I started an old thread on this but since I know have photo's I thought I would share my frustration. $1200 on CA dashes and they aren't useable, in any form or fashion. Their manufacturing specs are so far off, it is beyond belief. I'll walk everyone through picture by picture.

Here's my new lower dash pad



Here is the dash pad laid out to check the screw center to center measurements



center to center measure 0" - 8 1/2" - 15 1/2"

here brand new dash number 1 and the screws centers



0" - 7 1/16" - 15 3/4" - the far screw is off 1/4" - the middle screw is off 1 7/16" - so far off the entire upper mounting pad doesn't even correspond with the lower dash. 1 7/16" off center - it doesn't even seem possible to mismanufacture a part that badly - but wait, it gets even better.

So I buy another new upper dash pad



check the screw center to centers



0" - 8 3/4" - 15 7/8" - one screw is off 1/4" - one screw is off 3/8"
again horrible manufacturing specs. But I want to get my car together so I mark the correct centers and slot out the mounting holes



I now install my top dash and lower dash and hers what I get



Here's why



So now I have to drill out the rivets on the mounting pads and move it back 5/16".

To recap, I had to re drill 2 of the 3 screw holes in the upper pad because the centers were so far off, and if that isn't bad enough - one of the pads had to be relocated. Absolutely horrid workmanship and quality.

And to top it off, here is the air vent hole



7/8" smaller than the OEM dash pad.

$1200 in dash components and the quality control could not be worse.

 

Looks like they bought a "lot" of cheap items, real cheap, thinking that they could make a few bucks.

 

I was under the impression that they manufactured this stuff in house, and if that is the case they better consider cleaning house. I'll bite the bullet on the cost of these parts and reorder the whole works from Knoch. But, rest assured the sales they are going to lose will be far worse than what they fleeced me on this garbage.

 

Corvette America is junk always has been always will be. Your problem you are describing is nothing new to them! They know they have problems in fitment and quality. Yet they keep on selling the same S*** to unsuspecting customers. I would send all that junk back and demand a refund. Do not know how long ago you purchased it but you can always try!

 

If I had more ambition I would show the map side, picture by picture. I've only shown half the headaches. The map pocket centers are decent, but again would need to be re drilled and the pillar side mounting pad would need to be relocated to get a reveal that is even remotely acceptable.

I'd spend the time and effort to re fabricate these parts to make them work, but even then I'd be left with air ducts that would be inoperable and cobbled into the holes.

Someone mentioned a bad run, but that is not the case. I bought 2 upper dash pads, not only are both bad, but both vary. So they have made multiple runs that are bad beyond comprehension.

 

Sorry to hear about your woes. But I've gone to school reading this thread. I was planning to to use CA to purchase a complete interior for my '80 next summer. But I'll go elsewhere now. Best of luck and thanks for the heads up.

 

Good info for those of us just getting started into this stuff!

 

I wish someone had warned me, it would have saved a ton of time, money and frustration. I believe the only other source is Al Knoch and I'll post how I make out on their parts. I asked previously for feedback and it seemed positive.

What shocks me about CA isn't how poor the craftsmanship is, but how China made, comically, unbelievably poor it is. It is almost beyond comprehension. Come on, they can't even get a rectangular hole for the air vent correct or even in the ballpark. I can't believe it never occurred to someone to check if the damned hole was the right size?

 

Corvette America do make the dash pieces in house, and they make them in Pennsylvania, not China.

Those dash pieces seem to be hit and miss, fit wise. Once in a while, you'll get ones that fit perfect, but usually not.

I'm not sure that Al is making is own dashes. He might be now, but I think he use to sell the Corvette America ones.

 

Wow! Those pieces are unbelievable useless pieces of junk!!! How could they think anyone could be fooled into thinking they are okay to use?!?!

 

That's pathetic.....

 

I'm dealing with CA sail panels, rear center strip and forward console. It is absolutely nothing short of criminal that they sell this ****. They are STEALING peoples money by selling this garbage. Getting ready to give up and try some Al Knoch pieces. The CA stuff came with the car or I wouldn't even have bothered.

 

Dear 1977stroker:

If there are issues with products that we manufactured we will certainly stand behind them. Since there is no contact information in your profile would you please provide the following:

1. Your Name and Address
2. Where you purchased the items
3. When you purchased the items
4. A phone number and/or email address where you can be reached

Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you directly.

Corvette America

 

Dear Corvette America - I dare say I speak for most Corvette owners when I say...

We would GLADLY pay more for PERFECT parts....tested and trouble free. It is a major PITA to work on these dashes and then waiting for parts, returning parts.....etc. We love our cars.

Seriously - raise the price if you must - but we need HIGH QUALITY parts. These are not Honda's....these are our pride and joys!

Please consider this - Thank you.

 

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, fill your frustration. I purchased their leftside lower dash pad. Couldn't get it to fit, broke apiece off the mounting tab for the tach. one of the mounting holes didn't line up with my existing upper dash pad. Glad I didn't order the upper dash pad. The new leftside dash pad now sit on shelfing. May try to rework in the summer when we have a really hot day.
MIKE

 

Dear MrJlr:

Thank you for the response and the advice. We do try very hard to produce and maintain the highest quality possible for our products while offering them at a fair price. And as mentioned above we also stand behind our products if one doesn't meet the expectations of a Corvette owner. Additionally ALL Corvette Owners are invited and welcome to visit our manufacturing plant in Reedsville, PA and see exactly how each item is manufactured.

Hope your current tour is going well .... great song list!

Corvette America

 

Thank you for the response

We just have so few vendors to pick from.....we need the best

Again thank you

(SRV Forever!)

 

I'll forward that info to your customer service department.

Standing behind your product is fine and issues are part of doing business. But, there has to be some level of quality control, before the sale. The fact that you stand behind your products does not excuse the time and frustration this causes the consumer of these parts. We're aware of these issues and are working to resolve them - goes much further than - return that crap and we'll issue a refund.

 

Dear 1977stroker:

We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to receiving your information. It would also be of benefit to us if you would please reference our discussion on this thread when you do so. I might add that you can call 1-800-458-3475 and speak to someone directly concerning this matter and provide the information.

Thanks,

Corvette America

 

Man i spent almost $2000 on new interior about 6 months ago. I hope i dont run into the same problem. On a good note my guages mounted to the lower dash without a problem.