1976 Interior Alignment Issues
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 43
From: Vernon CT
1976 Interior Alignment Issues
Im in the test fit phase of restoring this 1976 interior. All the parts I'm using are OEM (as far as I know).
There seems to be a horrible panel fitment issue that has me stumped here. As you can see the radio side panel doesn't fit and it appears the drivers lower dash pad is lower on the left than it is on the right where it meets up with the gauge cluster.
The dash pad seems to line up pretty well with the shifter console but the rest, I'm at a loss. (the dash pad doesn't seem to damaged but appears at the bottom to be mis-shapened).
(The steering wheel trim panel is a whole other issue as the receiving hole is gone in the column...)
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Im in the test fit phase of restoring this 1976 interior. All the parts I'm using are OEM (as far as I know).
There seems to be a horrible panel fitment issue that has me stumped here. As you can see the radio side panel doesn't fit and it appears the drivers lower dash pad is lower on the left than it is on the right where it meets up with the gauge cluster.
The dash pad seems to line up pretty well with the shifter console but the rest, I'm at a loss. (the dash pad doesn't seem to damaged but appears at the bottom to be mis-shapened).
(The steering wheel trim panel is a whole other issue as the receiving hole is gone in the column...)
If they are OEM parts, there should be some GM markings on the reverse side such as dates and perhaps p/n I would think.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 43
From: Vernon CT
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Wow.. great pictures for sure and another credibility to the fact that these cars didn't fit worth a hoot when new. Your console extension could be tilted backwards a bit and "split" the difference on the gap. I think that would give you a better fit.
The center console dash pad to shift console issue is one I've documented over the years and it is perfectly normal. My own 72 doesn't fit any better than yours and it's 100 percent all original dash pads and parts.. (pictured below, lower left in saddle).
The low column cover for your car though.. thats a horrible fit.. You might take the center cover off and loosen the two column bolts up and see if you can move the column over a bit.. then re-install.
Willcox.
The center console dash pad to shift console issue is one I've documented over the years and it is perfectly normal. My own 72 doesn't fit any better than yours and it's 100 percent all original dash pads and parts.. (pictured below, lower left in saddle).
The low column cover for your car though.. thats a horrible fit.. You might take the center cover off and loosen the two column bolts up and see if you can move the column over a bit.. then re-install.
Willcox.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 505
Likes: 8
From: Houston Tx.
My Dad worked for Texaco years ago and went to visit one of his customers, a Cadillac assembly plant. During his visit he did a plant tour. The two things I remember him talking about was at several stations along the assembly line there was one guy working the on the line and three guys standing around and drinking coffee and the other was a guy at the end of the line checking and adjusting the fit of the body panels with a big rubber mallet.
Sometimes making things fit right requires a little patience and some modification. Other times it takes a big rubber mallet. The dash panels are a fiberglass shell, covered in foam and covered again with a vinyl skin. I am in the process of reworking my dash and correcting many of the fit issues along the way. I haven't gotten to the mallet stage yet.
Sometimes making things fit right requires a little patience and some modification. Other times it takes a big rubber mallet. The dash panels are a fiberglass shell, covered in foam and covered again with a vinyl skin. I am in the process of reworking my dash and correcting many of the fit issues along the way. I haven't gotten to the mallet stage yet.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi 72/86,
I really can't offer any specific advice except to mention the sequence for the assembly that I've used.
First, the upper dash pad
Second, the left side dash pad ( still have the steer in coulmn loose at this point in case I need to move it up/down or left right.)
Third, the e-brake console.
Fourth, the shifter console.
Fifth, the center gauge cluster.
Lastly the right side dash pad.
I do not tighten ANYTHING all the way until ALL the parts are in place and ALL the fasteners are successfully started.
I then gradually begin to tighten the fasteners in steps as I continue to try to re-fine the alignment of the parts.
I find this all to be difficult and VERY time consuming but worth the effort.
Regards,
Alan
I really can't offer any specific advice except to mention the sequence for the assembly that I've used.
First, the upper dash pad
Second, the left side dash pad ( still have the steer in coulmn loose at this point in case I need to move it up/down or left right.)
Third, the e-brake console.
Fourth, the shifter console.
Fifth, the center gauge cluster.
Lastly the right side dash pad.
I do not tighten ANYTHING all the way until ALL the parts are in place and ALL the fasteners are successfully started.
I then gradually begin to tighten the fasteners in steps as I continue to try to re-fine the alignment of the parts.
I find this all to be difficult and VERY time consuming but worth the effort.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 43
From: Vernon CT
Hi 72/86,
I really can't offer any specific advice except to mention the sequence for the assembly that I've used.
First, the upper dash pad
Second, the left side dash pad ( still have the steer in coulmn loose at this point in case I need to move it up/down or left right.)
Third, the e-brake console.
Fourth, the shifter console.
Fifth, the center gauge cluster.
Lastly the right side dash pad.
I do not tighten ANYTHING all the way until ALL the parts are in place and ALL the fasteners are successfully started.
I then gradually begin to tighten the fasteners in steps as I continue to try to re-fine the alignment of the parts.
I find this all to be difficult and VERY time consuming but worth the effort.
Regards,
Alan
I really can't offer any specific advice except to mention the sequence for the assembly that I've used.
First, the upper dash pad
Second, the left side dash pad ( still have the steer in coulmn loose at this point in case I need to move it up/down or left right.)
Third, the e-brake console.
Fourth, the shifter console.
Fifth, the center gauge cluster.
Lastly the right side dash pad.
I do not tighten ANYTHING all the way until ALL the parts are in place and ALL the fasteners are successfully started.
I then gradually begin to tighten the fasteners in steps as I continue to try to re-fine the alignment of the parts.
I find this all to be difficult and VERY time consuming but worth the effort.
Regards,
Alan
FYI: the book "Corvette 1968-1982 Restoration Guide 2nd Ed."
Page 119; shows the driver's radio compt door, drivers lower dashpad and shift console doesn't meet correctly on this unrestored mid 70s vette.
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