Pillar post pad separation from pillar: cause and remedy?

[Daniel K.]

I can't tell if this is getting worse as time goes by, or if it has always been this bad. The pillar post pad on the driver's side of my '71 convertible is separating from the pillar, particularly at the bottom / close to the dash pad.
I seem to recall a post on this topic, but I can't find it. Any tips on correcting this? Any tips on stopping the separation from getting worse? Thanks.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Pillar post pad separation from pillar: cause and remedy?

You can attempt to glue it, but I guarantee nothing.

If you have a black interior, any 70-76 pillar post in black will fit, so you could always swap a better one.
The repros are better than they used to be, but are still noticeable.

[Joe L.]

Re: Pillar post pad separation from pillar: cause and remedy?

I can't tell if this is getting worse as time goes by, or if it has always been this bad. The pillar post pad on the driver's side of my '71 convertible is separating from the pillar, particularly at the bottom / close to the dash pad.
I seem to recall a post on this topic, but I can't find it. Any tips on correcting this? Any tips on stopping the separation from getting worse? Thanks.

Daniel------


I don't want to frighten you but I would be concerned that this damage was caused by something behind the pillar post panel----something like corrosion. I'd remove the panel and inspect. If it's just the panel with no underlying problem, I think I'd look for a replacement rather than try to repair this.

[Anthony F.]

Re: Pillar post pad separation from pillar: cause and remedy?

Mine had some cracks at the top, so I decided to replace them when I replaced the speakers in the dash pad. I got them through Corvette America, they were made by Al Knoch ( I'm not sure, but guessing these are probably the ones that are available through most Corvette vendors ). The fit was pretty good, not perfect but close, but they would probably look better than a repair.



I can't get a good picture of the bottom by the dash pad, but the fit there is perfect.

Corvette America has a sale going on until 5/3, 12% off orders over $129 ( coupon code 12129 ), so cost for a pair would be about $140 plus shipping. I like Corvette America because their shipping cost is usually reasonable, and they usually ship very quickly. As Joe mentioned, check for any underlying issues on the birdcage.

Good luck!

[Patrick H.]

Re: Pillar post pad separation from pillar: cause and remedy?

I got them through Corvette America, they were made by Al Knoch ( I'm not sure, but guessing these are probably the ones that are available through most Corvette vendors ). The fit was pretty good, not perfect but close, but they would probably look better than a repair.

Corvette America makes their own, as they do with many Interior parts.
Al Knoch also makes their own.
Corvette Pacifica/EC Products used to make them, but I don't even know if they are in business any more.

Corvette America improved theirs notably about 10y ago, but I'd still look for a used one.

[Anthony F.]

Re: Pillar post pad separation from pillar: cause and remedy?

I stand corrected, checked my receipts and found I had ordered the pillar posts (made by Al Knoch) from Eckler's, not Corvette America. I can't vouch for the quality of the pillars made by Corvette America, but I have ordered other interior parts from them and found them to be of good quality (and I usually receive my order in two or three days). I 'googled' around, seems like some people love parts from Corvette America and don't like Al Knoch parts, (and vice versa). An undamaged used one, if you can find one, might be the way to go.

[Daniel K.]

Re: Pillar post pad separation from pillar: cause and remedy?

Thanks to all -- good information. I'll poke around at Carlisle in August and if I can't find a used one I'll order a repro. Joe, I think the birdcage is in good shape, but your comment is well taken and can't hurt to have another look.