C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Dash Pad Repair

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 31, 2014 | 09:42 AM
  #1  
Jcpstrat's Avatar
Jcpstrat
Thread Starter
Racer
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 480
Likes: 95
From: Georgetown Kentucky
Default Dash Pad Repair

While cleaning dash, I went thru the speaker grille. Apparently the sun & age has taken it's toll and the grille area was VERY fragile. (See pic)

I've seen some other threads about repairing cracks in the dash and not sure they would work on the grille area ... things like vinyl repair kits, vinyl repair services, a "dash skin" or a whole new dash pad. Dash is perfect except for this.

Anyone have knowledge or thoughts on how any of these would work on the speaker grille areas? Thanks


Reply
Old Oct 31, 2014 | 06:44 PM
  #2  
DUB's Avatar
DUB
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
Default

Time for a new dash pad. This would be like trying to put 'Humpty Dumpty' back together again.

IF I were to do this repair...and that is a REALLY BIG IF...it would end up costing more than new dash pad...and still could break due to being so brittle.

DUB
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2014 | 07:05 PM
  #3  
Mooser's Avatar
Mooser
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,334
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Default

If you can find one reasonably $$$

Well, you've got nothing to loose....

Depending on how perfect you want it to be is:

I've never seen anyone have much luck with those repair kits (except the people on the commercials who seem to be better than we are)

Since the areas where the piece and the dash connect are small, you might get away with trying to re-attach that piece. I'd try crazy glue gell (the one for foam/wood/etc) and carefully put the pieces back in, one section at a time. I'd then add a screen or something along those lines to the inside to add some strength to the area. A dusting of vinyl dye could help blend in the reworked area.

Here's a thread from a while back about the overlays, I used a skin but I don't think they are available anymore

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...n-overlay.html

HIH
M
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2014 | 07:17 PM
  #4  
kjbuster1's Avatar
kjbuster1
Racer
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 360
Likes: 37
From: Sebastian FL
Default Dash pad

Originally Posted by Jcpstrat
While cleaning dash, I went thru the speaker grille. Apparently the sun & age has taken it's toll and the grille area was VERY fragile. (See pic)

I've seen some other threads about repairing cracks in the dash and not sure they would work on the grille area ... things like vinyl repair kits, vinyl repair services, a "dash skin" or a whole new dash pad. Dash is perfect except for this.

Anyone have knowledge or thoughts on how any of these would work on the speaker grille areas? Thanks


I think if I had the pad out like you do I would replace it. However, I have had good luck repairing cracked vinyl with a two component cement called PC-7. It is dark grey in color. I'd use it to piece in the broken section and then to reinforce the speaker perforations on both sides of the pad.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2014 | 07:41 PM
  #5  
blue by you's Avatar
blue by you
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 100
From: cranford nj
Default

you can make new covers for both side and dye or paint them to match
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2014 | 08:28 PM
  #6  
Jcpstrat's Avatar
Jcpstrat
Thread Starter
Racer
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 480
Likes: 95
From: Georgetown Kentucky
Default

Thanks everyone for replies/suggestions.

DUB & kjbuster1 … I’m seriously thinking of your suggestions of a new dash pad. Pricing both a new Dash and a CAP shows the new Dash will be about $136 more than a CAP and I want to make sure it looks and fits right.

Mooser … the grille area is like a very light, brittle foam. Doesn’t appear to be plastic unless the sun and heat did something to it. That large piece just crumbles around the edges when I fool with it. I checked out your link and the one pic from oledave60 looked GREAT for a cover but other’s seemed to have more issues with fitting there’s in. Thanks for link.

blue by you … not sure I understand what your suggesting! Are you talking about making covers for just the speaker grilles?

Anyway I’m going to think about all this over the weekend and then pull the trigger.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2014 | 08:41 PM
  #7  
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Default

We have a sale going on right now.. email us direct for info on discount coupons.. specialoffer@willcoxcorvette.com


http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=11347
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2014 | 09:59 PM
  #8  
401KVette's Avatar
401KVette
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
From: Port Allen Louisiana
Default Let's Goop it:

If you are really trying to save money, or you just want to keep it all original with it's original interior items, you could Goop it. Since you have it off you could Goop it from the backside to hide it. If you have never used this stuff before it is great. I use it on almost everything I need to glue from shoes to a tear in the vinyl seat of my old truck. It dries clear and flexible. It's reminds me of clear silicone but I find it holds much better and unlike clear silicone it won't go bad in the tube. Also if the rest of the speaker grill is weak, you could reinforce it from the back side. Just spread it around.If your speakers play you would have to be careful not to stop up to many holes, and those you do you could open them back up. On the topside I'm sure you might still see some hairline cracks and maybe touch that up with some dye. You can get the Goop at Walmart or just about any hardware store. Which ever way you go, Good Luck.

Last edited by 401KVette; Nov 1, 2014 at 12:23 AM.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-4

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Nov 1, 2014 | 11:07 AM
  #9  
Lakeside49's Avatar
Lakeside49
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 365
From: The Motor City
Default

Good post. You've definitely been presented with options that include the three B's (Best, Better ...and Bubba).

You'll never regret doing it the quality way. These cars deserve the love.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2014 | 11:19 AM
  #10  
Jcpstrat's Avatar
Jcpstrat
Thread Starter
Racer
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 480
Likes: 95
From: Georgetown Kentucky
Default

Thanks 401Kvette & Lakeside49 … ironically the post just above 401Kvette’s, with their weekend special of 15% off, is the best deal I’ve found for a new pad so I’m going to jump on it.

401Kvette … there’s actually some small pieces that are missing and the darn thing is SO brittle/fragile and don’t want to go through this again. Really it didn’t take much to destroy that area and although the other side looks fine I bet it’s the same thing. I’ll keep your tip about Goop in mind if I run into another situation where that might help.

If anyone wants my old dash pad to fool with it’s yours if you pay the shipping or come and get it.

Thanks again everyone for your input … it’s all been great. JP
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2014 | 06:18 PM
  #11  
DUB's Avatar
DUB
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
Default

Originally Posted by blue by you
you can make new covers for both side and dye or paint them to match
I would like to see that done! I honestly think that would be a big waste of time. New dash pads are not that expensive.

Originally Posted by Jcpstrat
Thanks 401Kvette & Lakeside49 … ironically the post just above 401Kvette’s, with their weekend special of 15% off, is the best deal I’ve found for a new pad so I’m going to jump on it.
SMARTY DECISION...mainly because the dash pad caps are just a cheap fix.

DUB
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2014 | 07:01 PM
  #12  
401KVette's Avatar
401KVette
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
From: Port Allen Louisiana
Default

Originally Posted by Jcpstrat
Thanks 401Kvette & Lakeside49 … ironically the post just above 401Kvette’s, with their weekend special of 15% off, is the best deal I’ve found for a new pad so I’m going to jump on it.

401Kvette … there’s actually some small pieces that are missing and the darn thing is SO brittle/fragile and don’t want to go through this again. Really it didn’t take much to destroy that area and although the other side looks fine I bet it’s the same thing. I’ll keep your tip about Goop in mind if I run into another situation where that might help.

If anyone wants my old dash pad to fool with it’s yours if you pay the shipping or come and get it.

Thanks again everyone for your input … it’s all been great. JP
Hey, Bubba here. I guess that's me. LOL If the condition is that bad I would definitely go with a new one. I brought up the Goop for the reasons stated, plus I didn't know if you were a hard core Survivor Vette owner. Good luck with the project..
Reply
Old Nov 6, 2014 | 10:36 PM
  #13  
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Default

Originally Posted by Jcpstrat
Thanks 401Kvette & Lakeside49 … ironically the post just above 401Kvette’s, with their weekend special of 15% off, is the best deal I’ve found for a new pad so I’m going to jump on it.

401Kvette … there’s actually some small pieces that are missing and the darn thing is SO brittle/fragile and don’t want to go through this again. Really it didn’t take much to destroy that area and although the other side looks fine I bet it’s the same thing. I’ll keep your tip about Goop in mind if I run into another situation where that might help.

If anyone wants my old dash pad to fool with it’s yours if you pay the shipping or come and get it.

Thanks again everyone for your input … it’s all been great. JP
Thank you for the order..

Willcox
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2014 | 08:55 AM
  #14  
Jcpstrat's Avatar
Jcpstrat
Thread Starter
Racer
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 480
Likes: 95
From: Georgetown Kentucky
Default

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette
Thank you for the order..

Willcox
Thanks for letting me know of your special ... I ordered it Saturday and received it yesterday ... looks perfect and I really like that it has all the clips & brackets already attached so I don't have to transfer anything.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2014 | 11:24 AM
  #15  
MrJlr's Avatar
MrJlr
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Default

Get the new pad from Wilcox and be done.

It's a Corvette, not a Toyota

Edit: didn't read the last couple of posts. Good decision.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2016 | 10:47 AM
  #16  
sakins.02vert's Avatar
sakins.02vert
Pro
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 710
Likes: 2
From: Raynham MA
Default

Hey Guys, My dash pad is in decent shape.. however, the driver side speak is pushed in a little, cracked. I think if I can get underneath I can lightly push it back in position and goop it.. What do I have to do to get access to underneath the driver side dash pad speaker to do this? Thanks
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2016 | 12:02 PM
  #17  
mardyn's Avatar
mardyn
Safety Car
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 39
From: Beautiful East Texas
Default

Mine was cracked slightly in the speaker perforations as well... I put some black screen material on the bottom side with weather strip adhesive to hold it all in place.

It's not perfect, but looks pretty good unless you're right on top of it.

mardyn
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Dash Pad Repair

Old Oct 1, 2016 | 12:49 PM
  #18  
sakins.02vert's Avatar
sakins.02vert
Pro
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 710
Likes: 2
From: Raynham MA
Default

Thanks Mardyn.. how did you get access underneath? Did you have to remove anything?
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2016 | 01:04 PM
  #19  
mardyn's Avatar
mardyn
Safety Car
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 39
From: Beautiful East Texas
Default

I had the dash pad out while repairing some other issues hidden beneath... I used lots of aluminum sheet and epoxy repairing brittle/broken stuff behind the dash panels.

mardyn
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2016 | 06:08 PM
  #20  
DUB's Avatar
DUB
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
Default

Originally Posted by sakins.02vert
Thanks Mardyn.. how did you get access underneath? Did you have to remove anything?
YES...the dash pad needs to be removed. There will be literally no way for you to comfortably work on it with it in the car.

DUB
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:11 AM.

story-0
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE