Dash Insert Defect
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 102
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From: PA
Dash Insert Defect
Just getting to the point on my '61 where I am putting stuff back together. Went to put in the new aluminum dash insert from Corvette America (who appears to get them from Corvette Central) and it seems to be defective. There is about a .070 in gap on the upper right side. The trim piece is pushed all the way down and "clicked" into place. OEM piece seems to be uniformly tapered but the Corvette Central piece looks like it has a "divot" in it. Pics attached.
Has anyone else had this problem?
Has anyone else had this problem?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
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Army
That does look like a bad piece to me. BTW - that round trim piece doesn't click on to anything -- its pushed down and brazed in to place...
I wouldn't install it that way....it would go back to the vendor...
I wouldn't install it that way....it would go back to the vendor...
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Jan 26, 2015 at 09:06 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 102
Likes: 3
From: PA
Thanks. I am calling C. A. Today.
I know about the brazing, I took the OEM piece apart. There is a retainer lip on the steel piece that catches the trim piece as well. Not sure how the brazing was done at the factory but I can't imagine using a torch on this. I cut away the "weld" with a Dremel tool.
I have seen people use epoxy instead of brazing. I assume that's okay?
I know about the brazing, I took the OEM piece apart. There is a retainer lip on the steel piece that catches the trim piece as well. Not sure how the brazing was done at the factory but I can't imagine using a torch on this. I cut away the "weld" with a Dremel tool.
I have seen people use epoxy instead of brazing. I assume that's okay?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,144
Army
Thanks. I am calling C. A. Today.
I know about the brazing, I took the OEM piece apart. There is a retainer lip on the steel piece that catches the trim piece as well. Not sure how the brazing was done at the factory but I can't imagine using a torch on this. I cut away the "weld" with a Dremel tool.
I have seen people use epoxy instead of brazing. I assume that's okay?
I know about the brazing, I took the OEM piece apart. There is a retainer lip on the steel piece that catches the trim piece as well. Not sure how the brazing was done at the factory but I can't imagine using a torch on this. I cut away the "weld" with a Dremel tool.
I have seen people use epoxy instead of brazing. I assume that's okay?
When reinstalling - if you have a grab bar....do NOT tighten those chrome grab bar end brackets down too tightly! The sharp forward facing curve on the brackets will dent your pretty new insert.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 102
Likes: 3
From: PA
Epoxy is absolutely OK and undetectable once installed; I've done it on my car and a friend's...
When reinstalling - if you have a grab bar....do NOT tighten those chrome grab bar end brackets down too tightly! The sharp forward facing curve on the brackets will dent your pretty new insert.
When reinstalling - if you have a grab bar....do NOT tighten those chrome grab bar end brackets down too tightly! The sharp forward facing curve on the brackets will dent your pretty new insert.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 102
Likes: 3
From: PA
Update
I spoke to Corvette America and they are taking the part back. I took one more picture with the repro part nested inside the OEM part. It is clearly cut wrong.
So, for the forum....if you are doing a dash insert and getting a part from Corvette Central....check it against your OEM part (if you have one). If not, look to make sure that the outer edges are cut in a smooth, slightly convex curve like the original part. I think you can see the delta in the attached picture.
So, for the forum....if you are doing a dash insert and getting a part from Corvette Central....check it against your OEM part (if you have one). If not, look to make sure that the outer edges are cut in a smooth, slightly convex curve like the original part. I think you can see the delta in the attached picture.
