Changing two-tone interior to black

[logan2z]

I'm looking at possibly purchasing an '86 Carrera that has a two-tone black/tan interior. If I do purchase the car, I'd like to convert the interior to all black. The interior currently looks like this:



I've searched the forums and read some threads about interior color changes, and it seems like some people have had some luck dying their interior panels a new color. Is that the best way to go for this particular interior, or would it make sense to try and replace the tan interior bits with black ones? Given the size of the speakers the current owner has installed in the doors, I'd probably want to at least replace the door panels and install a less intrusive set of speakers. I did a bit of research in our host's parts catalog, and it appears as though some parts, like the center console, are no longer available from Porsche. Can those parts be dyed effectively? I assume the rear seats would be fairly easy to re-dye. Any advice on the best way to convert everything to black while still maintaining an original look would be appreciated.

[javadog]

You can strip the dye and respray it black, if you want. Or, you can just buy the pieces you need used, which is what I would do. There's lots of used stuff out there.

JR

[Canada Kev]

Yeah, the speakers are kind of fugly, but overall, the two tone doesn't seem all that bad. I don't mind it at all.

What I would do if you had to change it, is get new replacement door panels as they are readily available. Rear seats can be found used and they should be in awesome shape 'cause no one uses them. As for the console, you should be able to re-dye. Its a small piece and even if it's not perfect will not be obvious at all. As well, you should be able to get a new shifter boot.

[Rot 911]

I suspect it was originally a cork interior and the front seats got worn out so the PO replaced the seats and the carpet. Keep you eyes on the classifieds and you will see most of the parts you need to convert to all black. Or if you want to go back to cork I see those parts also.

[Tim Hancock]

I changed from brown to black several years ago and have some decent pics and some detail of how I did it here. Interior project b4/during/after

[Elombard]

I used the spray die a few times with OK results. That car is pretty nice mine was a hotrod and the interior was an afterthought.

I would consider full RS light weight carpet (rear seat delete, center console delete) in black and the RS door panels and your done for less than $500. Keep the tan stuff in storage in case some one wants the OE some day?

Also lose 100 lbs in the process.

Again that is a very nice car to "hot rod" if you are into that maybe start with a beater.

[RexNoctu]

Sell the Tan door panels and buy back ones. You will probably wind up money ahead.

[dw1]

I agree with the previous posters in that you can fairly easily purchase new panels, storage box lids & shifter boot in black. In fact, many interior parts are only available in black these days.

BUT... If you are going the dye route, consider this: I strongly believe you should consider changing the tan not to black but to medium/dark gray.

Yes it would not be stock, but it would make the interior a lot less "severe" looking without looking too goofy. Look at the number of cars around these days that have very nice looking interiors in shades of black & gray. Also, gray would not show variations in color intensity (i.e. dye intensity) anywhere near as much as black would.

Just my 2¢.

[moneymanager]

The black vinyl dyes around these days work awfully well, especially on parts other than seats that aren't rubbed ten times a day. I'd buy a can and try it somewhere; if you're not pleased with the result you can pursue replacement.

[Deschodt]

Surflex... Did the same panels in 98 - they still look perfect and black ! That counts as long lasting in my book !