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Dash pad replacement - tips?

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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 03:44 PM
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Default Dash pad replacement - tips?

Guys,
I started to put the dash pads back on (got some from Al K) and figured I would ask you guys if you have any tips to help ensure this goes smooth. I did a search on the forum and google and couldn't find any "how to"....I will consider all advice from those who have done this...

Thanks in advance.
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 03:48 PM
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If you are going to use the original "butterfly clips" here is some info on them..
Its pretty straight forward with the only real issue being access to the fasteners in the radio area on each side of the waterfall....


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Dash-Pad-Clip-Install.pdf (156.1 KB, 140 views)
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
If you are going to use the original "butterfly clips" here is some info on them..
Its pretty straight forward with the only real issue being access to the fasteners in the radio area on each side of the waterfall....
Thanks Frankie, I have new clips and pads. I have it all apart, just want to be sure I dont screw it up. The new clips are harder to close than the old ones were to open. Did you just use a good set of pliers?
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by vjjack04
Guys,
I started to put the dash pads back on (got some from Al K) and figured I would ask you guys if you have any tips to help ensure this goes smooth. I did a search on the forum and google and couldn't find any "how to"....I will consider all advice from those who have done this...

Thanks in advance.
Originally Posted by vjjack04
Thanks Frankie, I have new clips and pads. I have it all apart, just want to be sure I dont screw it up. The new clips are harder to close than the old ones were to open. Did you just use a good set of pliers?
I used pliers and as many of the OLD clips as were in good enough shape.....you have to make sure you get the clip deep enough through the dash frame into the pad to draw it in tight against the frame.....if you're too shallow you'll have a gap...





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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by vjjack04
Guys,
I started to put the dash pads back on (got some from Al K) and figured I would ask you guys if you have any tips to help ensure this goes smooth. I did a search on the forum and google and couldn't find any "how to"....I will consider all advice from those who have done this...

Thanks in advance.
Great pics, tips and advice from Frank.
If you have the whole dash out of the car like the above pics you should have a pretty easy go of it.
If you are doing it with the dash still in the car the radio and clock will need to be out.
I have done it a few times with dash still in car and it is a PIA esp in the radio area (even with the radio and clock out) but you can do it.
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 05:31 PM
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Originally Posted by phil2302
Great pics, tips and advice from Frank.
If you have the whole dash out of the car like the above pics you should have a pretty easy go of it.
If you are doing it with the dash still in the car the radio and clock will need to be out.
I have done it a few times with dash still in car and it is a PIA esp in the radio area (even with the radio and clock out) but you can do it.
I do have the dash out. I think it must stink to do it with the dash in the car.
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
I used pliers and as many of the OLD clips as were in good enough shape.....you have to make sure you get the clip deep enough through the dash frame into the pad to draw it in tight against the frame.....if you're too shallow you'll have a gap...


Frankie,
Brother, thanks much. I didn't realize that with the new leather, I would have to manipulate it so much. I was able to get one side own but I didn't have enough clips for the other side. I didn't realize how many clips I needed when I bought those. Also, I did have to redo two because I didn't put enough pressure on the pad side and snug it up (in the center at the console area the first time. But really your info and pictures where worth a ton in time and surity. Thank you Sir!
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 05:58 PM
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Also,
I found that the Al Knoch replacements dont have two of the holes in the front area. Specifically the area just behind where the glove box and dash bolt on. I thought maybe the leather was just covering it, but not the case...the holes aren't there, just sort of an indentation. What to do about this? I will call the manufacturer but it would seem like missing those two wouldn't be a big deal...or can I shallow drill just enough to get two more in there....?

Last edited by vjjack04; Jul 7, 2018 at 06:06 PM.
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 06:31 PM
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Or some small screws - I know some restomod guys that don't use the "butterfly" clips at all....completely install the pads with screws...... You'd have to be damned careful not to go to deep and perforate the pad no matter which way you go.....otherwise maybe leaving this as is might be an option.
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
Or some small screws - I know some restomod guys that don't use the "butterfly" clips at all....completely install the pads with screws...... You'd have to be damned careful not to go to deep and perforate the pad no matter which way you go.....otherwise maybe leaving this as is might be an option.
Frankie,
Also yours on the passenger side has those two bolts towards the front, what are they for....the "grab handle"? My reproductions don't have a grab handle on passenger side.
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by vjjack04
I do have the dash out. I think it must stink to do it with the dash in the car.

Yes it does stink. It is downright painful.
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 08:55 PM
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The gran bar is integrated into the dash pad on 63.
I don’t recall any bolts involved.
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 09:06 PM
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Do you have a '67? They did not have a grab bar. Picture of my old '66 pad:


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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 10:50 PM
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Originally Posted by buns
Do you have a '67? They did not have a grab bar. Picture of my old '66 pad:


Thanks yes. Those (I think) are the fastners I am refering to. I have a 67 with no grap handles. I guess there would be dash pad fasteners in those holes on a 67..
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 11:11 PM
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I don't know about '67, but my new dash pads from Corvette America did not have the studs.
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