Found a great price for a new dash pad for an Ebay Seller. Got it quickly and was in sealed Corvette America box.

First problem was that when switching over the speaker grills, they werenot level with the top of the dash. Almost 1/4 in below. Fixed that using spacers and longer screws.
Then the big trouble begins. I've removed and reinstalled my dash pad at least 5 times over the years so I know the process.
For 2 hours this thing would not go in. Finally pulled it back out and compared to original. The width is over 1/4 in too wide front to back so that it can t go in as far as it should. Defroster doesn't line up.
Clips are also not spaced right. First picture is original, second of new pad. Off in spacing sideways too

Really disappointed as I've wanted a new dash pad for a long time.

Anyone ever run into a similar situation?

 

 

Box is marked 84-85. Wonder what the difference it is compared to 86-89

 

Is that a leather covering, if so how did they wrap it on the sides? I have been wanting to try that. Clip looks close BTW.

 

The top one is wrapped because of a crack. You can just make it out right side of defroster edge.
The clip is correct in that picture

 

Maybe the 'fit' is what put it on eBay to start with. Many vendors dispose of their customer returns in this fashion. Sealed box? Well maybe the vendor realized a problem with a particular 'lot' from whoever and this this is the way they rid themselves of the problems.

The manufacturer doesn't want to hear about issues/won't listen to issues and the reseller feels they need to do something to limit the loss.

Happens everyday and more often than some might expect.

 

Doubt it. Was sealed in factory bag in the box. Seller doesn't have a choice to take it back or not. This item was shipped directly from Mid America

 

It found it's way to eBay for a reason. I didn't question the fact that the eBay seller isn't obligated to handle the return BUT maybe the ''NEXT' guy makes do with it. Now you mention 'Mid America' - do they have an exchange? A quick glance at their eBay store and I don't see another. I don't buy from them and seldom on eBay for anything.

Maybe sorta substantiates what I mentioned!!

It might be interesting to pass on their thoughts regarding your issues.

 

This has nothing to do with ebay. I just happened to buy it from there at a great price.Many sell on ebay and have items ship directly from the manufacturer as was in this case

 

People probably complained of rattling or something like that so GM made changes for 86 and up if I had to guess.

I see Ecklers shows 2 different versions on their website so clearly there was a change between 85 and 86.

https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corv...1986-1989.html
https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corv...1984-1985.html

 

eBay has 'everything' to do with it! It's 'where' you bought it and the damn thing doesn't fit. The associated vendors/resellers that you mentioned may or may NOT have been involved with it getting there but right now you've got nothing but 'the aggravation' of the attempted install and NOW the return.

Price? I don't believe 'price' could be considered 'relevant' at this point!!

It matters NOT what it fits - for sure (you say) it doesn't fit your car!

What's your expense for the return? I can't imagine the seller provided 'FREE' shipping or will absorb shipping back considering the size of the package.

 

On Ebay if something is defective, the seller is required to take it back at their expense. As soon as tracking says they got it back, ebay automatically refunds to paypal account including any shipping you paid when purchased. Sellers don't sell long if they aren't honest.


Like I said, Ebay is just a place to sell. Half the venders on this forum sell on Ebay.Wilcox for one. Doesn't mean they sell their junk there.

 

If CA drop shipped it to you, can you just call them and ask them for one that is made properly?

It's their product and it is brand new...

 

believe it or not, fleabay has a very good return policy - if the part somehow doesn't fit, is faulty, damaged, improperly listed, etc., you first have to request a return and/or refund with the seller. if the seller fails to make good on an item or transaction, for what ever reason, the buyer has the option of filing a formal request directly to or through ebay. ebay steps in as an arbitrator, evaluates the transaction, and will make a ruling on the item or transaction. if the seller is at fault, your full purchase price is refunded, including shipping, and in most cases, you get to keep the faulty item. believe it or not, it's happen to me on two different occasions. once on an air conditioning compressor, and a second time on a R134a line adapter fitting. not sure who exactly is refunding the money - ebay or the seller, but I got a full refund. BTW, anybody need a new, 4-seasons, AC compressor for an 86 buick regal V6? I got one and it's real cheap!

ebay is not full of shady characters. ebay is a huge company, and they are not going to let a few bad apples ruin that business. lots of corvette vendors do business on ebay - ecklers, corvette central, willcox, to name a few. even places like summit racing and jegs. about 1/3rd of my purchases are through ebay. been doing business on ebay for probably 20 years now, and aside from the two mention incidents, no real complaints.

 

That may be an option. The seller hasn't contacted me yet. I'd actually like to get his permission to chnge the clips to the right position. Thinking it would be fine. The front ones are just enough off that they won't go in the slots






I've been buying and selling for 16 years. Many of those years as a power seller. Can't count the number of times I've had no choice but to take something back simply because the buyer checked the won't fit or Doesn't match description or photos box. In those cases the seller has no choice but to take it back and pay the return shipping.

 

You are grasping there. Don't know where you got that.

Can't imagine a legitimate company as Corvette Central trying such a thing.


Sellers don't stay sellers if they did this as a norm.

 

New update. Corvette Central has issued a return label for this dash pad after seeing the clip location compared to original dash pad. They are going to check for location on new one and ship to me. Buying from a seller on Ebay is not even in the picture as of now.

 

Nice. Keep us posted .hopefully the new one you get is the correct fit and finish .

 

That's really good of them to take care of it like that..

 

- keep us updated.