Dash Insert replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Clovis CA
Dash Insert replacement
Sorry for the newbie questions, but I have another. I just got a new alum. dash insert (CORVETTE with two bars) for the passenger side and wonder how to remove the old one. I don't want to screw this car up. Thanks for the help.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 471
Likes: 81
From: Saint Marys Pennsylvania
Dash Insert Replacement
If you are talking about the aluminum dash insert for a C-1 corvette I can tell you from experience it is much harder to replace than you would think. First you have to remove your grab bar and then there are three studs on the back of the metal support that hold it to the dash. They can be reached from behind the dash and should be 1/2 nuts. Then you should be able to pull it straight out. That is the easy part. Once you get the assembly out you will see that the aluminum insert is held in by a thin upper and lower stainless moulding. These mouldings are brazed to the metal support in the center and on each end. You are going to have to grind the welds off to remove the stainless mldgs. so you can remove the old insert. When you reassemle be very carefull you don't bend the mouldings. Then they will have to be brazed back in place. If you don't want to go through all of this trouble, Corvette Central offers this service. Good Luck, Bob
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Smyrna GA
I concur with Bob's reply. I had mine done at Paragon (took 2+ months to get it back, and pricey as well), and found that reinstalling the assembly was harder than removing it, but I eventually got it in place. Paragon did a beautiful job, and even restored the main housing to as new condition. I would never have attempted to install the insert into the housing myself. Some things are best left to the pros!
Here's a picture of mine...it's a bit fuzzy but you can see enough to tell that Paragon did a nice job. You'll have to click on the pic to view it full size.
________________
Jack
'62 Blk/Blk
Here's a picture of mine...it's a bit fuzzy but you can see enough to tell that Paragon did a nice job. You'll have to click on the pic to view it full size.
________________
Jack
'62 Blk/Blk
Last edited by JackB1962; May 4, 2006 at 09:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Clovis CA
Thanks, I have a detailed write up from another Forum member. It does seem pretty difficult but I think I'll give it a try. If I mess it up, well, I can always send it off for the pros.
Appreciate the advise very much.
Appreciate the advise very much.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 3
From: Tolland MA
Scott:
I cut the braze holding the SS trim in place with a Dremel tool with a small abrasive wheel on it. Be SUPER patient pulling the trim off. It is easily bent. Once off deburr the SS trim, and ESPECIALLY the new AL replacement insert that you have trimmed to fit.
Also, on my car the big curved backing plate was badly rusted so wire wheel yours and paint it before assembly.
Instead of rebrazing I got two part epoxy from a hardware store (two tubes siamesed together) and epoxied the SS trim back onto the backing plate. Of all my jobs on my restoration this was the most aggravating. And by the way you have to guess where to drill the holes for the bars. This job rates el sucko to the third power.\
Bets of luck but just go slowly and deburr everything before trying to squeez it together.
Ralph
I cut the braze holding the SS trim in place with a Dremel tool with a small abrasive wheel on it. Be SUPER patient pulling the trim off. It is easily bent. Once off deburr the SS trim, and ESPECIALLY the new AL replacement insert that you have trimmed to fit.
Also, on my car the big curved backing plate was badly rusted so wire wheel yours and paint it before assembly.
Instead of rebrazing I got two part epoxy from a hardware store (two tubes siamesed together) and epoxied the SS trim back onto the backing plate. Of all my jobs on my restoration this was the most aggravating. And by the way you have to guess where to drill the holes for the bars. This job rates el sucko to the third power.\
Bets of luck but just go slowly and deburr everything before trying to squeez it together.
Ralph
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 840
Likes: 12
From: Ventura County CA
Originally Posted by jscottleonard
Thanks, I have a detailed write up from another Forum member. It does seem pretty difficult but I think I'll give it a try. If I mess it up, well, I can always send it off for the pros.
Appreciate the advise very much.
Appreciate the advise very much.
Thanks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Clovis CA
Originally Posted by my58
Would you mind posting the detailed write up or sending it my way? This project is somewhere in my future also.
Thanks
Thanks
