I am new to cars. I have a 1980 z28. The interior trim panels are in rough shape.

Am I better of trying to find better looking ones on ebay? or painting and repairing the old?

Is painting even an option?

 

when you say in rough shape, are they cracking, holes in them? or just fading from age?

 

Yes,painting is a very good option,if you use the correct paint for it.There are a few different companies that make and sell interior paint,but personally i would reccomend using sem color coat,it's the same stuff that most upholstery shops use when they are changing colors on the plastic parts.I used it to do all the plastic panels,the headliner,visors,and dash in my car and it turns out just like a factory finish.

 

Thanks for the input guys.

@mike - They are just fading, have rub marks, and some of the paint is chipping off.

 

also what kind of plastic is the trim?

 

I'm not sure if it is abs or polypropylene.Whatever it's made of,i used laquer thinner to wipe it down prior to painting and it didnt hurt it any.

 

Great, thanks for the info. I ordered some of the sem.

 

It's good stuff you should be happy with the results.The key to using the sem though,is dont spray heavy coats,spray 4-5 light coats and let it dry about 15-20 minutes between coats.

 

If any of your interior parts are severely sun dried I recommend you replace the piece altogether.

 

If you paint them be sure to lightly scuff and use an adhesive promoter with a medium wet coat and then when you paint them just spray a light first coat but not dry its ok to see through the first coat and then spray 2 more coats and if they are cracked you can fiber glass them just sand lightly till its solid again lay your clothe. Over it wipe a light coat of filler then block then prime then block then base then clear easy does it