Dash pad question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 12
From: Massapequa Park NY
Dash pad question
Is there a difference between dash pads for a 68 & 69, stitching vs. no stitching? The book I have says there was no stitching on the dash pad And all the catalogs list a reproduction as 68& 69.
Thanks
Jim
Thanks
Jim
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 6
From: Spicewood, Texas, USA TX-Texas
Re: Dash pad question (70BBvert)
I thought the "stiching" started in 70, but the different 68-72 dash pads is not an area that I have studied carefully. I can find no close up pictures in Dobbins that confirms my belief that 68/69 did not have the stiching; dash pad photos for those years appear not to have the stiching, but the resolution of the photos is not real sharp.
If the stiching didn't start until 70, then a repro without the stiching could still be offered for BOTH 68 and 69...it may not be EXACTLY accurate for one or the other of the models (I don't know that this is true), but that's life in the repro parts world.
Vendor catalogs are a great educational and reference resource. BUT...cost effective compromises are sometimes offered by vendors as THE EXACT PART for an application. What I found works best is to read ALL the vendor catalogs; you quickly begin to see a consensus on the different parts (not entirely foolproof since the same poor repro is often sold by everybody) and you will note little omissions and applications that are different. A little additional research from other sources will reveal which vendors REALLY know Corvettes and sell parts that are RIGHT.
If the stiching didn't start until 70, then a repro without the stiching could still be offered for BOTH 68 and 69...it may not be EXACTLY accurate for one or the other of the models (I don't know that this is true), but that's life in the repro parts world.
Vendor catalogs are a great educational and reference resource. BUT...cost effective compromises are sometimes offered by vendors as THE EXACT PART for an application. What I found works best is to read ALL the vendor catalogs; you quickly begin to see a consensus on the different parts (not entirely foolproof since the same poor repro is often sold by everybody) and you will note little omissions and applications that are different. A little additional research from other sources will reveal which vendors REALLY know Corvettes and sell parts that are RIGHT.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 12
From: Massapequa Park NY
Re: Dash pad question (Chuck Sangerhausen)
That's what I thought - stitching started in 70 on the upper dash pads. I believe on the forward console there is a difference between 68 & 69. Sold a reproduction 68/69 dash pad since I need a 70 who is now complaining about lack of stitching. Needed to confirm what I thought I knew :)
I ususally try to find original GM parts even if I need to make repairs. Most of the time the fit is much better. Especially interior parts.
Thanks
I ususally try to find original GM parts even if I need to make repairs. Most of the time the fit is much better. Especially interior parts.
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Dash pad question (silvervetteman)
I believe that the "top" pad is the same for 68 and 69. Also no stitching. The drivers side dash gauge lower piece for 68 has the ignition key hole, while the passengers lower piece does not have the map pocket. 69 has no key and does have the map pocket. Chuck
