Refinishing 1990 Grey Interior Trim

[Erik]

I've got a couple of small scratches on the ashtray door, and a little discolouration spot on the grey plastic trim. What's the best way to fix this? Repaint, I'm guessing. Seems like this was all designed to be scratched. Kinda crappy trim on a $60k car. Or even a $30k car back then. GM could have spent an extra $500 on the interior, charged an extra $1000 on the car and likely sold more of them.

Anyhow, enough of my bitching about GM interior quality. What's the best way to return it to looking original?

[Z51JEFF]

Years ago I had some paint mixed up at an automotive paint store. I might have some left,I'll take a look.

[Erik]

Years ago I had some paint mixed up at an automotive paint store. I might have some left,I'll take a look.

Thanks, Jeff!

[Matt B]

Why doesn't anyone make a PROPER replacement or solution for this common problem? Not that it was a billion dollar market but there are so many C4 enthusiasts facing scratches, particularly on that ashtray lid...
I read there once was a good rattle can solution but this was discontinued.

Sent from my SM-G991B using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[Erik]

Why doesn't anyone make a PROPER replacement or solution for this common problem? Not that it was a billion dollar market but there are so many C4 enthusiasts facing scratches, particularly on that ashtray lid...
I read there once was a good rattle can solution but this was discontinued.

Sent from my SM-G991B using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

Indeed. Chevrolet didn't use much more then cheap paint. Shouldn't be hard to duplicate that.

Maybe a grey hydro dip? Hopefully, something that lasts longer and is a bit more rugged. Carbon Fibre would probably be a bit jarring on a late 80s interior design.

[PhillipsLT5]

https://stickynomore.com/

[Erik]

https://stickynomore.com/

Nice! I sent them an email. See what they say about the grey painted plastic on the early ones.

[Z51JEFF]

I looked and couldn't find the paint I had mixed up years ago. Keep in mind the paint you use needs to be catalyzed to give it strength.

[Erik]

https://stickynomore.com/

Turns out they do black finish only. They would be willing to do grey, if we can come up with the paint.

[PhillipsLT5]

https://spaceagepaint.com/
https://apsisusa.com/
https://americanhydrocarbon.com/shop/

[Erik]

https://spaceagepaint.com/
https://apsisusa.com/
https://americanhydrocarbon.com/shop/

Nice, but not cheap, option. Sure would make for a much nicer interior. I wouldn't do carbon fibre, as i don't think it would work with a 1990 interior design. But a similar grey, or even a piano black, would look very classy.

https://americanhydrocarbon.com/product/radio-bezel-and-shifter-console-kit-83-96/

[onethumb]

I'm facing the same issue. The interior is just getting to me, I can't stand the mismatched colors and scratches anymore.

Looking at having American hydrocarbon do all the bezels and vents in gloss black, but then the problem is that all of your controls are still orange/gray.

So I'll probably try to source new controls too, from the 92-93, to keep the orange/black theme, as I do really like the look of the orange lettering with the gauges (and it has an actual purpose). Hopefully everything plugs in to the proper harness plugs. Anyone know of any "gotcha's" here?

The other problem is that I'll have to source someone to paint or screen on the lettering on the bezels. I mean, I know what the controls do, but it won't look right without symbols and lettering in the proper spots.

The other part that bugs me is the crappy soft black material on the dash, the cove and around the shift console. It sucks. It warps over time and never lined up that well to begin with.

Not sure what to do here except custom work.

I'd love to hear other options. This is all a lot of work for a pure cosmetics, but after 4 years of ownership I just can't take it anymore 😀😀