Author Topic: Dash Pad Restoration  (Read 17500 times)

joesauer

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Dash Pad Restoration
« on: January 31, 2011, 06:45:44 PM »
I need to restore or replace the dash pad on my 68 coupe.  Any recommendations on the best place to find a good quality replacement.  I have all the catalogs: Ricks, Classic, Year One, NPD, etc., etc. but not sure who has the best.  Or...should I send it to Just Dashes for a rebuild?   

bertfam

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #1 on: January 31, 2011, 06:46:43 PM »
Just Dashes. The repops are a POOR substitute.

Ed

Sauron327

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #2 on: January 31, 2011, 08:25:26 PM »
Al Knoch. Recent improvements in procedures have produced the best quality so far. Except for not nailing the grain 100%, they don't appear entirely unacceptable.  Until this I would rather have an original with a small crack than any other bloated, poorly done pad. I had someone's  '68 here and the Just Dashes pad was very bad and easily spotted. If they have vastly improved their product in recent months it is news to me. Read here: http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=190353

cadmanof50s

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2011, 12:58:20 AM »
I just purchased one from Heartbeat City. They have two qualities, I purchased the more expensive one and I am happy with the fit,  color and texture. I can't comment as to whether or not it is the exact texture as the original.

Vic
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Sauron327

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #4 on: February 01, 2011, 01:10:39 AM »
I just purchased one from Heartbeat City. They have two qualities, I purchased the more expensive one and I am happy with the fit,  color and texture. I can't comment as to whether or not it is the exact texture as the original.

Vic


Do you have any photos of this pad shot from multiple angles? I'd like to see if all the countours, flat areas and radii are as good or better than the Al Knoch pad.  

cadmanof50s

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2011, 01:15:14 AM »
I actually installed it and removed it, because the car is at the paint shop.

So if you don't mind the pictures of the dash as a "stand-alone", yes, I can get some for you. I can probably get a close up of the texture, too.
If stand-alone is okay, I'lltake the pics tonight.

Vic
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Sauron327

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2011, 02:07:34 AM »
Alone is fine and no rush at all. Is the pad's quality and accuracy equivelent to the Knoch pad in the above link?

cadmanof50s

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #7 on: February 01, 2011, 05:39:21 AM »
Tried posting this several times and had issues with the pics..hope it doesn't end up posting duplicates...

I don't think I can make a fair comparison between my unit and the Knoch pad. I think you would have to have them side by side to really compare.
I am not sure if the pad that came with my car is even original. I can tell you that the replcament I purchased  is better quality than the one I pulled out. It fits better, is stronger and has clearer grain.

I have attched some pics. Please reveiew and judge for yourself. The funny color is just the reflection off teh blanket I used to protect the pad from the surface of my workbench.

Hope this helps!!

Vic
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68camaroz28

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #8 on: February 01, 2011, 01:42:34 PM »
Al Knoch. Recent improvements in procedures have produced the best quality so far. Except for not nailing the grain 100%, they don't appear entirely unacceptable.  Until this I would rather have an original with a small crack than any other bloated, poorly done pad. I had someone's  '68 here and the Just Dashes pad was very bad and easily spotted. If they have vastly improved their product in recent months it is news to me. Read here: http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=190353
I agree on the Al Knoch dash pad as I purchased one and did a comparison. And great pricing as well! Elliot at Al Knoch is a key person to talk to as he's been involved with the camaro projects. Just dashes pads are too bloated and too expensive. They have some great products and services but not the dash pad IMHO.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

bc69

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2011, 02:04:05 PM »
It was mentioned earlier that that it was not know if it was the original was being replaced. Is there any way to tell a OEM, markings or anything?
Brad
RSSS

cadmanof50s

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #10 on: February 01, 2011, 02:46:55 PM »
bc69,

I still have the dash pad that came with the car when I purchased it. Looking at  it closer, I notice that there are small spots where the color has "chipped" off and the black under color is coming through. I have to assume that this was probably a black dash that was dyed or painted..and since my interioir is medium blue, I would say it is not the factory dash pad.

Vic
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dutch

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2011, 04:57:04 PM »
And great pricing as well! Elliot at Al Knoch is a key person to talk to as he's been involved with the camaro projects.

Chick -
   
   Any idea where Elliot might be located - or just where ever 1-800 number they show on their site takes me?
I have a friend who Winters in Fla and I thought he said Knoch had a shop somewhere not all that far from him where he ordered a lot of his '57 Vette interior stuff.
   Id like to talk to Elliot and see how best to get my old one recovered but the logistics of being so far away and not getting it damaged in such a long return shipping is daunting for me - maybe he can suggest some ideas and tell me more about the final product...

Thx - Randy

68camaroz28

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2011, 07:03:08 PM »
And great pricing as well! Elliot at Al Knoch is a key person to talk to as he's been involved with the camaro projects.

Chick -
   
   Any idea where Elliot might be located - or just where ever 1-800 number they show on their site takes me?
I have a friend who Winters in Fla and I thought he said Knoch had a shop somewhere not all that far from him where he ordered a lot of his '57 Vette interior stuff.
   Id like to talk to Elliot and see how best to get my old one recovered but the logistics of being so far away and not getting it damaged in such a long return shipping is daunting for me - maybe he can suggest some ideas and tell me more about the final product...

Thx - Randy

I assumed Randy he is in TX but not sure. Email them at alknoch@flash.net and ask how best to get a hold of Elliott. Believe he is the owners son but he is who worked with me. I know the shipping thing concerns us but things more fragile and worth much more are shipped everyday so no worries. I also have one of their or possibly his business cards and will take a look. I'm lucky, they are at a lot of Carlisle events and easy to drop off and pick up at the next event.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

dutch

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2011, 09:24:07 PM »
Thanks...

Jerry@CHP

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2011, 11:26:49 PM »
The "Just Dash's" restored pads that we judged at the Camaro Nats were not very good at all.  The quality of the work was fine but the pad was now much larger like it was fed steroids.  The radius rounded ends and curves were very oversize and not even close to an original.  They are very expensive too. 

Just by looking at the pad in the car, you could see it was not right. 

I do think that some of the resto companies are doing their homework now and better repro pads are on the horizon.

Jerry

69Z28-RS

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #15 on: March 06, 2012, 06:06:48 PM »
Rather than start a new thread, I'm going to tack onto this one as the subject is perfect for my question:  'Dash Pad REstoration'.   I do not want to *replace* my original dash pad with a reproduction one.   I want to 'restore' my original dash pad. 
Question 1:    Is the dash pad difficult to remove without damaging it?  I've never taken apart a camaro, so I'm a novice re knowing Camaro details, and I do not want to damage the pad.  My pad is near perfect in appearance except for the front edge of it being 'raised up', or separated? from whatever the backing is.  A step by step for how to remove the dash pad would be appreciated, as well as where the retainers are...?

Question 2:  Can the issue with my dash pad (raised up front edge) be repaired once it is removed?   Any suggestions?

OR should I just leave well enough alone?   I'm trying to clean and maintain my original car for possible judging in the original unrestored category;

Gary  / 69Z28-RS
09C 69Z28-RS, 72 B 720 cowl console rosewood tint
69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
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Kelley W King

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #16 on: March 06, 2012, 09:01:03 PM »
If you had another pad or a good picture to see where the nuts are it is not hard to remove because if you know where the nuts are you can feel them where they are hard to see. Using clamps and adhesive and care you can improve the looks a lot.
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68camaroz28

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #17 on: March 06, 2012, 11:04:31 PM »
Rather than start a new thread, I'm going to tack onto this one as the subject is perfect for my question:  'Dash Pad REstoration'.   I do not want to *replace* my original dash pad with a reproduction one.   I want to 'restore' my original dash pad. 
Question 1:    Is the dash pad difficult to remove without damaging it?  I've never taken apart a camaro, so I'm a novice re knowing Camaro details, and I do not want to damage the pad.  My pad is near perfect in appearance except for the front edge of it being 'raised up', or separated? from whatever the backing is.  A step by step for how to remove the dash pad would be appreciated, as well as where the retainers are...?

Question 2:  Can the issue with my dash pad (raised up front edge) be repaired once it is removed?   Any suggestions?

OR should I just leave well enough alone?   I'm trying to clean and maintain my original car for possible judging in the original unrestored category;

Gary  / 69Z28-RS

Gary, if you wish to have your car judged in the "original unrestored category" why are you considering pulling your dash to restore? Most of the previous discussion on this thread had to do with restoring a 68 pad. The 69 pads are a whole new animal and not sure what restoration services are available for them as it was limited. Depending on what you have, it might be wise to err in doing nothing at least for now.
Good luck,
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

william

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #18 on: March 06, 2012, 11:16:08 PM »
Nothing can save a deteriorating '69 pad. The liner is plastic; as it ages it warps and shrinks. It starts along the top but will also peel and curl above the glovebox. The vinyl becomes hard and brittle. Weldwood contact cement works for a while.

I hear there is finally good repro available.
Learning more and more about less and less...

69Z28-RS

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #19 on: March 07, 2012, 05:06:31 AM »
I'd rather have my curling original pad than any of the repros I've seen....  :(

Chick:  Maybe *restore* isn't the right word.   What I would like to do is *maintain* the original pad and stop it from collecting dust under the curling edge and help it to look as good as possible..  :)   How do the original unrestored judges look at such actions?  Is 'gluing the pad back to the plastic considered 'restoring or maintaining??

Gary

Gary
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69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
72 El Camino, '55-'56-'57 Nomads, '55-'57 B/A Sedan

Sauron327

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #20 on: March 07, 2012, 12:23:39 PM »
Ask James if he had any success with his procedure here: http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=6283.15

69Z28-RS

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #21 on: March 07, 2012, 09:57:07 PM »
Thanks for that link Mr Sauron.. :)    I agree with the opinions expressed by James, although I don't think I'm going to substitute metal for the plastic.   Someone else in that link mentioned just 'regluing' the original pad and having it last for 8 yrs.. so I'll go that route first..   but James is exactly correct re the length, coverage, and grain/etc of the repros..   they don't math the originals...  and I strongly prefer keeping the *original* parts whenever possible.   (The only parts I've ever had problems with on my older cars - from the 50's - was with the repros)..

Gary  /  69Z28-RS
09C 69Z28-RS, 72 B 720 cowl console rosewood tint
69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
72 El Camino, '55-'56-'57 Nomads, '55-'57 B/A Sedan

68camaroz28

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #22 on: March 08, 2012, 12:18:28 AM »
I'd rather have my curling original pad than any of the repros I've seen....  :(

Chick:  Maybe *restore* isn't the right word.   What I would like to do is *maintain* the original pad and stop it from collecting dust under the curling edge and help it to look as good as possible..  :)   How do the original unrestored judges look at such actions?  Is 'gluing the pad back to the plastic considered 'restoring or maintaining??

Gary

Gary
OK, got it! No expert here but would think doing what you are considering would do nothing to harm your intentions concerning judging. Might want to carefully review different glues and possibly some trial runs with donor materials as your probably only going to have one good chance. I have had good luck with one of the liquid nails glue that works on glass, cloth, plastic, etc., and one iron clad adhesive from Loctite named "power grab." That stuff is something else as you can glue trim or even stone on a wall. Just a couple thoughts.....
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

69Z28-RS

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Re: Dash Pad Restoration
« Reply #23 on: March 08, 2012, 06:57:02 AM »
Yes, that's the type of adhesive I was thinking of, and someone else mentioned the 'weldwood' products which are similar I believe.. . but I've first got to figure out how to remove the dash pad without damaging it or something else..  :)

Gary
09C 69Z28-RS, 72 B 720 cowl console rosewood tint
69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
72 El Camino, '55-'56-'57 Nomads, '55-'57 B/A Sedan

 

anything