Some People Never learn!!!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
Likes: 6
From: Chesterfield Virginia
Some People Never learn!!!!
Should have used the search forum before buying my reproduction left side dash pad. After opening the box this morning, realized it would never be anything like the original for fit and finish. Checked the forum and found several members have had the same problem. Will not give out the makers name and start a firestorm of opinions but it is the same one members have written up in the past. Anyone know of a good manufacturer with quality parts that will fit properly? Better yet, has anyone repaired the area where center console screws in? This is the two small screws holes where metal center dash connects to drivers side dash (72vet). Mine is torn with no inside guts to hold a screw of any kind. Rest of dash is in very good condition and now I really need to salvage it after finding out what the aftermarket has to offer. Ideas appreciated!
Thanks,
Norm
Thanks,
Norm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Should have used the search forum before buying my reproduction left side dash pad. After opening the box this morning, realized it would never be anything like the original for fit and finish. Checked the forum and found several members have had the same problem. Will not give out the makers name and start a firestorm of opinions but it is the same one members have written up in the past. Anyone know of a good manufacturer with quality parts that will fit properly? Better yet, has anyone repaired the area where center console screws in? This is the two small screws holes where metal center dash connects to drivers side dash (72vet). Mine is torn with no inside guts to hold a screw of any kind. Rest of dash is in very good condition and now I really need to salvage it after finding out what the aftermarket has to offer. Ideas appreciated!
Thanks,
Norm
Thanks,
Norm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Sorry to hear that your reproduction parts were not up to par. I'm on my third Vette, one 66 Vert, another C-3 and this last and final one (I hope) a 74. I did 90% of the restoration in 01 & 02 and got most of my parts from some of the parts, like the top dash were drop shipped from Corvette America. If I was starting out again today I would try Willcox, he's always on the forum and the most helpful of all the vendors. PG.
Last edited by GDaina; Apr 4, 2009 at 12:46 PM. Reason: non supporting vendor
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
I repaired my upped dash's screw holes with a JB weld epoxy putty (called JB Stick), I just fill the stripped screw hole with it and spread alittle more on the outer surface around it and let it dry solid for a day or two, then I drill it the right size (a little less than the screw size) and its back to business.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
I continue to find that the interior 'soft' parts vary wildly in quality and fit. Right now I'm trying to learn how to repair vinyl splits so I can save 2 original parts. It seems the fit is only disappointing until you see the color variation.
Remember we are talking about 35+ year old parts.
How many actual interior parts manufacturers are producing parts? 3-4?
Regards,
Alan
Remember we are talking about 35+ year old parts.
How many actual interior parts manufacturers are producing parts? 3-4?
Regards,
Alan
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
I've done several repairs of that type, non-visible areas, using epoxy mixed with chopped glass. Mix well and fill the fill the area completely. I think the addition of glass give extra reinfocement and something for the screws to bite into.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Dimondale Mich
On my 82 I have repaired some of the interior plastic parts with PVC/CPVC/ABS glue from the local hardware. I always test the part on the back with the cleaner first to see if it get gummy or if it just wipes off. That will let you know if there is a chemical reaction and the glue will bond. So far I have pretty good luck doing it. Alot of the plastic parts I found are ABS plastic. 
