Interior Black Plastic Protection

[Stanley]

I have a full set of extra black plastic interior trim for my 97 and I was looking to do it up all pretty before swapping out my old, tired factory trim.

As part of that, I'd like to strip the rubbery outer coating, which chips and collects scratches, and replace it with something more durable. I'm wondering if anyone could suggest something. It has to take paint well, whatever it is, or match the factory black quite closely.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

This thread may help, though the overall consensus, as best as I remember, was to keep the rubber coating and paint over it.

Thread 'Refinishing interior trim'

Jan 17, 2025

I read somewhere that Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover was great to strip that "softlack" paint of the 90s. But...it didn't take off anything.



I guess the best course of action is to simply paint over the existing finish.

I've been thinking about going to the Thunderbird cockpit arc. Quick recap for those who don't know:
When I bought my car, it had Cougar (tan) cluster and radio bezels and Thunderbird (black) driver door switch bezel and center console cover/cupholder. I completed the Cougar arc by replacing the door and console pieces with tan units.

I like the look...

• 1997ThunderbirdLXV6
• Replies: 88
• Forum: Interior

 

[XR7-4.6]

If the rubber coating is full of chips and scratches it should be stripped, painting over them will show right through the new paint.

Color’s tricky, if you painted all of them satin black you’d never think they aren’t original, but the factory color isn’t quite black, more of a very very very dark grey with even a hint of blue to them, and you’ll only notice this if you paint one piece black with the rest left alone

 

[Stanley]

I can definitely see that about the colour, and even bought the paint type recommended in other threads to best match that, though since I'm doing every piece at once, very close is good enough.

I'm more looking for something that I can add as a protective layer once I get the old film off. Once it's all on, taking it off again to fix scratches and whatnot will suck: I'd like to add something durable overtop that will hold up to everyday car abuse.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

I have used the Duplicolor vinyl/fabric paint on other cars, including on surfaces with frequent finger traffic. I found it showed no signs of wear at all.