Dash Repair
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Grand Haven Michigan
Dash Repair
I am currently in the process of replacing the wire harnesses in my '71, and since I had the interior out I figured I would get some repair work done on some of the parts that are in rough shape. Mainly my center console and the speedo/tach dash have issues, the plastic has either cracked or is gone completely. Does anyone have any ideas or have done something to save these pieces or do they need to be replaced completely.
These are older pictures, but the damage is about the same still.
Thanks,
Jay
These are older pictures, but the damage is about the same still.
Thanks,
Jay
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
You can get a repair kit for the console. Metal tabs you can epoxy in to remount the shifter plate.
Looks to me like the steering column trim would cover the dash pad.
Looks to me like the steering column trim would cover the dash pad.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jan 16, 2013 at 09:50 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 154
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From: Grand Haven Michigan
the problem with putting the steering column trim on is that it is only supported by the one screw holding it on the steering column, the mounts on the dash are no longer there, so using the vacuum override switches requires two hands, one to hold the trim the other to pull the switch. Is the same idea of epoxying a metal bracket onto the dash a possibility?
Thanks,
Jay
Thanks,
Jay
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
Just epoxy-in some thin metal pieces that will substitute for the tabs at the bottom of the driver's dash. Maybe someone has a photo of a 'good' one that you can work from. You also need to make the spacing between the holes in those tabs the same as the override plate has. You could even pop-rivet them in place (along with the expoy) if you want to assure stability.
Do similarly for the missing tabs in the trans console. You may even want to remove the ones still there, so they will all be the same--and more sturdy.
Then clean all the parts well with detergent, rinse very well, then dry completely. Finally, recolor all the interior parts with liquid SEM ColorCoat vinyl dye that you can buy and have mixed to your GM interior color code at a pro auto body paint supply store (not the "Zone"). If you don't have spray equipment, buy a PreVal bottle/gas sprayer [about $10] and a couple of spare gas canisters. It's easy to do and the results (using SEM) are just like it came from the factory.
P.S. You are ALWAYS better off repairing interior panels than purchasing new ones....if they aren't "toast".
Do similarly for the missing tabs in the trans console. You may even want to remove the ones still there, so they will all be the same--and more sturdy.
Then clean all the parts well with detergent, rinse very well, then dry completely. Finally, recolor all the interior parts with liquid SEM ColorCoat vinyl dye that you can buy and have mixed to your GM interior color code at a pro auto body paint supply store (not the "Zone"). If you don't have spray equipment, buy a PreVal bottle/gas sprayer [about $10] and a couple of spare gas canisters. It's easy to do and the results (using SEM) are just like it came from the factory.
P.S. You are ALWAYS better off repairing interior panels than purchasing new ones....if they aren't "toast".
