Dash pad
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,519
Likes: 1
From: Plant City Florida
Dash pad
My dash on my 1980 is showing signs that it may start cracking. Just the black vinyl covered area. Just a tiny bit here or there. The question: Is it possible for the vinyl to be replaced and the dash recovered? Or would I need to replace the whole thing in the future. It isn't bad now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 2
From: Summerville SC
Re: Dash pad (Tim80)
It will need to be removed than you can make up your mind to replace or recover. I replaced mine :cool: The dash has two screws on each side in the door jams and two clips on the center interior firewall. :cool: The other thing you have to do is to remove all the gauges, speedo, tach, lower steering column to be able to pull dash out :cheers:
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Re: Dash pad (Tim80)
Just be careful when you take the gauge console bezel out!
Mine broke on one side the first time I removed it.
Its only about a quarter of an inch at one point, and not metal.
Also make sure that you put the gauge wiring back in the right place, dont ask me how I know that one..... :bb :bb
Mine broke on one side the first time I removed it.
Its only about a quarter of an inch at one point, and not metal.
Also make sure that you put the gauge wiring back in the right place, dont ask me how I know that one..... :bb :bb
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 111
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Dash pad (Tim80)
When I replaced my driver side dash speaker I never was able to get my dash pad out past the A-pillars on my 75. I ended up dropping the steering column and then I dropped the speedo/tach cluster so that I could get enough clearance to get the speaker out. I wrote a paper on dropping the column. You might find it helpful.
Go to: http://www.corvettefaq.com and go to Suspension and Steering. The second topic is Adjust Dimmer and/or Ignition Switch - Dropping Steering Column.
Having said the above, I later read a post on this forum where someone suggested heating the dash pad with a hair dryer, heating pad (or just leaving the car in the sun) to warm it up so that the pad would be more pliable and bend in the middle to clear the A-pillars.
Go to: http://www.corvettefaq.com and go to Suspension and Steering. The second topic is Adjust Dimmer and/or Ignition Switch - Dropping Steering Column.
Having said the above, I later read a post on this forum where someone suggested heating the dash pad with a hair dryer, heating pad (or just leaving the car in the sun) to warm it up so that the pad would be more pliable and bend in the middle to clear the A-pillars.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: florida
Re: Dash pad (Jim Shea)
The best thing you can do besides forking out 500 for a new dash is to remove it, repair all the cracks with a good repair kit making sure to match the grain. Once you get the repairs the way you want them, redye the dash. Make sure it is free of all oils before you dye it. I use a laquer thinner to remove all the dirt and oils. lou :chevy
