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2 questions, #1 teardown, #2 vinyl?

JPSmit

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Friends, the car is coming apart amazingly well. I love southern cars, no rust, one broken bolt so far. Here however are my questions,

1. There is a black tar substance on the transmission hump holding down the carpet & insulation. Any advice on how to remove it?

2. All the interior vinyl is tired and a little tacky. Any advice on how to renew it?

thanks in advance,
JP
 
1.I have used scrapers and some kind of solvent like PPGs DX330 or laquer thinner. It's slow messy and stinky. Maybe somebody else here has a better idea.
2. Try your local auto body supplier. They sell a vinyl dye(our local store sells SEM) that makes old vinyl look new. It applies just like paint, and they can match it to your interior just like paint.Make sure to use the vinyl prep that they sell to go with it.It opens up the vinyl pores so the dye adheres well. With proper application it won't rub off.
 
If you heat that old tar stuff with a torch then scrape it off with a scraper. Be carefull, it will burn if you get it too hot. A good hair dryer might help too, but I was never that patient.

As for the vinyl, what Banjo said. Interior in a can. It wonderfull stuff and holds up well if done per the instructions. The only place I have had it peel off was on the door check straps, but they are easy to touch up.
I have even colored a black boot cover to off white with the stuff.

Frank
 
If the tar stuff on the tunnel is not hiding some hidden rust hole, leave it alone. I removed it from the floor pans and foot areas only to discover the floor pan to tunnel seam leaks like a sieve. Of course maybe your rear tranny seals doesn't leak but I ruined some carpet before I re-sealed the seams with epoxy metal. When I installed the tunnel carpet and underlay I left the tar in place. It is good sound deadener and whey take it off when it stayed put for so many years all by itself. I primed and painted the footwells and floor pans. All is well.
 
For your vinyl get some 303 at the local parts store or marine outlet and spray everything down and clean it. If that dosen't make it look better then the only thing else to do is replace it.
 
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