interior DIY re-dye
Discussion
Has anyone done this? I have an '88 Esprit turbo, its been resprayed Lambourghini orange and still sports the god awful 80's blue leather interior.
The leather is fine having been stored inside and is in great condition (no wear/ tears etc), I am thinking that it would be relatively easy to dye it black - I have found some kits on the internet for around 100 quid for everything I will need including the spray gun.
I am aware its likely to be alot of effort but up here in the NT the only other option is a full interior retrim. I have been quoted $2500 which isnt too bad (just over a weeks wages) for full colour change and carpets too. I figure give the DIY a go and if I really mess it up- just get the new one fitted.
this is what I am looking at
http://furnitureclinic.co.uk/How-To-Change-The-Col...
The leather is fine having been stored inside and is in great condition (no wear/ tears etc), I am thinking that it would be relatively easy to dye it black - I have found some kits on the internet for around 100 quid for everything I will need including the spray gun.
I am aware its likely to be alot of effort but up here in the NT the only other option is a full interior retrim. I have been quoted $2500 which isnt too bad (just over a weeks wages) for full colour change and carpets too. I figure give the DIY a go and if I really mess it up- just get the new one fitted.
this is what I am looking at
http://furnitureclinic.co.uk/How-To-Change-The-Col...
Did my leathers with the FC kit 4 years ago and it still looks good. Works best with a decent airbrush (I make models so already had that) and make sure you clean the surfaces very very well otherwise it can start peeling. I had to do my door cards twice- it's fine on the real leather bits it's the vinyl bits you have to be careful on. Once it "sticks" it's there forever though. You have to make sure you remove all the residue of past leather conditioning products, both with an abrasive and a solvent.
liner33 said:
If you earn $2500 a week just get it re-trimmed FFS, in fact if you earn that why on earth are you driving a 88 Esprit, buy something with a more tasteful interior in the first place
I have seven cars and a couple of houses. I always wanted an Esprit so I got one- I agree about the interior and I hate it..... trouble is its just soooo good to drive- especially around the track. thats an average wage here - nothing special. A plumber or builder is easily on over 200k a year for example. A mine worker will be closer to 3-400k. My house costs me nearly 800 a week alone.
p4cks said:
James, by complete coincidence my Dad dyed his seats in his '88 Esprit Turbo and they came out perfectly. Very easy to do too.
any chance of some pics??I have also contacted Lotus cars in Hethel- they no longer do the carpet patterns so looks like I will be doing them DIY also
james280779 said:
The leather is fine having been stored inside and is in great condition (no wear/ tears etc), I am thinking that it would be relatively easy to dye it black - I have found some kits on the internet for around 100 quid for everything I will need including the spray gun.
I am aware its likely to be alot of effort but up here in the NT the only other option is a full interior retrim. I have been quoted $2500 which isnt too bad (just over a weeks wages)
Worst 'see how rich I am' post. Everrr.I am aware its likely to be alot of effort but up here in the NT the only other option is a full interior retrim. I have been quoted $2500 which isnt too bad (just over a weeks wages)
williredale said:
I'm just about to start some refurbishment of my leather seats and steering wheel with the furniture clinic stuff. How hard can it be??? 
It isnt too bad but I would suggest buying a compressor which wasnt too expensive (about 4 hours wages ;D) I didnt spray the colour on, just the finish.xRIEx said:
Worst "I have seven cars and a couple of houses" post ever.
did I mention the pool? its very big.. can I just state how over rated Palm trees are!!! we have maybe 35 on the estate - they are the biggest pain in the ass ever!! I have to spend about four hours every weekend down the dump disposing of the Fronds.... its got too much so yesterday I hired a gardener! Edited by james280779 on Monday 11th March 22:58
J4CKO said:
williredale said:
I'm just about to start some refurbishment of my leather seats and steering wheel with the furniture clinic stuff. How hard can it be???
It isnt too bad but I would suggest buying a compressor which wasnt too expensive (about 4 hours wages ;D) I didnt spray the colour on, just the finish.robsa said:
james280779 said:
The leather is fine having been stored inside and is in great condition (no wear/ tears etc), I am thinking that it would be relatively easy to dye it black - I have found some kits on the internet for around 100 quid for everything I will need including the spray gun.
I am aware its likely to be alot of effort but up here in the NT the only other option is a full interior retrim. I have been quoted $2500 which isnt too bad (just over a weeks wages)
Worst 'see how rich I am' post. Everrr.I am aware its likely to be alot of effort but up here in the NT the only other option is a full interior retrim. I have been quoted $2500 which isnt too bad (just over a weeks wages)
I work at a fairly high level for the Australian Government....... and an electrician gets paid more - go figure!
I enjoy my job, I work less than 5 minutes from home and I am in the pool by 4.30 pm everyday. Sure beats being an S.O. Police officer and getting shot at for a few hundred quid a week. I done my dues serving my country, got a few scars and a broken back for the privilege. As I used to tell people, dont get jealous- the only thing stopping you having the same is you. I wasnt happy - I just got off my arse and did something about it.
I enjoy my job, I work less than 5 minutes from home and I am in the pool by 4.30 pm everyday. Sure beats being an S.O. Police officer and getting shot at for a few hundred quid a week. I done my dues serving my country, got a few scars and a broken back for the privilege. As I used to tell people, dont get jealous- the only thing stopping you having the same is you. I wasnt happy - I just got off my arse and did something about it.
james280779 said:
I work at a fairly high level for the Australian Government....... and an electrician gets paid more - go figure!
I enjoy my job, I work less than 5 minutes from home and I am in the pool by 4.30 pm everyday. Sure beats being an S.O. Police officer and getting shot at for a few hundred quid a week. I done my dues serving my country, got a few scars and a broken back for the privilege. As I used to tell people, dont get jealous- the only thing stopping you having the same is you. I wasnt happy - I just got off my arse and did something about it.
No no, we like succesful people on pistonheads. We just find it in bad taste when you mention how wealthy you are and how much money you have. It can be implied that you earn a fair wedge, but your wording is just crass. I enjoy my job, I work less than 5 minutes from home and I am in the pool by 4.30 pm everyday. Sure beats being an S.O. Police officer and getting shot at for a few hundred quid a week. I done my dues serving my country, got a few scars and a broken back for the privilege. As I used to tell people, dont get jealous- the only thing stopping you having the same is you. I wasnt happy - I just got off my arse and did something about it.
In the future try this: "The restoration would cost me approx a weeks wages, and I'm doing quite well at the moment so that wouldn't be an issue"
Sounds a lot better than telling people that you earn 120k a year and then getting on your high horse and telling other people they should try harder, do you not think?
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