Dash pad replacement
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Dash pad replacement
Hello to all you C3 people!
I need to replace the dash pad on my 78 and was wondering if anyone can advise me as to which vendor makes the best one and if so, what's better about it? Al Knoch verses Corvette America (Willcox) brands. The AK brand is considerately more. I've heard they've both made changes over the years and if there's no considerable differences I'd naturally rather go with the cheaper one especially since Willcox usually has it available under the "forum specials". Any suggestions? Have any of you gone through this before? Thank you in advance. ��
I need to replace the dash pad on my 78 and was wondering if anyone can advise me as to which vendor makes the best one and if so, what's better about it? Al Knoch verses Corvette America (Willcox) brands. The AK brand is considerately more. I've heard they've both made changes over the years and if there's no considerable differences I'd naturally rather go with the cheaper one especially since Willcox usually has it available under the "forum specials". Any suggestions? Have any of you gone through this before? Thank you in advance. ��
Last edited by Tommy K 47; Feb 24, 2015 at 09:13 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 5
From: Middle Earth
Hello to all you C3 people!
I need to replace the dash pad on my 78 and was wondering if anyone can advise me as to which vendor makes the best one and if so, what's better about it? Al Knoch verses Corvette America (Willcox) brands. The AK brand is considerately more. I've heard they've both made changes over the years and if there's no considerable differences I'd naturally rather go with the cheaper one especially since Willcox usually has it available under the "forum specials". Any suggestions? Have any of you gone through this before? Thank you in advance. ��
I need to replace the dash pad on my 78 and was wondering if anyone can advise me as to which vendor makes the best one and if so, what's better about it? Al Knoch verses Corvette America (Willcox) brands. The AK brand is considerately more. I've heard they've both made changes over the years and if there's no considerable differences I'd naturally rather go with the cheaper one especially since Willcox usually has it available under the "forum specials". Any suggestions? Have any of you gone through this before? Thank you in advance. ��
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
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From: Charlotte NC
Obviously the 78 and the 68 dash pads are completely different.
I can say this...I have installed the Corvette America dash pads for the 1978-1982 and there are fit issues where the foam is a bit thick and needs to be removed so the side air vents will actually twist and move. Also the Speedo/tach cluster unit can be a bit tight due to the same issue. The black speaker grille covers will also need some work to get them right....so when you have your original one out...do not throw it away....so you can compare and see where you need to do modifications....because there will be some needed. The glove box lock assembly is a bit fun to service and swap over....I have made a special tool to get it out once I removed the lock cylinder. Kinda like a modified Allen wrench.
I have not installed an Al Knoch one.
Make sure you get a new glove box door so it matches the new dash pad.
DUB
I can say this...I have installed the Corvette America dash pads for the 1978-1982 and there are fit issues where the foam is a bit thick and needs to be removed so the side air vents will actually twist and move. Also the Speedo/tach cluster unit can be a bit tight due to the same issue. The black speaker grille covers will also need some work to get them right....so when you have your original one out...do not throw it away....so you can compare and see where you need to do modifications....because there will be some needed. The glove box lock assembly is a bit fun to service and swap over....I have made a special tool to get it out once I removed the lock cylinder. Kinda like a modified Allen wrench.
I have not installed an Al Knoch one.
Make sure you get a new glove box door so it matches the new dash pad.
DUB
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 75
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Dashpad replacement
Obviously the 78 and the 68 dash pads are completely different.
I can say this...I have installed the Corvette America dash pads for the 1978-1982 and there are fit issues where the foam is a bit thick and needs to be removed so the side air vents will actually twist and move. Also the Speedo/tach cluster unit can be a bit tight due to the same issue. The black speaker grille covers will also need some work to get them right....so when you have your original one out...do not throw it away....so you can compare and see where you need to do modifications....because there will be some needed. The glove box lock assembly is a bit fun to service and swap over....I have made a special tool to get it out once I removed the lock cylinder. Kinda like a modified Allen wrench.
I have not installed an Al Knoch one.
Make sure you get a new glove box door so it matches the new dash pad.
DUB
I can say this...I have installed the Corvette America dash pads for the 1978-1982 and there are fit issues where the foam is a bit thick and needs to be removed so the side air vents will actually twist and move. Also the Speedo/tach cluster unit can be a bit tight due to the same issue. The black speaker grille covers will also need some work to get them right....so when you have your original one out...do not throw it away....so you can compare and see where you need to do modifications....because there will be some needed. The glove box lock assembly is a bit fun to service and swap over....I have made a special tool to get it out once I removed the lock cylinder. Kinda like a modified Allen wrench.
I have not installed an Al Knoch one.
Make sure you get a new glove box door so it matches the new dash pad.
DUB
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Thanks Dub for the info. I ordered a C A brand dashpad yesterday. I heard they've made some improvements over the years. Hopefully the issues you had were addressed but if not I'll make sure to take your advise on pre-fitting everything while I have the old one out using it as a template so to speak. Now I'm waiting for warmer weather.
We also have this on the site to help you with the installation.
Corvette Dash Pad Installation 1978-1982
If you go to our facebook page you'll find it the dash info here, you may have to like the page to view, I'm not versed on facebook all that much other than how to post there.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...6912924&type=3
Willcox :thumb:
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
We have two pages to help on that installation on the site.
One is how to remove the left hand only pad and the other is how to install the dash pads. However, they need to be put into one page because in our shop we always remove the steering column when doing anything to the left pad. It is easy to get out and makes the job so much easier. The instructions on how to remove the left pad contains the instructions on how to remove the steering column.. so follow that one first then jump into the pad removal and install.
Corvette Left Hand Dash Pad Removal Made Easy 1968-1977
Corvette Dash Pad Remove and Install Instructions 68-77
I carry both brand pads.... Al Knoch and Corvette America.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/advanced_...rds=dash%20pad
Willcox
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Dashpad replacement
We installed one in our shop last year.... it was a CA brand pad and there were very few issues. If you are on our facebook page we put some tips on too.
We also have this on the site to help you with the installation.
Corvette Dash Pad Installation 1978-1982
If you go to our facebook page you'll find it the dash info here, you may have to like the page to view, I'm not versed on facebook all that much other than how to post there.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...6912924&type=3
Willcox :thumb:
We also have this on the site to help you with the installation.
Corvette Dash Pad Installation 1978-1982
If you go to our facebook page you'll find it the dash info here, you may have to like the page to view, I'm not versed on facebook all that much other than how to post there.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...6912924&type=3
Willcox :thumb:
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78 Dashpad replacement
Thanks Zeus-of-Boost, yah I was wondering about that. I think the last owner must have had it out and busted the corner putting it back in. He then covered the top with a carpet topper. I hope the new one is more flexible and I'll try to take my time. Thanks for the heads up.
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78 Dashpad Replacement
Hi Jud Chapin, yes I heard they make a good one however Willcox had the CA brand on sale and after reading that they made several improvements to their dashpad over the years, I though I would save some money and give them a try. Now I need to wait for a nice warm day to install it. I sure don't want to break that sucker!
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From: Charlotte NC
DUB
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78 Dashpad replacement
Heating up the vinyl will aid in stopping it from shattering. Regardless if it is a 1968 and all the way to a 1982.
YES...the corners of your dash design that go under the pillar posts and fit in the corners of the lower windshield area can break instantly...and this is when HEAT GUN is needed. I have removed many and know that this works like a champ once I get the vinyl soft.
DUB
YES...the corners of your dash design that go under the pillar posts and fit in the corners of the lower windshield area can break instantly...and this is when HEAT GUN is needed. I have removed many and know that this works like a champ once I get the vinyl soft.
DUB
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I don't believe Dub was referring to new pads, just used. Its a new pad???? In all the years I've installed this pad, (from either vendor) I have never needed to heat one! You NO NOT need to heat the pad, it will not crack or distort upon installation.
Put in the left corner, guide the right hand corner toward the pillar post and push up in the middle per my instructions sheet suggestions, it will fall right in place.
If this was a old dried out used pad and if I was worried about it cracking I would heat it but there is no sense in taking any chance with the new pad....
IMHO,
Willcox
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Mar 8, 2015 at 11:45 AM.
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78 Dashpad replacement
Its a new pad???? In all the years I've installed this pad, (from either vendor) I have never needed to heat one! You NO NOT need to heat the pad, it will not crack or distort upon installation.
Put in the left corner, guide the right hand corner toward the pillar post and push up in the middle per my instructions sheet suggestions, it will fall right in place.
If this was a old dried out used pad and if I was worried about it cracking I would heat it but there is no sense in taking any chance with the new pad....
Willcox
Put in the left corner, guide the right hand corner toward the pillar post and push up in the middle per my instructions sheet suggestions, it will fall right in place.
If this was a old dried out used pad and if I was worried about it cracking I would heat it but there is no sense in taking any chance with the new pad....
Willcox
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Thank you Willcox for confirming that. I guess they're talking about removing and reinstalling original pads that have become dried out and brittle? I'm keeping mine in the shipping box (because it seems properly supported) in my house until a nice warm day when I'll do the installation. I'm sure I would've gone as far as I possibly could before applying any heat anyways but now hearing from you that I don't need to and in fact shouldn't, is good to hear. Thanks again. This Corvette Forum is great!
Willcox
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From: Charlotte NC
YES...I LEFT OUT a key piece of information....that Willcox clarified. I use a heat gun on OLD dash pads....NOT NEW dash pads.
BUT....I have found...that unless it has been resigned/tooled. When I have installed the dash panels for a 1978-1982. I have found that when installing the air vents...they needed to be re-worked due to the vent WOULD NOT swivel side to side due to the foam caused it to bind up on the vent. SO i would dig out some foam and get it so the vent would actually be easily adjuster...and sometimes I have to use a heat gun and towel soaked in water so I can re-shape the vinyl and then cool it to hold that shape...AND this also deals withe the speedo/tach panel and lens...>AND when installing the gauge bezel...you want to cut and trim the opening of any extra vinyl (this is why you keep your original and COMPARE IT..so when you go and slide your gauge bezel in...it can easily come back out...ad not actually hang up on the edges where the steel plate that holds the gauges to the plastic bezel...which can cause for it to break if you get caught and pull too hard on it.
DUB
BUT....I have found...that unless it has been resigned/tooled. When I have installed the dash panels for a 1978-1982. I have found that when installing the air vents...they needed to be re-worked due to the vent WOULD NOT swivel side to side due to the foam caused it to bind up on the vent. SO i would dig out some foam and get it so the vent would actually be easily adjuster...and sometimes I have to use a heat gun and towel soaked in water so I can re-shape the vinyl and then cool it to hold that shape...AND this also deals withe the speedo/tach panel and lens...>AND when installing the gauge bezel...you want to cut and trim the opening of any extra vinyl (this is why you keep your original and COMPARE IT..so when you go and slide your gauge bezel in...it can easily come back out...ad not actually hang up on the edges where the steel plate that holds the gauges to the plastic bezel...which can cause for it to break if you get caught and pull too hard on it.
DUB
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Advanced
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 75
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78 Dashpad replacement
YES...I LEFT OUT a key piece of information....that Willcox clarified. I use a heat gun on OLD dash pads....NOT NEW dash pads.
BUT....I have found...that unless it has been resigned/tooled. When I have installed the dash panels for a 1978-1982. I have found that when installing the air vents...they needed to be re-worked due to the vent WOULD NOT swivel side to side due to the foam caused it to bind up on the vent. SO i would dig out some foam and get it so the vent would actually be easily adjuster...and sometimes I have to use a heat gun and towel soaked in water so I can re-shape the vinyl and then cool it to hold that shape...AND this also deals withe the speedo/tach panel and lens...>AND when installing the gauge bezel...you want to cut and trim the opening of any extra vinyl (this is why you keep your original and COMPARE IT..so when you go and slide your gauge bezel in...it can easily come back out...ad not actually hang up on the edges where the steel plate that holds the gauges to the plastic bezel...which can cause for it to break if you get caught and pull too hard on it.
DUB
BUT....I have found...that unless it has been resigned/tooled. When I have installed the dash panels for a 1978-1982. I have found that when installing the air vents...they needed to be re-worked due to the vent WOULD NOT swivel side to side due to the foam caused it to bind up on the vent. SO i would dig out some foam and get it so the vent would actually be easily adjuster...and sometimes I have to use a heat gun and towel soaked in water so I can re-shape the vinyl and then cool it to hold that shape...AND this also deals withe the speedo/tach panel and lens...>AND when installing the gauge bezel...you want to cut and trim the opening of any extra vinyl (this is why you keep your original and COMPARE IT..so when you go and slide your gauge bezel in...it can easily come back out...ad not actually hang up on the edges where the steel plate that holds the gauges to the plastic bezel...which can cause for it to break if you get caught and pull too hard on it.
DUB
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 406
Likes: 22
From: Lyons Colorado
I was very disappointed with the Corvette America dash pad and sent it back. It fit poorly everywhere and I couldn't live with it. Instead I scoured Craigslist for a used dash and found a nice one with a small crack that I could live with for 200 bucks. I repainted and installed it and am quite pleased with the results.
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I was very disappointed with the Corvette America dash pad and sent it back. It fit poorly everywhere and I couldn't live with it. Instead I scoured Craigslist for a used dash and found a nice one with a small crack that I could live with for 200 bucks. I repainted and installed it and am quite pleased with the results.