Dash Pad Cover Install Help Needed
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Dash Pad Cover Install Help Needed
The '77 we purchased came with a molded dash pad cover. The stock dash pad has seen many a desert summer day and is in pretty bad shape. Since our long range plans are to switch the interior over to red, I would like to use the cover that came with the car as a temporary fix until we're ready to do the interior color switch and purchase a new dash pad.
I can tell it isn't going to be a great fit, so I'm looking for any advice about how to mount it to the stock pad and make it look respectible for now.
Should I use adhesives or something else to make it fit to the stock pad as much as possible? Does anyone have photos of a similar installation? Anything would be a big help.
Thanks in advance,
Adam
I can tell it isn't going to be a great fit, so I'm looking for any advice about how to mount it to the stock pad and make it look respectible for now.
Should I use adhesives or something else to make it fit to the stock pad as much as possible? Does anyone have photos of a similar installation? Anything would be a big help.
Thanks in advance,
Adam
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 948
Likes: 1
From: pensacola fl
I have used one of these before and the biggest tip I can give you is to make sure the glue you use is spread evenly to keep parts of the cover from popping up. I did not use the tube of glue that came with the dash because it is only enough to to out line the dash pad. I would use a glue where you have to spread it evenly on the old dash as well as the new dash cap, let it get tacky and press together. Once you marry the two pieces, you might want to try and place some weight on the top of the pad to tighten the bond. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Hi Sweeet76,
That makes sense. I don't have the glue that came with it, but was planning to use some 3M spray adhesive instead. Did you remove any of the original vinyl before attaching yours?
I noticed the corners where the dash meet the door panels might need a little work to make those areas meet up better. Thinking maybe a heat gun and a little creative pushing, bending etc would be the answer for that.
Thanks!
Adam
That makes sense. I don't have the glue that came with it, but was planning to use some 3M spray adhesive instead. Did you remove any of the original vinyl before attaching yours?
I noticed the corners where the dash meet the door panels might need a little work to make those areas meet up better. Thinking maybe a heat gun and a little creative pushing, bending etc would be the answer for that.
Thanks!
Adam
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 948
Likes: 1
From: pensacola fl
I would try to glue any of the old dash sticking up. As for the corners, a heat gun will help and I also used the 3M spray adhesive. The corners are going to be tight and it is also harder to get the dash back in place in the car. Normally you would slightly bow the center of a normal dash and will do the same with this one. It will be tougher to bow because of the thickness. When said and done, it will look better than the old dash.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Vetteguy - hadn't thought of that. I think my wife has some here so I'll give it a try with a few small pieces and see how that works before going all out on it.
Sweeet76 - I bowed it slightly and set it in there for a test fit. I like the looks of it except the corner fit and the fact it doesn't go all the way to the windshield. About a 1/4" gap where the old pad shows. Still thinking about that. At least the stock pad isn't cracked where it shows there - just needs to be cleaned up good and I might use some spray dye at the back edge to there isn't a big difference between the old pad and the new one.
It's my B'day today, so I'm taking the day off work and spending it in the garage working on our Vette
Since I work for myself I told my boss off and that I'm out of here for the day 
Sweeet76 - I bowed it slightly and set it in there for a test fit. I like the looks of it except the corner fit and the fact it doesn't go all the way to the windshield. About a 1/4" gap where the old pad shows. Still thinking about that. At least the stock pad isn't cracked where it shows there - just needs to be cleaned up good and I might use some spray dye at the back edge to there isn't a big difference between the old pad and the new one.
It's my B'day today, so I'm taking the day off work and spending it in the garage working on our Vette
Since I work for myself I told my boss off and that I'm out of here for the day
Last edited by AdamMeh; Jan 10, 2012 at 09:41 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 1
From: Collinsville MS
St. Jude Donor '08
just make sure you clean the old dash thoroughly with alcohol or some thinner. Test fit several times and use the heat gun to mold the cover as much as you can. Spray both sides with the 3M glue and let it tack before sticking together. Good luck and post some pics when done!
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Was thinking the same thing. Heat the abs back plastic not the textured front side. Digging into my gauges today, and then onto making the cover fit. 
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Dash pad
thanks for your help Rich outtttt.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 27
From: Sonora CA
Try to pic an adhesive that does not set too fast. You want to be able to adjust the fit when you actually set the cover in place. Some of thoses adhesives set instantly and permantely when they come in contact. I personally like an adhesive called "Goop"
Last edited by imariver; Jul 6, 2012 at 08:05 AM. Reason: more info
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Yes, you will need to remove the side post covers to get the dash pad out and / or cover on.
