Paint-Matching burgundy FB interior - SEM Napa Red vs Burgundy
 

I've been researching paints for the FB's burgundy (red, maroon, crimson, etc) interior. Found a couple of useful threads, only one that actually contained useful photos of the SEM paint. (I've attached the images here).

The burgundy seems dangerously close to being too dark - however I'm continually surprised with how dark the back, unfaded side of the panels really are - a deep rich burgundy.

https://www.rx7club.com/attachment.p...4&d=1356037952

Only picture of the red I could find was on the VWVortex forum - it looks great as well, a bit more vibrant burgundy color.

https://www.rx7club.com/attachment.p...5&d=1356037952

My question is - could someone who has used burgundy or red post multiple pictures of all aspects of the interior for our comparison? Based on the SEM paint chart, the Burgundy dern near looks black. (See attached)

Once we conclude on the best match for color, I'll be ordering several spray cans, some plastic cleaner, and adhesion promoter and diving in! Interior is close to being done (is it ever really done??)

Links:
"spray paint matches interior"
"interior paint dye"
"My 1984 GTI Restoration Project"

Tags:
FB first-gen sa22c red burgundy burgandy crimson interior vinyl plastic

the burgundy is a much much better match to stock than the red. the stock color is like a brown orange, and if you use red (i tried) it looks horribly mismatched, its really way off.

the SEM burgundy isn't exact either, its lacking the orange, but its really close.

i did my first one in 1995! if you prep the surface well the SEM stuff holds up really well even if you use it on shift boots and knobs

Excellent info. If you have any pics, I'd be much obliged :)

Supposing I'm doing only adjacent panels such as door panels, entire rear hatch trim, lower dash, etc, do you think the Burgundy would be a noticable difference? I guess I'm not opposed to re-spraying the whole interior, which is probably what I'll end up doing anyways (I'm OCD like that - Obsessively Clean Disposition), just curious i suppose

I tried the duplicolor and it works good for the carpet but bad for the plastics.....I am going to the autobody supply shop here tomorrow because there is another darker burgundy color that not TOO dark.....I am restoring a white GSLSE with burgandy interior.

On another note, my seats are practically mint and the color is very close to the door panel pic.

My seats...Original and soft just like a 2012 car. People are amazed by the condition...

Attachment 687873

Very nice! I am continually considering doing the switch to leather interior.

What do you do to keep them so plush?

i actually went the other way and did the minimum, if you did the whole interior one color it would be weird, its not one color from new, its different shades and textures.

if you held up a new door panel from 1985 next to one you just pained with the SEM stuff you'd say the paint was too dark, but if you spray one panel and hold it up next to the other green one, it looks 100% better.

here is an example. https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...a-area-992465/

i painted the door panels, and parking brake handle with the SEM in 2000 (!), and the shift knob and boot were brand new from Mazda. you can see how the boot is orange compared to the red handle.

I track down the original owner after two months and he said he had seat covers on since new and garage kept. I have to ask the same question, just in case he did put something on them....

I also keep it in the garage....

I wonder if Eastwood might have a special paint or a body shop supply can mix....I guess I will know tomorrow and let you all know....

Did you do the dash as well? I'm a little concerned if i do the door panels that the dash will suddenly look too light... and that will be a PITA to get all the spots up by the windshield.

On second thought, my interior is THE darkest burgundy of any fb i've seen, and the dash is almost perfect..... so maybe it will work perfectly.

nope. didn't touch it, and it has faded some since i owned it

Wow - going to order some right now then.


Suggestions on which cleaner and adhesion promoter to use? It just generic Auto Zone stuff?

I watched the SEM prep video - they say try their adhesion promoter on the back side first, and if it melts the plastic use something else.... MELTS the plastic!? Before ordering a few cans of it I'd like to see someone else try ;) lol

There's a thread about it in the interior/detailing section of the main forum. An FD or FC guy did it and they turned out awesome. They also used an adhesion promoter and it looks like it did an awesome job.

That's a scary label if I've ever heard of one! Howabout you try it and see if it just melts your panels away :nod:

i used the adhesion promoter on my car recently and it didnt melt any plastic. worked really good, i wouldnt do it without it.

Just ordered prep 1x for vinyl, 1x for plastic, 2x bulldog adhesion promoter, and 3 cans of SEM burgundy.

Let the games begin :)