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 just replaced mine with Corvette America pads. They are very nice parts.

 

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

 

Would you say they are exact replacements? Or said differently, if you had NOS Dash Pads and you inspected them side by side, could you pick out the NOS pads over the CA pads?

 

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.

 

Buy them from Wilcox Corvette parts.

You will save $100/pair and they came directly from Corvette America.

I installed a pair last winter and they are great.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

Bruce: Email sent with hi-res pictures.
Roy

 

I need to replace my dash pad in my '63 as well......so I will be following this thread with interest.....

 

The pads from Wilcox are shipped in Corvette America wrapping and boxes

 

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.

 

Just ordered my '63 SWC dash pads from Willcox......we'll see how it goes.....

 

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.

 

I bought Corvette America pads for my 63, through Wilcox last winter. I am very pleased with them.

Scott

 

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.