraid to soak the pressboard with the resin, it will only make it stronger.

 

[mwilson7]

Door panels are done and ready to go in and 1 inner trim panel completed and test fitted. Plan on installing rear glass today and bolt the completed rear panel in. I’ll be taking a break until February due to travel, seat cover lead time and the lack of passenger side rear trim panel.

 

[mwilson7]

Last update for a while due to upcoming trip. Installed the glass tonight and will take a few weeks off. Hopefully seat covers will be done in that time and I’ll get my rear moldings back.

 

[PoFoMoCo]

WOW - everything looks really good. The white interior is really going to shine in contrast with the green paint. Big risks = BIG rewards and your hard work has really paid off. Well done!

 

[c9zx]

Looking very good indeed. Chuck

 

[mwilson7]

Thank you, I’m really happy with how much I got done and how it turned out.

Can’t wait for the seats!

 

[Marks1]

Thank you, I’m really happy with how much I got done and how it turned out.

Can’t wait for the seats!

Beautiful job! What year is yours, 71? Is the color code from SEM the same for 72? I need to dye my white panels as well. My deluxe door panels are unfortunately repaired once already and I don’t think they could be made to look good enough for me again so does somebody else make a much better replica than the ones you bought?
Never mind on the question about what year, I see you said you had a specific door speaker grill for 71, so I'll assume it's a 71. So is the SEM color white for 71 the same as 72?