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C3 top dash pad differences?

Old Mar 15, 2014 | 11:42 AM
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Default C3 top dash pad differences?

I recently bought a nice used OEM top dash pad for my 71 coupe....the owner thought it was for a 71 but when I received it I noticed it had a 1/4" wide indentation (from the factory) that runs the full length on the top front edge.

I'm thinking this is a 73 or later dash pad? Can someone help? Kinda bummed because this was a beauty.

Thanks, Kevin
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Old Mar 15, 2014 | 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by grumman41
I recently bought a nice used OEM top dash pad for my 71 coupe....the owner thought it was for a 71 but when I received it I noticed it had a 1/4" wide indentation (from the factory) that runs the full length on the top front edge.

I'm thinking this is a 73 or later dash pad? Can someone help? Kinda bummed because this was a beauty.

Thanks, Kevin
Do you have a pic showing that indentation?
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Old Mar 15, 2014 | 04:47 PM
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Hi Kevin,
I 'believe' 68-69 dash top pads were smooth and the double row of stitching and slight indentation appeared on 1970 model year cars.
I believe the lower dash pads got the indentation and stitching along the center gauge bezel at the same time.
Regards,
Alan

This is the original pad from my 71.



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Old Mar 15, 2014 | 08:24 PM
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68-69 dash pad didn't have speaker holes in the top.



70-76 dash pad had speaker holes, and a stitched edge as shown in Alan's picture.


77 upper pad looked just like the 70-76 with speaker holes, yet it didn't have the stitched seam on the forward edge.

Willcox
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 09:49 AM
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I don't have any pictures but this top pad has speaker holes, and instead of stitching has a 1/4" indentation that is in about the same location as the one in Alans picture.

Kevin
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 10:04 AM
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It's a 77 pad
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 10:04 AM
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It's a mystery to me. The 1974 has the stitching.

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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 01:18 PM
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I thought I posted a 77 dash pad picture.. but this is your dash pad. See the groove.... and no stitching.

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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 01:23 PM
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Thats it exactly, thanks for the help. I've never seen this exact dash, is it a 77 year only?

Kevin
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Old Mar 16, 2014 | 01:33 PM
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Yes.. will it fit your car.. yes... you just won't have the stitches.
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