76 dash pad
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
76 dash pad
I was trying to take out my dash pad (the top part of the dash, if anyone is confused) so I could pull the front dash area out and spray it.
Sadly, I pulled a little hard and now have a crack all down my dash pad.
Where can I find a new one? And how do you take it out/put it in without removing the windshield?
Sadly, I pulled a little hard and now have a crack all down my dash pad.
Where can I find a new one? And how do you take it out/put it in without removing the windshield?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton Illinois
I just pulled the pad from my 76 out tonight. It took a little wiggling and twisting but I got it to clear the pillar with out really bending much at all.
Corvette America sells replacement pads for $369 or a dash shield that glues over the top of the damaged pad, for $119. I have never bought one so I can't tell how good they are.
Good luck and let us know if the replacements work well.
Corvette America sells replacement pads for $369 or a dash shield that glues over the top of the damaged pad, for $119. I have never bought one so I can't tell how good they are.
Good luck and let us know if the replacements work well.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu Hawaii
I found it easier to remove the dash if you take the windshield pillar side trim off, more room to get dash out. I would recommend getting a new dash pad if affordable, I tried one of those "dash caps" and they are not worth the time and effort. poor fit and looks cheap.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 4
From: Yorktown VA
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by c3 in hawaii
I found it easier to remove the dash if you take the windshield pillar side trim off, more room to get dash out. I would recommend getting a new dash pad if affordable, I tried one of those "dash caps" and they are not worth the time and effort. poor fit and looks cheap.
Take the pillars out. I went with a new dash. I've read on the Forum that some have been happy with dash caps, but the majority didn't like them. 
I also removed all of the dashes and center guage panel. Gives you a chance to check everything out. Unfortunately, all of my dashes were damaged so I ended up replacing just about everything in the interior.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 5
From: Frisco TX
Did the same thing on my '74. They crack easily after 30 years. You definitely have to take off the windshield pillars. I debated on whether to get a dash cap as well. Did a lot of research on the forum. There were some happy customers that went the cap route, however, I seem to remember most said don't do it. If you do get a new one, order through Willcox. They are only $270 or so and I believe it's the exact same one you'll get through Corvette America. Could be wrong but I do know it looks perfect.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: CORTLANDT MANOR NY
With dash pads 30+ years old the vynl gets dried out and brittle. It is also important not to do it when it is very cold. Don't ask me how I know. I am also looking to buy a new dash pad so if anyone has real good experiences I would be interested.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton Illinois
I said I pulled the dash pad out last night no problem. I did take the pillar pads out first. I was able to get it around the steel pillars. Well so much for good luck. I cracked the left side lower dash pad and I still cant get my hand in there to unhook the wiring. What a crazy hobby we have choosen.
