Dash Pads - C2
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 629
Likes: 20
From: Texas
Dash Pads - C2
I have noticed that some vendors describe their dash pads as "nearly indistinquishable from original". What is it exactly that is different?
I have read that Al Knochs Dash Pads are the best.
Then I also read this from a CF user:
IMO the Corvette America pads were better. They were more like originals in terms of the softness of material and craftmaship was not even close. The AK pads had staples all over the place and ragged edges of material. The CA pads were very clean, neat and orderly on the back.
Here is a link to corvette America
http://www.corvetteamerica.com/cf/di...ategoryid=X260
I have read that Al Knochs Dash Pads are the best.
Then I also read this from a CF user:
IMO the Corvette America pads were better. They were more like originals in terms of the softness of material and craftmaship was not even close. The AK pads had staples all over the place and ragged edges of material. The CA pads were very clean, neat and orderly on the back.
Here is a link to corvette America
http://www.corvetteamerica.com/cf/di...ategoryid=X260
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 844
Likes: 5
From: Pasadena TX
I bought a set of Al Knoch dash pads and wasn't that impressed. The obviously didn't take much time or pride in finishing the edges. I had to trim and reglue a few spots. For what they cost you would think they would look better.
BL
BL
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 629
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From: Texas
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 445
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From: California
They look like an exact duplicate to me. However, I'm not an NCRS restoration type of guy. I'm a hot-rodder that dabbles in Corvettes. They fit the dash very well and the quality of the materials is very nice. I can take some pictures for you and post them tonight when I get home.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,002
Likes: 2,564
From: Del Boca Vista FL
I installed Al Knoch pads in my car. The fit was good, but not perfect. But then the factory pads that were in the car when I got it didn't fit perfectly either. I don't have experience with Corvette America products so can't/won't comment.
Rich
Rich
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,302
Likes: 26
From: Cave Creek AZ
I just purchased a new set of Corvette America dash pads from Wilcox Corvette. They were $225.00 each and at first inspection the quality looks great.
Roy
Roy
Last edited by 67-427ci; Oct 12, 2007 at 07:22 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 1
From: Where everyone's grandparents come to die, FL
I think what some people refer to about telling the difference is the grain of the material used. On some aftermarket pads, the grain is heavier or "raised" more, whereas the factory pads have a lower, more even grain, regardless of how well one pad fits vs. another.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
From: California
Some pictures of my Corvette America pads...The driver side pad is only attached by two clips (I'm waiting on another set). That's why it is loose by the radio. The passenger side is fully attached. I hope this helps you.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 629
Likes: 20
From: Texas
Do the Wilcox pads have some sort of stamping that reveals they are from Corvette America?
The pictures posted look great. Its often hard to get a real sense unlease its a 5+ megapixel sort of picture, but from what I can see, they look perfect. If you have higer res pictures, send them my way split63@rcsis.com
Based on the above, I'm not clear why some would say, "hold on to the originals at all cost". As if there was a clear difference between OEM and CA's pads. My pads are original, no scratches, no tears, no cracks, but they are 44 years old. They are not soft. Since I have the car dismantled, I figure it makes sense to replace them
The pictures posted look great. Its often hard to get a real sense unlease its a 5+ megapixel sort of picture, but from what I can see, they look perfect. If you have higer res pictures, send them my way split63@rcsis.com
Based on the above, I'm not clear why some would say, "hold on to the originals at all cost". As if there was a clear difference between OEM and CA's pads. My pads are original, no scratches, no tears, no cracks, but they are 44 years old. They are not soft. Since I have the car dismantled, I figure it makes sense to replace them
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,850
Likes: 142
From: Tampa, Fl.
might be referring to the pad thickness of repro vs original. speaking in a time frame of several years ago, repro pads were noticeably thicker on the eyebrow edge than original pads. maybe someone could offer a recent purchase experience for comparison.
chuck
chuck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,302
Likes: 26
From: Cave Creek AZ
The pictures posted look great. Its often hard to get a real sense unlease its a 5+ megapixel sort of picture, but from what I can see, they look perfect. If you have higer res pictures, send them my way split63@rcsis.com
Roy
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 192
From: nj
63 pads
Got mine from AK, late 90s, immediate difference was the pads from AK were noticably thicked than original. Still have my old pads may may try to reskin them someday when I'm in the mood. there was a great article in one of the vette mags, NCRS perhaps, that showed step by step where the guy removed the vinyl, patched up the foam and pulled the new skins on. I'd like to try that.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 629
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From: Texas
I had a few email exchanges with Corvette America regarding their dash pads. Although I could never get them to say what it is that was different from original pads, they suggested I contact piper's Corvette if I was looking for a pad that was near original or at NCRS levels.
While I do appreciate their honesty, I'm still at a loss for what it is that is different. Perhaps it is as simple as the grain.....I guess I may never know.
While I do appreciate their honesty, I'm still at a loss for what it is that is different. Perhaps it is as simple as the grain.....I guess I may never know.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter Florida
Dont change unless you have to! The repos are more grainier if that is a word. The originals are a lot smoother. I changed them on my 66 because of a crack on the driver side. The originals were alot nicer! They looked great but you could tell they were changed. These were Corvette Americas and they did fit perfect no mods either.