I am looking for a recommendation on someone to re-cover the dash pads in my 66 coupe. Tragically my original driver side dash pad was damaged in the resto shop and I am looking for options that do not involve removing the dash panel. Can the pads be replaced without removing the dash board. Is it possible to purchase a oem driver side black pad?

 

Dash pads can be replaced without removing the entire dash... But you will have to pull the instrument cluster and radio among many others. OEM pads are no longer available. The pads Wilcox sells (CA) are very nice, but should probably be swapped in pairs. I don't think you'll ever match the original pad. Big job, but mine came out very nice...

Harry

 

with 66since71. It is a BIG job. The dash pad can be removed with the dash board still intact. BUT with patience and time....you can do this job.

If you plan on having your original re-covered....I would personally look into using Al Knoch Interiors for this re-covering service. This will make it so you know that you should have no problem in re-installing the special retainers that hold the dash pad assembly to the dash board. It would be wise in buying some... because they can break on you.

The aftermarket dash pads can often times be a bit tedious to re-install....due to all of the holes have to be darn near perfect in alignment BEFORE you begin squeezing the special fasteners to make them grip the dash pad and hold it in place. AND ...not only that...the amount of vinyl that is on the underside of the dash pad can cause the special retainers to not grip... because they have a specific grip range that allows them to grip the "backbone" of your dash pad. I have found a different type of retainer ...even though it is not factory correct (but is used by GM)....but works great..that allows me to install these pads quicker. And where I use them...you would be hard to find them...and they hold the pad(s) very, very well.

Best of luck to you. I have done so many...I do not envy you.
"DUB"

 

DUB,
Can you let us know what the retainer is? Maybe a pic. I am in the process of installing CA dash pads right now.

 

Thanks fore the reply its very helpful

 

DUB
Any information on the clips you mention would be greatly appreciated, brand name or part number

Thanks, Tom R.

 

Reddy1,
I replace my dash pads with Corvette America's and am happy with the fit and quality. IMHO, I found it easier to just drill out the side rivets and remove the entire dash to replace mine. Doing it in car I found some of the retainer were a nightmare to get to, especially in the center panel area. A very experienced friend and restorer gave that advice and I thought he was crazy until I made the attempt. Not as bad as you think. I would not try to reuse the clips but keep them handy in case a couple of news ones break.
Good luck,
Pete

 

Howdy,
I'm not Dub, but I remembered my good friend DZVette created one of his excellent how-to documents on the clips.

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...ip-Install.pdf

Jeff

 

With everyone and would offer one more tip, especially if you decide not to drill out the rivets...
Sometimes the clips will be easier to remove if you cut a hole in the vinyl and foam and remove them by squeezing the ears from the "inside". There were a couple that I just could not get a screwdriver on, especially either side if the radio opening. Of course if you plan on recovering the pads this may complicate that process.

Maybe yet another tip. Be careful about the sequence you use to install the new clips. My pads were warped slightly, and I was able to "walk" the warpage out by doing the clips in a particular order.

Good luck. It really improved the appearance of my interior, and I used the opportunity to disassemble and cleanup my Instrument cluster, also a big appearance plus...

Harry

Harry

 

I did my '66 coupe a couple of months ago and it was a pain! The more parts you remove from under the dash the easier the job. My car has AC so it was even harder to do. In hindsight I think drilling out the rivets and removing the entire dash may have been the best option.

The new clips that most vendors supply are stainless steel and MUCH harder that the OEM clips that appear to be made from lead. The OEM clips are easy to use but are usable only once, they are very easy to break. One thing I learned doing my dash was to “start” the clipping operation before inserting the clips. I did this by placing each clip in an open vise (enough room to allow the clip in but not enough to let it fall in). Next I took a screwdriver and placed in top of the clip and then tapped it down to start the lower portion of the clip moving apart. The trick is getting the clip open enough to make it easier to squeeze it completely once installed but not too much so it won’t fit in through the dash and into the pad.

Hope this helps,

 

I will look for the clips in my shop and post a part number and manufacturer. I know the clip is made bu "Au-Ve-Co"...but do not know the part number off the top of my head.

"DUB"

 

Thank you very much

 

The fastener I use is Au-Ve-Co Part # 2744 ( box of 50)...or...12959 ( same as the 2744 but a box of 15.

Cut or grind the wire off of this fastener and using a small file or die-grinder. Cut a small notch in the outer diameter of the hole in one spot..... you plan on installing this fastener...so the "ears" of this fastener will pass through the hole. The notch is so the stud on the fastener will allow the fastener to go into the hole and does not need to be a wide notch due to the stud size on the fastener is a 10-24.....so the integrity of the dash pad is not lessened to the point of failure Pretty simple to do...once you get one in. Then add a flat washer and nuts and tighten. I use these at the radio area and any other area that is hard to get to due to the dash being in place. Do not think that you will do all of them with this fastener. The length of the stud will not allow the dash pad to go in easily. If you plan on doing so....you may have to cut the length of the stud. This is because the length of the stud can inhibit the way the dash pad can be installed. You will be fighting with different angles and geometric planes.

"DUB"

 

Thanks for the info and your help.