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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 08:42 AM
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Im in the process of redoing my interior new dash upper and lower and new console. In looking from all the places to get it from they all have the same prices so i guess it comes down to costomer services can any one give me some advice on who they were pleased with i want to go with the right company since this will be a large order .
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Black76
Im in the process of redoing my interior new dash upper and lower and new console. In looking from all the places to get it from they all have the same prices so i guess it comes down to costomer services can any one give me some advice on who they were pleased with i want to go with the right company since this will be a large order .
Willcox. Use the forum discounts and you can get everything you want. I did it on my 75. Ordered interior kit with carpet, door panels, and leather seat covers and some extras including upper dash and header panels. I got out at a little over 1100 with the discount.

Great service and good quality stuff. If you don't already have it, get an AIM that will assist you with teardown and rebuild.

Here's my replacement build thread:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-75-coupe.html
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 09:44 AM
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but is replacing only the upper dash worth it? won't they appear different tones then the rest of the dash?

i have a crack on each side of the corner of the dash and am debating replacing the whole front section at some point to give it all a new fresh look.

but obviously just the upper dash would be extremely cheaper than doing it all.
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 09:48 AM
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I plan to replace both the dash and the lower right and left dash pads along with the center console and parker brake. What kind of discount does wilcox give to forum members?
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by 75+78 Corvettes
Here's my replacement build thread:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-75-coupe.html
GREAT write up....printed and saved...

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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 10:56 AM
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I got my stuff from Ecklers. I got the top dash pad, header and side pads, the gauge bezel cut for a stereo, shifter console and parking brake console with stowage compartment. The color was a good match with my speedo and map pads. They were ok so I cleaned and reused them.



I joined the Ecklers club and got a discount. I don't remember total price.

I love Wilcox too though. Have bought from them many times too.

Last edited by jcloving; Jul 14, 2011 at 01:28 PM. Reason: added photo
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 11:38 AM
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I would advise that you clean/make minor repairs/recolor any existing panels that can be reused. They will fit and look better than the re-pop pieces. If you will have some old and some new pieces, consider using SEM ColorCoat vinyl dye to recolor ALL of the interior pieces so that they will be exactly the same color. Easy and inexpensive to do. If you don't have spray equipment, use a PreVal gas canister/bottle sprayer (less than $10) to do the job. You don't need to be an experienced painter to dye the interior parts.
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Black76
...What kind of discount does wilcox give to forum members?...
Call them and ask. They're good people.

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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 11:51 AM
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Willcox is the way to go. How ofter do you see Ecklers on the forum helping out? I personally do not like to dye interior panels (the stuff comes off after time), just my opinion.
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Phil Zell
...I personally do not like to dye interior panels (the stuff comes off after time)...
Only when incorrectly applied, usually over a dirty surface. I used SEM twenty years ago on my 68, shot dark blue over black. It's still there and still looks good.

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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 04:34 PM
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These interior panels have all kinds of surface grease/oil and/or years of Armor-All applications . You have to wash them with dish detergent [or similar stuff], rinse thoroughly to eliminate any detergent, and dry completely. If you do this, there is no need for a primer or dye-prep coat and the dye will wear/last for many, many years. Dye bonds with the surface, rather than coating it...like paint.

I would only use SEM liquid dye (ColorCoat) that was mixed to the GM color code (or matched to another part from that interior). You can get that at any professional auto body paint supply store. They also sell the gas/bottle sprayers.
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 06:14 PM
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Hi,
I agree that re-using ANY original interior pieces you can is a very good idea.
The repro interior pieces are OFTEN very disappointing.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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Old Jul 13, 2011 | 07:43 PM
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I'm getting ready to do this to my 79'. I was wondering though how to do the trim on the center console and gauge console. First, mine is so faded I can't tell if it was originally a chrome look or silver. So when you paint these things do you hand paint this thin trim? I thought of finding some thin pinstriping but not sure if it would stay on over time....
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Old Jul 14, 2011 | 12:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Black76
I plan to replace both the dash and the lower right and left dash pads along with the center console and parker brake. What kind of discount does wilcox give to forum members?
There is a sale thread running right now.. it offers you an addition 10 percent discount off the entire sight. Plus we have a special section for forum members too... the details of how to find this section can be found on the sale thread at this link.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...post1578120254

If you have any questions feel free to call us at 800-588-3883.

Willcox

And thanks guys for the kind words....
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Old Jul 14, 2011 | 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by retaf
I'm getting ready to do this to my 79'. I was wondering though how to do the trim on the center console and gauge console. First, mine is so faded I can't tell if it was originally a chrome look or silver. So when you paint these things do you hand paint this thin trim? I thought of finding some thin pinstriping but not sure if it would stay on over time....
There are several techniques for recreating the chrome trim around the bezel and shift plate. If you go to a true hobby shop they will have a product that is essentially a very thin stick on chrome, not the thick sticker stuff sold at the auto parts store. There are some pics floating around of people that have done this, you will have to search for it. I remember it looking really good and would be a little more durable than just paint. The other option is to paint it chrome however there is no such thing as true mirror finish chrome paint. You can search the net to see what it the closest thing out there any buy a can.
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Old Jul 14, 2011 | 11:53 AM
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Even though my interior is in generally pretty good shape, I will be reconditioning many parts and probably redye everything in time. Here is a great thread from a guy in AUS who pretty much reconditioned his entire interior:

http://www.australiancorvettes.com/p...=asc&start=120

It is a HUGE thread, but from page 5 and on, there are some great info.
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Old Jul 14, 2011 | 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by retaf
...mine is so faded I can't tell if it was originally a chrome look or silver...
Flash chromed plastic. Ever assemble a model car? Same type of flash chromed plastic.

Originally Posted by Hardway
...If you go to a true hobby shop they will have a product that is essentially a very thin stick on chrome, not the thick sticker stuff sold at the auto parts store...
It's called Bare Metal foil.

Skip any type of "chrome" paint. You will get a bright silver, but it will not be chrome.

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