1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement

[Frederick H.]

I viewed a few older posts regarding dash pad and cover replacement after the shop recommended replacing instead of trying to re-dye. While the dash is not cracked, it is severely faded and has been exposed to lots of Texas sun during it's life. The vinyl "skin" at the bottom area of the center section is peeling and needs repair. Shop is saying it may very well cost more to prep and re-dye (without guaranteed results) that to replace. I will try to send photos after my trip to the shop tomorrow or Friday.

Any thoughts/suggestions are appreciated as always.
Fred

[Douglas L.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement

Fred - What is the color of the interior?

[Loren L.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement

What is "peeling"? iT'S VINYL! It's either there or it's NOT! It's only "peeling" if it's been dyed before. Get to another shop without delay.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement

Peeling is prob the vinyl lifting from adhesive failure....on my red 63 coupe interior I pulled the whole dash frame and put new Corvette America pads on it myself.... Once the frame is out installing the pads is just a matter of dealing with the butterfly clips. I re-dyed the interior with Corvette America's 63/64 red interior dye....and that worked wonderfully.

[Mike D.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement

Get a sample of the replacement pad before making a decision. Original grain is usually smoother than the reproduction pads. Judges notice the obvious difference in grain on the judging field if this is the direction you are headed in. Same with the seat backs.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement

Sorry - bad description. It is cracking where it curves at the bottom.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement

It is a very faded red.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement

Good call - thanks Mike.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement

Thanks for the info Frank. The car is in the shop so any labor will be on them (unfortunately I do not have the time nor the help to take on the heavy lifting of finishing the car - which is about everything - doors, engine and trans install, wiring harness) . Good to know about the Corvette America pads and dye.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement

I understand, not everybody has the time or skills to tackle the tougher jobs, I farm things out at times.....my 63 dash pads were shot with cracked vinyl and bursting foam so there was no question about "saving" much...but the result worked out fine and I'd have to look but I lost very little points on that area during judging. Now, door panels on a 63 coupe are a different ball game....any of the repros I've seen are pretty sorry as far as fitment....

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement

Yep - my dash is in excellent condition, just faded. The shop is concerned that a re-dye may not last due to the exposure and age. I have also heard about the door panels so I had planned to restore my originals - they are in good shape as well.
Thanks again for the help.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement

Well, the driver's side dash has been sprayed and it looks great but seems a little lighter red than it should be. The more noticeable part is that the finish seems dull. I ordered through Corvette America but the invoice shows Top Flight Automotive as the vendor. Anyone else have this experience? Remedy? (I did compare the original grain on my dash vs the swatch of the replacement material Corvette America sent and theirs is definitely more grainy).
Fred