Pete_89T2

iTrader: (4)

Subject is the question - I'm just curious if anyone had success refinishing their tan FD plastic parts back to an OEM looking tan finish? If so, what products did you use, how did it come out, and how's it holding up so far WRT fading & durability? Before & after pictures would be awesome.

Did lots of searching, and there's a multitude of tan-to-black refinishing threads on here - not so much on tan refinishing. I guess everyone hates their tan interiors? Anyway, I've had good success refinishing some of the black plastic bits in my '93 tan interior FD back to a OEM fresh looking black (i.e., HVAC panel, shifter panel, & black door trim/handle/bin parts) using SEM paints. Before I decide to do a full tan-to-black conversion which will be a time consuming & expensive PITA, I thought I should explore the possibility of keeping the tan parts tan. Keeping the tan bits would still be a time consuming PITA, but a less costly restoration job, as I wouldn't have to mess with the carpet, headliner and lots of the other little tan plastic bits that are fine in my car as-is (e.g., the hatch/fuel door release trim, etc.).

Cheers,
Pete

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

I imagine it's the same procedure, just with a tan SEM spray instead of black. It actually should be easier/more forgiving since you're not totally changing the color.

May want to get a test panel to make sure you're happy with the color. I've seen some tan interiors that were lighter, I don't know if it's from fading or what, but they didn't look that good. I've seen some that are a little darker and looked really sharp.

I also dig the '94 style tan interiors, which is tan seats and carpet and everything else black. That looks really nice IMHO.

The only downside is I don't know if you can easily get tan floor mats. I know some of the vendors that make aftermarket floor mats didn't do tan, just black.

Dale

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

the Tan is kind of porous, and its best to use a stiff brush and hot water and soap, most things will clean up

Narfle

iTrader: (16)

https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread.../#post12413277

SpinningDorito

iTrader: (2)

My plastic tan pieces really bounced back with a good amount of cleaning (including the seatbelt straps). I didn't use any harsh chemicals, just normal plastic/interior cleaner and a lot of patience.

I would imagine some of the floormat companies could match the tan ones, but you may have to send them yours so they can find the right carpet color.

Pete_89T2

iTrader: (4)

That's kind of what I figured - SEM makes all kinds of colors for plastic trim, but finding the right color match will take some trial & error testing to find the right one. Unless you're going to refinish literally everything, down to the little tan plastic fastener clips/buttons.

I do like the look of the 94+ tan interior, so that's the route I'll probably go. Though to do it right, I'd have to change the headliner out to black, and all the plastic seat belt parts would need to be replaced with black pieces or refinished too unless I keep the belts tan. As for the belts themselves, my tan driver's belt is so filthy it's beyond cleaning (I tried), so I was planning on shipping them to one of those shops that specialize in post-accident repair/restoration of seat belt assemblies. For about $75/belt, you get all new webbing in your OEM color of choice and a fully rebuilt belt mechanism.

Reproduction tan floor mats can be purchased from Garage Alpha, and there may be other aftermarket options available.

^That I didn't know - and it would explain why some of the darker stains on the bottom edges of the door cards wouldn't come out for me - I didn't use a stiff scrub brush as I was concerned it might scratch the plastic finish. Instead I used the POR15 cleaner/de-greaser concentrate (formerly called Marine Clean) with hot water. That stuff works great, and is generally my go-to shop cleaner/de-greaser. Spray it on, let it sit, and then rinse & wipe with a microfiber towel. For the most part, that process did a great job refreshing the tan plastics.

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

May also want to try a Magic Eraser on scuffs and stains. That joker works miracles, I use them all the time on stuff.

I think the place that refurbs seat belts can swap out the plastic parts to black, not sure though.

Dale

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

ok this is coming out of left field, but look at what the guy is able to to do on the sole of this shoe...