Painting rear interior panels (93 convertible)

I have a '91 LX convertible with a white interior. I can't comment on dyeing the rear interior panels because I'm in the process of repairing and recovering mine. They are covered with a unique vinyl but I wouldn't call it thin. It's actually a very flexible foam rubber based vinyl that is applied over the panel. I have one panel stripped so far for recovering and was surprised by the type of vinyl covering. I don't even know what the proper name would be for this type of vinyl. I ordered several yards of matching white upholstery vinyl from TMI in order to recover mine (so it would match with my new seat upholstery).

The panels are plastic and get pretty damaged. When I stripped the vinyl I found it was actually stabilizing the panel in some spots that had pretty significant cracks. Once the vinyl was off it was pretty apparent where the cracks were. If you have yours removed to dye (or recover), I recommend close examination for damage. Repairs can be made from the back side with care and not disturb the vinyl.

One last thing about the white interior. If there are no tears or damage to any of the pieces, that dinginess can actually clean up really well. My rear interior panels had damage to the vinyl. The seats are leather sport seats and the leather was totally shot. With all of that I really didn't want to have to drop $500+ on a new set of door panels too. Fortunately there was no damage to them. I used some Greased Lightning cleaner mixed with some Oxi-Clean spray and a soft fingernail brush. With some light scrubbing they looked brand new within about 20 minutes of work.

I’ve used the “dye” before and it works great on vinyl. Just make sure you’re spraying on a warmer day. Held up to abuse just fine. Carpet and fabric are harder to dye though

If you want to dye your stuff I just came across something that may help. It seems that SEM Color Coat in Presidio Gray (15163) is an almost exact match for 92/93 Opal Gray. Here is SEM's description of their Color Coat line:

"Color Coat™ is a specialty flexible coating formulated to restore or change the color of most vinyl surfaces, flexible and rigid plastics, carpet and velour. Color Coat is not a dye, but a fade resistant flexible and permanent coating. "

In addition to online shops (Amazon, Ebay, etc), you can find it at your local paint supply houses and at O'Reillys Auto Parts. Personally, I wouldn't dye the armrest bases or pads. I'd find a set of gray ones to use. The white stuff is pretty hard to find...trust me! LOL

No repop armrest bases AFAIK, but the armrest pads are readily available.....except if you want them in white GRRRRRRR!

Looks great!