I'm getting ready to install a new dash pad on my '62, any advice or tips? I have the windshield out as will as everything in the interior and the dash is completely cleaned of any old form or glue.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

The most important things are:
1. Take your time.
2. Don't trim anything until you are sure.
3. Take your time.
4. Line it up several times and make sure it fits well. You should not need any glue.
5. Take your time...
6. If possible get someone who has done one to help you. One of the most difficult things will be to put the pod back in.
7. Pay close attention to the corners on both sides, they need to line up well.
8. You will need 2 people to do this and one of you will have to climb under to install the pod....it is not an easy job but will look great when completed...

I realized this is not great information but I hope it helps...

Good luck, John

 

"Line it up several times and make sure it fits well. You should not need any glue."

Really????

No glue used to hold the pad in place?

JP

 

You definately want to glue down the front of the pad where it sits under the windshield. That will prevent it from pulling out over the years. Some will say that the windshield holds it but I've seen several that relied on that theory that have pulled out. I've glued the few that I've done and they stayed put (even after 25 years on my car).

Jim

 

if you think you removed enough of the foam padding prior to gluing down the edges, my experience is, nope didnt remove enough. I was gun shy in doing this and in the end it caused me more work. My advice, get that darn foam out near any kind of joint (such as where the instrument cluster seats or the windshield sits on it or the dash insert).....FOAM = BAD

 

Be especially careful when cutting out for the gauge cluster and the area around the assist bar on the passenger side.Remember, the least you cut the least chance of mistake. You must CAREFULLY remove the foam from the vinyl in the area behind the gauge cluster and also behind the aluminum plate on the passenger side. TAKE YOUR TIME! Good luck!

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...64&postcount=4

 

VetteJohn.

Here are some pictures of how to cut the pad when installing.





Take your time, test fit over and over again!

I personally did the test fit of the Corvette America dash pads (pictured) and also helped them in making adjustments to the current production of the dash pads.

You really have to be careful when you remove any foam from the pad! If you remove to much the pad will not fit properly and fit horrible.

When you glue the pad, you want to glue the edge under the windshield frame. There will be an lip there and it’s a good idea to make slices in this lip so you can fold it over to fit under the windshield frame. The original GM pads did not require this, but they were a made with the lip made a little flatter than any reproduction.

Problem areas during the installation are behind the dash cluster and the passenger side dash insert. (Both are foam related).

Also the center of the dash pad right in the middle may need to have some foam removed. The key is to remove as little as possible and then test fit. Then remove more if needed.

Do not cut the holes for the defroster and radio speaker until you have the pad in the car and done!

Three years ago, we installed so many pads that if you have any problems, email me at willcoxcustomerservice@willcoxcorvette.c om

I hope this helps and again if you have any problems, just email me. I’ve installed original GM pads and the reproduction pads. Both are not easy, but it’s something you can do if you take your time.

Willcox

 

Thanks to everyone for all the advice and offers of help. I'll start test fitting the cluster, grab bar and insert this weekend. I plan on taking my time and doing this myself, I pride myself on doing as much of my own work as possible and with the help from you guys I'm sure I can do it.

Thanks Again,

JP

 

John....I hope it all goes well...I agree with your philosophy, there is something about doing it yourself...plus when it is done there is certain pride in completing it...I wish I had done mine myself...I paid someone to do it and after the fact I think I probably could have done a better job...he did not use glue and probably did not follow all of the great information provided in this thread...

Have fun...it would be great if you could keep us posted regarding your progress...

 

test fitting the cluster to me means I am going to line it up and see how it fits.....reality when you do that it fits like crap. When your wife/girl friend/buddy take their shoes off and sit on the soft top area and push like hell with both feet, you will get an idea of how it fits.

I will say this again, you need to have someone push with both feet like hell on the dash cluster to get it in the right position so that you can get the fasteners in place......did I say push like hell? with legs?

good luck!

 

Getting the insert in is a 2 person job. Somebody's got to press on the insert so that you can get the nuts started from behind. I had my wife sit in the passenger seat with sneakers on. She then pushed with her 2 feet on the insert so that I could get the nuts started. You need to put the insert in first before the grab bar. I cut some foam out behind the insert, but it still took a lot of pushing.

 

I found the easiest way to install the cluster on my 62, was to remove a LOT of padding and vinyl from behind the cluster. In fact, if you put your hand at the top, rear of my cluster just where the dash pad laps over it (see picture), and then lifted your hand slightly, you'd see that my dash pad rests on TOP of my cluster instead of being trapped behind it.