Replacing Interior Car Parts - The Color Challenge

It's fairly easy to find used auto interior parts at auto recycling yards like Chuck and Eddies, but it's not always so easy to find the color that will match your car's interior. 

Not to worry!  With today's advances in paints and polycoats, there's a good selection of quality Leather and Vinyl paints manufactured exclusively for car interiors.

So let's say you're trying to replace your worn black center console in

your vehicle.  You've found plenty of used consoles that will fit, but of course, nothing in black.   Just buy the console that appears to be in the best shape regardless of color.  Then stop by your local auto supply store and pick up a couple of cans of Leather or Vinyl Aerosol paints (depending upon your application). 

The next step would be to remove the old console and set the newer one in the space provided just to make sure you purchased the right one.  Now that you know you have the right part,  scrub it well with warm, soapy water.  Rinse it and let dry. 

Now you're ready to paint.  For best results.  Warm the console a bit with a hair dryer.  Don't make it hot, but warm it up to a little above room temperature.  Then warm the paint can to around the same temperature.  This will insure that the paint will be adequately atomized to produce a fine mist.  The end result will be a professional looking finish. 

Use light, overlapping strokes while painting and allow at least 5 minutes between coats.   You decide how many coats the piece will need. 

It goes without saying that you need to work in a well-ventilated area and use eye protection and gloves.

After about four hours, the piece should be dry enough for you to install it in the car.   Just take your time so as not to scratch that work of art you spent so much time on. 

Don't Be Dirty!

Dirty engines can cause trouble down the road.  The greasy grime that tends to coat some engine parts increases the change that at some point the car will overheat.  Dirty engines also fall out faster.  Overheating causes the oil to reach higher temperatures which decrease its effectiveness as a lubricant. 

Dirt and grime around electronic components tend to hold in moisture which can eventually cause the components to fail. 

Dirty engines are also a safety risk.  A car can overheat and catch fire in some cases.    

So how do you clean a dirty engine?   Our advise would be to take it to a professional.  Cleaning an engine yourself could cause damage to the vehicle or to yourself.   

Several degreasers are petro based and can catch fire if the car's engine isn't completely cool.  You could cause damage to the electrical system if cleaner or even water were to get on the parts.   Steam cleaning which is a common degreasing method may also damage engine parts if not performed by a professional.

A professional clean can cost around $50 to $80 .  It's well worth the price considering the mess and possible dangers you face by attempting the job yourself.