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I know a lot of people HATE the odd interior colors, but after coming from an E46 with imola interior I miss my red seats. I wanted to take on a project so I ended up dyeing a C32 panel to see what it looks like. Has anyone done this or something similar? I hate how it was available with the C63 and I think even the C32 has a blue insert option, but nothing on the C55. I found a complete interior I was thinking about changing over to black with red inserts.
I uploaded pics of my panels and how I would like the end result to turn out.
I have been toying with the same idea. Tired of the grey interior, although it was a must as my car is silver with a gray top and hate the black interior. I was looking at something more similar to the red in the new S coupe.
100% agree.
Mercedes: Alright we're releasing interior options for the CLK
... oh and cream and black for the C class
... peons.
Between black and "ash" or whatever, the cream color is just not an option to me. But coming from a 1994 red interior vette, the C55's interior is lacking in pizzaz to me.
OMFG,
Just when I thought I was done spending on my 55 you had to post this...
This is a must ....
Now I know what my car was missing.
Damm U....
But Thanks I love it....
I know a lot of people HATE the odd interior colors, but after coming from an E46 with imola interior I miss my red seats. I wanted to take on a project so I ended up dyeing a C32 panel to see what it looks like. Has anyone done this or something similar? I hate how it was available with the C63 and I think even the C32 has a blue insert option, but nothing on the C55. I found a complete interior I was thinking about changing over to black with red inserts.
I uploaded pics of my panels and how I would like the end result to turn out.
Panel looks great, buuuut...
Ok, what was used to dye them, how did you go about taking apart panel pieces or did you "tape them off" and can the rest of us plebes attempt the same. The all black and reflect-in-your-face aluminum are in need of an update.
Haha, why is the tape off in quotes? I used masking tape ;-)
I used red leather interior dye to change the color. It can be sprayed on, or applied with a brush or sponge. I used the sponge provided. Four very thin coats.
There are not any issues where the tape was used. The dye goes under and does not touch the adjacent area. I wanted to take the leather panel off, but once I got into disassembling the panel it was obvious the only way to get it off the panel was to break something. I guess I could fab something to fasten them back, but the tape worked flawlessly. Again this is because the panel wraps under, so it might not be 100%, but I cant see in there and once it is installed it will be even harder to see so if it isn't 100%, you'd never know.
I am concerned about the seats. The panels that I want will be in plain view so if that masking isn't 100% it will be easy to spot. Might have to take off the black part of the back of the seat and wrap the paint under.
I have taken a screwdriver, a wet cloth, and a pen to the panel and have not been able to remove any dye.
Haha, why is the tape off in quotes? I used masking tape ;-)
I used red leather interior dye to change the color. It can be sprayed on, or applied with a brush or sponge. I used the sponge provided. Four very thin coats.
There are not any issues where the tape was used. The dye goes under and does not touch the adjacent area. I wanted to take the leather panel off, but once I got into disassembling the panel it was obvious the only way to get it off the panel was to break something. I guess I could fab something to fasten them back, but the tape worked flawlessly. Again this is because the panel wraps under, so it might not be 100%, but I cant see in there and once it is installed it will be even harder to see so if it isn't 100%, you'd never know.
I am concerned about the seats. The panels that I want will be in plain view so if that masking isn't 100% it will be easy to spot. Might have to take off the black part of the back of the seat and wrap the paint under.
I have taken a screwdriver, a wet cloth, and a pen to the panel and have not been able to remove any dye.
How would you go about updating the aluminum?
Good info, thanks. I've seen some wrap their aluminum trim w/ various vinyls. Some don't look too bad.
Update. The tape doesn't work with the gap on these panels. It started to peel etc. I almost gave up. Instead I purchased two rear door panels, drilled out the leather pieces, dyed them red, and used a glue gun to re-install them.
I found a set of front and rear seats on ebay for just under $700. Going to start the front seats next. Wish me luck.
Added some wrap to the trim to see how it looks...better than stock, but I cant justify $2K plus on carbon fiber trim when the ENTIRE interior will cost less than that
You cant tell from the pics, but as we all know the door handles and other black door inserts dont age well. I took them off, sanded them, and repainted them flat black. So all the chips and scratches are gone.
I found a better pic of the look I am going for, but in red of course.
OP, I'm sure this would turn out well. My brother has an E46 M3 and dyed his seats cinnamon and they actually came out very well. It was just a pretty laborious process from what he tells me.
Two thoughts.
1.)
PAINT THEM...that is how a lot of black parts are (as you noted interior pull handles, switches and covers...etc.) as well as colors...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-SLK-R-170-Leather-Interior-paint-scarletred-/200588456737?hash=item2eb400f321&item=200588456737&vxp=mtr
2.)
Scuff (lightly) your test seats, as (most) automotive seats are covered in, yes, a clear coat...you'll want to ensure the adhesion for the MBText or Leather as properly applicable. Use a small amount of alcohol to remove oils and residue after a thorough cleaning and to open pours...then color.
Not complete, but I had to get those damn panels out of my living room! Need to fix the vinyl and the door handles, but nothing major. I am not sure if I want to mess with the C55 seats or try to install C63 seats. Either way, I am not touching my original seats, this has been a fun project and I have all the original parts to return to stock if I decide to sell.
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