C3 New Interior Fitment

[Roger C.]

I have purchased a complete new interior for my 1973 Coupe. The old was trash.

Knowing that reproduction items can be a challenge to fit, I am considering pre-fitting the new dash and console components without attaching gauges, wiring harness's, a/c hoses, etc, to check for correct fitment. Then disassemble, attach components and re-install for final assembly.

Has anyone with a complete new reproduction dash, and console used this method.

Is this step necessary or helpful?

Any tricks of the trade or suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you

Roger

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 New Interior Fitment

I have purchased a complete new interior for my 1973 Coupe. The old was trash.

Knowing that reproduction items can be a challenge to fit, I am considering pre-fitting the new dash and console components without attaching gauges, wiring harness's, a/c hoses, etc, to check for correct fitment. Then disassemble, attach components and re-install for final assembly.

Has anyone with a complete new reproduction dash, and console used this method.

Is this step necessary or helpful?

Any tricks of the trade or suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you

Roger

What color?

Based on what I've seen in other cars, if you bought new dash pads you will be sorely disappointed in the fit. The rest won't be much better.
Your odds of having success with used parts is far higher.

[Russ T.]

Re: C3 New Interior Fitment

I hope that you have better luck with C3 repro dash pads than I did.
The set that I bought from Corvette America didn't even come close to
lining up right. Unbelievable that someone would go through the
effort of manufacturing a part that isn't even close to a proper fitment.

That was 2-3 years ago and maybe things have gotten better. I don't know.
In an act of desperation, I purchased a pair of nice used dash pads on Ebay
and they popped right in. They cost as much as the shoddy repros, but at least they fit.
The other drawback is that they're 50 years old and I had to dye them another color.

Good luck, you may need it.

Russ Trotter
NCRS #15044