Dash pad question

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Nov 14, 2013 | 02:38 PM

C2Racer

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Drifting

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From: Texas

Dash pad question

I have an original 63 dash with pads for my race car but the pads have a couple of places that need repair. The vinyl on the pads is pretty brittle but looks good. I also need to buy one of the covers for the center section since I will not need a clock or radio hole.

So, if I take these old dash pads off to get the new center cover on will they just crumble into pieces as I go to put them back on the dash? Or do I just need to bite the bullet and buy new pads?

Thanks
Steve

Nov 14, 2013 | 02:40 PM

66jack

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From: CA

bite the bullet...

besides why would you want to put on the old ones back on with a pretty new center

Nov 14, 2013 | 02:43 PM

C2Racer

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Drifting

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From: Texas

Because I could paint these and save $1,000 to spend on go fast stuff!

Nov 14, 2013 | 02:50 PM

JohnZ

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From: Washington Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by C2Racer

I also need to buy one of the covers for the center section since I will not need a clock or radio hole.

What do you mean by "cover for the center section"? The grained vinyl cover for the entire fiberglass instrument panel, or the fiberglass instrument panel itself? They all had clock holes - it was standard equipment.

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Nov 14, 2013 | 02:53 PM

C2Racer

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Drifting

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From: Texas

Dash frame cover:

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1963-1964.html

Nov 14, 2013 | 03:00 PM

Frankie the Fink

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Army

If the vinyl on those dash pads is brittle they'll just keep on giving you trouble no matter how good you think they look.

I just replaced my original 63 pads and you may think they look good but are horrid compared to new replacements. As tough a job as a C2 dash pull is you'd be silly to cheap out and have to do it again.

Before and after pics.

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Nov 14, 2013 | 03:08 PM

C2Racer

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Drifting

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From: Texas

Yes Frankie, I saw your thread. Nice job! Fred, how did you get the original cover off that frame? Just rip it off??

Nov 14, 2013 | 03:16 PM

Frankie the Fink

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Army

It will come off, a heat gun or hair dryer can help...I've seen people leave the dash frame bare and paint it or recover it in leather after removing the old vinyl.