C3 dash pad installation tip
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 114
Likes: 2
C3 dash pad installation tip
I recently removed my upper dash pad for repair. The dash pad is difficult to remove and replace without bending or bowing it. The pieces that get in the way are the triangular tabs that sit behind the pillars. I used a dremel and removed the hard plastic on the underside of the tabs and even some of the foam. In doing so, it allows the tabs to bend so that it clears the pillar and does not effect the outward appearance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 945
Likes: 10
From: Winston Salem NC
Here's how I put in my new dash pad:
I put in the drivers corner first.
I put a microfiber cloth (any type would work) on the pass. side corner.
Place pass. side against the pillar and gently bow the middle up about 1-2 inches.
In so doing, I was able to gently move the pass. side corner past the pillar and into place.
I could then drop downt he dash in the right spot.
I did this about three times when I rebuilt my interior. The new dash pad has a large ABS plastic backbone and can be flexed with no problem.
I put in the drivers corner first.
I put a microfiber cloth (any type would work) on the pass. side corner.
Place pass. side against the pillar and gently bow the middle up about 1-2 inches.
In so doing, I was able to gently move the pass. side corner past the pillar and into place.
I could then drop downt he dash in the right spot.
I did this about three times when I rebuilt my interior. The new dash pad has a large ABS plastic backbone and can be flexed with no problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Here's how I put in my new dash pad:
I put in the drivers corner first.
I put a microfiber cloth (any type would work) on the pass. side corner.
Place pass. side against the pillar and gently bow the middle up about 1-2 inches.
In so doing, I was able to gently move the pass. side corner past the pillar and into place.
I could then drop downt he dash in the right spot.
I did this about three times when I rebuilt my interior. The new dash pad has a large ABS plastic backbone and can be flexed with no problem.
I put in the drivers corner first.
I put a microfiber cloth (any type would work) on the pass. side corner.
Place pass. side against the pillar and gently bow the middle up about 1-2 inches.
In so doing, I was able to gently move the pass. side corner past the pillar and into place.
I could then drop downt he dash in the right spot.
I did this about three times when I rebuilt my interior. The new dash pad has a large ABS plastic backbone and can be flexed with no problem.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 945
Likes: 10
From: Winston Salem NC
Ecklers:
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1970-1976.html
It was a thick black ABS plastic piece that the foam and then the vinyl were bonded too. Stiff but I coud bend it like a bow when installing it in the car. It will last for years and years.
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1970-1976.html
It was a thick black ABS plastic piece that the foam and then the vinyl were bonded too. Stiff but I coud bend it like a bow when installing it in the car. It will last for years and years.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 114
Likes: 2
Sorry, I never took any pics. I took my dash out to repair a crack in the outer vinyl. The solid core piece (plastic, fiberglass, ABS?) under the vinyl and foam was cracked in a few places as well. Looks like the previous owner did a job on it. I have come to understand that some older dashes can become brittle which is why I did not want to bow it in the middle to get it to go in. I thought my solution, although minimally destructive to the underside, was a good precaution to prevent further damage.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 476
Likes: 37
From: Lynnwood WA
I just happened to pull my dash off today and have a tip.
Put the headlight and wiper switches back together and just let them hang till you go to reinstall the dash. After pulling the dash start the car and you may hear vac leaks you never heard before. I started mine and discovered a vac leak at the light switch. I also found out why my wife is always so much colder than me in the car. Someone had put the dash in, and left out the air duct for the passenger side. I may replace it, or not.
Zorro
Put the headlight and wiper switches back together and just let them hang till you go to reinstall the dash. After pulling the dash start the car and you may hear vac leaks you never heard before. I started mine and discovered a vac leak at the light switch. I also found out why my wife is always so much colder than me in the car. Someone had put the dash in, and left out the air duct for the passenger side. I may replace it, or not.
Zorro
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
These pages will help anyone pulling the pads from their car. All the new repro upper pads are ABS backed.. and they fit great!
I posted both links but the trick is that when you get to the left pad on the first help page.. stop and move to the the second one... The original one about all the pads needs a revision that the second one covers.
Corvette Dash Pad Remove and Install Instructions 68-77
Corvette Left Hand Dash Pad Removal Made Easy 1968-1977
I posted both links but the trick is that when you get to the left pad on the first help page.. stop and move to the the second one... The original one about all the pads needs a revision that the second one covers.
Corvette Dash Pad Remove and Install Instructions 68-77
Corvette Left Hand Dash Pad Removal Made Easy 1968-1977
