Dash Cap/Covers : Anyone Try Them??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
Dash Cap/Covers : Anyone Try Them??
Well guys I messed up the other day while cleaning my dash. When I got the car three years ago I noticed a little minor crack just between two or three of the speaker grille holes on my 73. Not very noticeable at all. In fact the judges didn't see it. Knowing that I've always been super cautious while wiping it off until the other day when I just plain forgot and pressed too hard and cracked it more. It's still tough to see unless you really look for it. But I know it's there. I really don't want to replace the dash pad, I'm just not up to removing everything to do it. 
I see that the vendors sell a dash cap that snaps over the original dash.
Has anyone used one of these? If so, what are your opinions on them? A photo of what it looks like on the car would be nice too
They come in different colors too. What about the color match? I would need 73 Dark Red/Oxblood. Photos attached. Note: Those yellowish marks are not on my dash, it's some type of glare or reflection on the glass.....
Your thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tooch.
I see that the vendors sell a dash cap that snaps over the original dash. Has anyone used one of these? If so, what are your opinions on them? A photo of what it looks like on the car would be nice too
They come in different colors too. What about the color match? I would need 73 Dark Red/Oxblood. Photos attached. Note: Those yellowish marks are not on my dash, it's some type of glare or reflection on the glass.....Your thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tooch.
Last edited by Tooch1; Jun 9, 2017 at 10:06 PM. Reason: Added info.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Ive seen them on a few cars, on the purist ncrs side of the coin, no go,
For a fun time driver when installed with care they look way better than a cracked dash,
I would use them, but i also like my dash mat carpet cover most people hate.
For a fun time driver when installed with care they look way better than a cracked dash,
I would use them, but i also like my dash mat carpet cover most people hate.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Tooch,
I can imagine how you feel.
I see the crack that you describe. Runs through perhaps 8 or 9 holes?
I think the dash covers are pretty silly and put them in the same category as bras that are used only because the front bumper is in poor condition.
I don't think it's bad enough to do anything about at this point.
Someday when the interior is coming apart for some reason think about a new pad.
Regards,
Alan
The odd thing is I bet it could be repaired well IF the pad were OUT. But if the pad is dry enough for that to happen, the pad might be damaged elsewhere in getting it back in place.
I can imagine how you feel.
I see the crack that you describe. Runs through perhaps 8 or 9 holes?
I think the dash covers are pretty silly and put them in the same category as bras that are used only because the front bumper is in poor condition.
I don't think it's bad enough to do anything about at this point.
Someday when the interior is coming apart for some reason think about a new pad.
Regards,
Alan
The odd thing is I bet it could be repaired well IF the pad were OUT. But if the pad is dry enough for that to happen, the pad might be damaged elsewhere in getting it back in place.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I purchased my car with a dash cover on it. You can't tell that it's not the factory dash cover. Apparently it takes some precise trimming around some of the edges though. That is the only way that I knew it was a dash cover. Whoever installed mine did a jam up job.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
Hi Tooch,
I can imagine how you feel.
I see the crack that you describe. Runs through perhaps 8 or 9 holes?
I think the dash covers are pretty silly and put them in the same category as bras that are used only because the front bumper is in poor condition.
I don't think it's bad enough to do anything about at this point.
Someday when the interior is coming apart for some reason think about a new pad.
Regards,
Alan
The odd thing is I bet it could be repaired well IF the pad were OUT. But if the pad is dry enough for that to happen, the pad might be damaged elsewhere in getting it back in place.
I can imagine how you feel.
I see the crack that you describe. Runs through perhaps 8 or 9 holes?
I think the dash covers are pretty silly and put them in the same category as bras that are used only because the front bumper is in poor condition.
I don't think it's bad enough to do anything about at this point.
Someday when the interior is coming apart for some reason think about a new pad.
Regards,
Alan
The odd thing is I bet it could be repaired well IF the pad were OUT. But if the pad is dry enough for that to happen, the pad might be damaged elsewhere in getting it back in place.
I agree that I could probably repair it if the pad was removed. I thought about trying to lift one side of the broken speaker section up just enough to try to apply a light coat of super glue on the edges with a very small brush and then gently push the section back together, but that would be a one time shot. The glue would probably dry before I got them together anyway. It might also make the issue more noticeable than it already is. The years have taken a toll on it. Plus, I haven't helped matters much by taking it to shows and cruises all summer season long where it is xposed to the hot sun. I considered the carpeted style cover that 13bats mentioned for UV protection but I've only seen them in black..
I think I'll just leave things alone for now. I guess it could have been worse, and an entire piece could have broke out.....
Thanks,
Tooch
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
That's what I was most concerned about was how they fit. Especially over the front edge. What color is your interior? black? I would think it might have the best color match. What year is your car? The 73 dash pad has the stitching along the front edge which the caps do not have, making it more noticeable.
Tooch
Last edited by Tooch1; Jun 10, 2017 at 09:16 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi tooch,
Here's a couple of photos showing the amount of access you can get by dropping the steering column and pulling the lower dash pad down and toward the rear a little.
I think you should be able to get the speaker and it's bracket out with this amount of clearance.
Try to not let it bother you too much! I DO understand your feeling though!
Regards,
Alan
Here's a couple of photos showing the amount of access you can get by dropping the steering column and pulling the lower dash pad down and toward the rear a little.
I think you should be able to get the speaker and it's bracket out with this amount of clearance.
Try to not let it bother you too much! I DO understand your feeling though!
Regards,
Alan
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
Thanks for the pictures Alan,
There is more clearance there than I expected to see. So then, is it possible to replace the top pad without totally removing the driver's side lower pad? I was stressed over unplugging everything and disconnecting the speedo etc.
Jimmy
There is more clearance there than I expected to see. So then, is it possible to replace the top pad without totally removing the driver's side lower pad? I was stressed over unplugging everything and disconnecting the speedo etc.
Jimmy
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Jimmy,
Fitting the upper pad is a bit tricky at best, EVEN with a new pad.
The pad is SLIGHTLY too wide to fit between the a-pillars, so the pad must be 'tipped' and slightly 'humped up' in the middle to slip it into place.
It's especially dangerous with aged pad that has become brittle/fragile.
Regards,
Alan
Fitting the upper pad is a bit tricky at best, EVEN with a new pad.
The pad is SLIGHTLY too wide to fit between the a-pillars, so the pad must be 'tipped' and slightly 'humped up' in the middle to slip it into place.
It's especially dangerous with aged pad that has become brittle/fragile.
Regards,
Alan
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
There's a few threads in the archives about wrestling with some of the new repro pads during installation. They can be challenging. If you routinely visit swap meets with Corvette Parts like most of us, just keep in mind to keep a lookout for a nice used original pad you can replace it with, even if it needs to be dyed to match.
I think this is a better route than a quickie coverup. The end result will be worth the effort.
I think this is a better route than a quickie coverup. The end result will be worth the effort.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
There's a few threads in the archives about wrestling with some of the new repro pads during installation. They can be challenging. If you routinely visit swap meets with Corvette Parts like most of us, just keep in mind to keep a lookout for a nice used original pad you can replace it with, even if it needs to be dyed to match.
I think this is a better route than a quickie coverup. The end result will be worth the effort.
I think this is a better route than a quickie coverup. The end result will be worth the effort.
When I was looking for a pad for my 71, I decided to buy a repro. It was very flexible and installed easily. I saw a nice original in the right shade at Carlisle, but didn't go for it because I worried about cracking it during the install.
Last edited by hzz; Jun 10, 2017 at 12:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
There's a few threads in the archives about wrestling with some of the new repro pads during installation. They can be challenging. If you routinely visit swap meets with Corvette Parts like most of us, just keep in mind to keep a lookout for a nice used original pad you can replace it with, even if it needs to be dyed to match.
I think this is a better route than a quickie coverup. The end result will be worth the effort.
I think this is a better route than a quickie coverup. The end result will be worth the effort.
Finding a good used one that is not as brittle will be tough too, but I just added it to my list of items to look for @ Carlisle this year. I could just kick myself for doing it...
It's all GM's fault. They should have left the front speakers in the front kick panels and left the pad solid on top!!!
Thanks guys!
Tooch
Last edited by Tooch1; Jun 10, 2017 at 12:05 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Tooch,
I really have no idea of the reason for the move in the location of the speakers.
But I've wondered if it was because they began to rust due to the problems with water infiltration in the windshield frame, cowl, and hinge pillar ?!?
Wouldn't that have been something!
Regards,
Alan
I really have no idea of the reason for the move in the location of the speakers.
But I've wondered if it was because they began to rust due to the problems with water infiltration in the windshield frame, cowl, and hinge pillar ?!?
Wouldn't that have been something!
Regards,
Alan
