Dash Pad Vinyl Samples Comparison of Al Knoch and Corvette America

[Frederick H.]

I received samples of the dash pad vinyl from Al Knoch and Corvette America (photos attached -apologize for the thumb). The sample on the left is from CA, the right is AL. The AL sample is thicker and they wrote "ABS Vinyl" on the back. The grain looks almost identical, with only a slight variation in color. AL also sent me a sample of the seat vinyl and it is almost a perfect match. Anyone have reservations/experience (other than a possible price discount issue) about ordering dash pads from one vendor and seats covers from the other? I plan to restore the original door panels.

Thanks,
Fred

[Frank D.]

Re: Dash Pad Vinyl Samples Comparison of Al Knoch and Corvette America

I'd ask CA for a vinyl sample for seat covers; then you're doing an apples-to-apples comparison.....

If you're then convinced mixing vendor products yield the best results I wouldn't hesitate...

However, I generally like to use the same vendor in doing such things, that way if there is a problem its, "...one neck, one noose"..

[Terry D.]

Re: Dash Pad Vinyl Samples Comparison of Al Knoch and Corvette America

Even if you order from the same vendor you want to order everything at once. Colors will vary through out the year. I gree with Frank one vendor is better than two. And depending on how long you wait between your sample and your actual order the color could be a little different. Ask any custom interior shop.

[Dick W.]

Re: Dash Pad Vinyl Samples Comparison of Al Knoch and Corvette America

Contrary to popular belief the interior was not all exactly the same color. I had a client that sold Vettes and the first thing he would do is take the interior out and lay it in the floor. There was quite a bit of difference in shades when you did that.

[Frederick H.]

Re: Dash Pad Vinyl Samples Comparison of Al Knoch and Corvette America

Thanks for the responses - I tend to agree that ordering from one vendor is the way to go (if not only for easy of returns, etc.) as Frank mentioned. Since my interior has never been restored, I also noticed that there are different shades of red (on the unexposed parts) in different areas (carpet, liner, etc.) as Dick mentioned. I guess bottom line is go with whomever is going to get closest to original spec and easiest to do business with.

Thanks for the confirmations and feedback.
Fred

[Ernie F.]

Re: Dash Pad Vinyl Samples Comparison of Al Knoch and Corvette America

I did a compare of the dash pads years ago... I compared the original pad out of my 62 to the reproduction made by ca... you can see in the picture below the results.



you can also read more info on dash pads at this link http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/?yt=1962&s=dash+pad

[Richard G.]

Re: Dash Pad Vinyl Samples Comparison of Al Knoch and Corvette America

The attached thumbnails are not working, for me anyway.
Anyone else having the same issue?
I wonder if it has anything to to with the server site migration last week?
Rick

[Dan A.]

Re: Dash Pad Vinyl Samples Comparison of Al Knoch and Corvette America

The thumbnails appear for me Richard.

[Frederick H.]

Re: Dash Pad Vinyl Samples Comparison of Al Knoch and Corvette America

I got your photos. Thanks for the comparison - new ones are more grainy and I had the same result in comparing my original '63's to their replacements. I'm sure age and the elements tend to "smooth" things out over time.

Thanks,
Fred