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Last year I bought a new Corvette America dash via Willcox for my 1980. Just now getting around to working on installation. I realize these things are not 100% duplicates of the original, but I am working through some fitment issues. For example, the wiper switch and bezel. I can see the new dash as a much more rectangular relief on the front of the dash compared to the original. The bezel, isn't really rectangular, and has a difficult time fitting. Other than pushing it in, has anyone used any particular method to massage the new dash material around? I'm thinking perhaps a heat gun to soften things up, put in bezel, and then hope as it cools it would be more likely to hold the new shape. But, wanted to ask around before I go at the brand new (not cheap) dash with any sort of tooling.
Anyone already deal with some of the same issues?
Rectangular relief in new dash. Front view of wiper control bezel. Rear view of wiper control bezel.
Anyone have any tips for how to make these types of adjustments?
I have already watched a number of videos and read posts discussing the installation itself, not much different than the reverse of the removal, and some of the tips and tricks to go along with that, but has anyone had to make tweaks to the dash itself? I have already had to carve out some larger openings for in-dash speakers, but again, for how pricey the dash pad is, I don't want to end up regretting something and would rather learn from those who have done it before.
I went the same way as you and experiences similar issues. I ended up dying a used one and was much more successful. The installation is a bear not withstanding headwinds with repro parts.
New Dash Install
