So. I’m not sure about HQG1 ponies but I know you don’t have to worry about symbols or eyes when dying G1’s. I would assume it’s fine to leave them but I honestly don’t know for sure.
@Clipper, does the paint stay in tact when dying the vinyl? I know you’ve done some dying recently not sure though.
I knew a lady who dyed several of the hqg1c pony boys and she just got a big pot and dipped them or soaked them depending on the results she wanted. She never had trouble with the eyes.
Anything you don't want coloured with dye, put either white glue or acrylic paint over. Apply several thin layers and allow it to dry thoroughly before dying the pony. White glue will scrape off under hot water when you're done (so be careful with tongs in a hot pot, too) and acrylic will come off with rubbing alcohol. This works for eyes, symbols and blush. You could even do custom "blank" areas with glue or paint, where the original Pony colour would come through.
It's worked for me lots of times but I've only ever dyed G1s