1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

[Frederick H.]

My previous post mentioned the grainy and rough feel the driver's side dash pad had after it was dyed (got the dye from Corvette America but invoice shows Top Flight Automotive). The original vinyl of 50+years was grained but not rough to the touch. The shop is NCRS knowledgeable and said the vinyl/pad is very brittle and is afraid any movement or pressure is going to cause it to crack (already has in one place). Does anyone have recommendation for a source for dash pad replacement - Al Knoch is my first thought - others? I believe there is a difference in the grain pattern as well and there are two variations - Seville and ?

Thanks in Advance
Fred

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

I went with Corvette America (red) pads for my 63. The fit is first rate, the color is accurate and if you really, really look hard you can discern a very slight difference in the grain from the original vinyl on the center waterfall.... Short of sourcing original, pristine pads I don't know what other options there are... I could dig out my regional judging sheets to see if, and how much, of a 'hit' they took I guess...

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

Thanks Frank - I think that's the way I am going to go. Don't worry about checking for your deduction - I am going to drive the car and don't want to worry about cracking and having to take everything out again.

THanks,
Fred

[Ernie F.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

Same here... The fit of these pads is awesome.. plus we can save you 20 off on the pads...

If you wish to see the final product go to this link. It shows a 65 we did a few years back after the pads, door panels and carpet sets were corrected.

http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/1965-corvette-interior-restoration-pictures/

[Lenny K.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

Same here... The fit of these pads is awesome.. plus we can save you 20 off on the pads...

If you wish to see the final product go to this link. It shows a 65 we did a few years back after the pads, door panels and carpet sets were corrected.

http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/1...tion-pictures/

I am about to do the dash pad refinishing/replacement on my early '63.... how can I get the referenced 20% off if I go the Corvette America route??!!....
Thanks, Lenny

[Arland D.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

Lenny,

I believe the referenced 20% discount is associated with ordering through willcoxcorvette not Corvette America and that was in February of 2020.

[Lenny K.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

Right you are Arland.... however they are having a 10-20% Sale this week/weekend ....see https://willcoxcorvette.com/weekend-sale

Howsomesoever..... I have no idea nor feedback as to the quality vs. Al K or CA...... leaning towards the CA dash pad assys OR maybe give the skins a try..... have someone locally install 'em or maybe give it a try myself..... some supposedly did DIY and it turned out fine!!??

Lenny

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

I have seen skins put over original dashes and they turned out very nice. In my case I had a gouge in the pad foam and so went with new dash pads as I didn't want to do the job twice if a repair to the foam didn't work out.

[Lenny K.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

I have seen skins put over original dashes and they turned out very nice. In my case I had a gouge in the pad foam and so went with new dash pads as I didn't want to do the job twice if a repair to the foam didn't work out.

Thanks Frank.... my '63 is a RestoMod so TRUE originality is not a prime concern so am leaning to skins vs. full pads as mine only have age related issues (cracking) and it seems like costwise the skins route is quite a bit cheaper. HOWEVER, I do want a high level of quality and durability.....

* Does anyone have a recommendation of a particular supplier of the skins
* Anyone saying "don't go that route"????
* Has anyone gone DIY vs. pro installer for skins?

THanks in advance..... Lenny

PS.... missed the 20% off Wilcox "deal" but may wait until it comes around again.... anyone else know of NCRS discounts I might not know of!!??

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

Have used only Corvette America and had success with DIY but had one miserable failure. No fault of theirs. Send them several dash pads and they came back like new! They do it right! Tell them you are an NCRS member and receive a discount.

JR

[Lenny K.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

Have used only Corvette America and had success with DIY but had one miserable failure. No fault of theirs. Send them several dash pads and they came back like new! They do it right! Tell them you are an NCRS member and receive a discount.

JR

THanks Joe.... that is the route I am considering as my 60yo+ pads are cracking in several places and I got a quote from a "vinyl repair" place and it was almost $1K..... crazy awful IMHO....

Any specific suggestions other than CA would be appreciated but thinking strongly about either NEW pads OR skins and have them do it....Lenny

[Tom K.]

[Lenny K.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

Makes sense to me..... looks like I either live with what I have and lightly touch up with black "something" where the yellowish underside is exposed or bit the bullet and do both pads..... ironically I have had no comments about the defects in showing the car.... just took a trophy in a 600 car show here in Prescott.... maybe I am the ONLY one that notices it beyond NCRS judging, of course..... LOL

I think I will discard the skin notion as CA (for example) recommends their skins be used OVER existing pads.

Is there any evidence that one vendor's pad assys. are superior to others or, more importantly, are there any to avoid.... smile....

Thanks for the replies.... Lenny

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

As I said in post #2 my CA replacement pads had the closest to the original grain IMO, I've seen other pads and didn't feel they were as faithful to the grain.

[Lenny K.]

Re: 1963 Dash Pad and Vinyl Replacement Continued

A tidbit.... Corvette America offers a 10% discount to NCRS members..... here is, in part a communication I got regarding that point..... Lenny


Yes we do offer a 10% discount for all NCRS members on discountable items. Some items are excluded from any discount. All I need is your NCRS # and we keep that on file so you get the discount.
You can email me your order or call me.
1/800/458/3475 ext.221

Thanks,
Matt