'65 dash pad question

[Tony S.]

I was installing my dash this weekend. While I was handling the dash pads, they started to pop and crack. They are more brittle than I first thought. It looks like I need to replace them, so I'm looking for help in making the right selection. Where is the best place to get good dash pad for my '65? Experienced help will be appreciated.

Thanks.
Tony

[Peter J.]

Re: '65 dash pad question

Anthony,
I think Al Knock or Corvette America are your two options. I think these are the two who are making them for everybody else. I could be wrong though. I'm sure somebody will know.

[Tony S.]

Re: '65 dash pad question

Is one better than the other? There seems to be quite a price difference between the Al Knoch and the Corvette America dash pads?

Tony

[Peter J.]

Re: '65 dash pad question

If you believe their marketing about the new "vaccum process" they use and all the pads they are now a uniform thickness, I guess Corvette America might be the one. I read a long thread about this question on The Corvette- forum and it seemed to be a toss up between the two manufacturers by the guys who installed these pads.

[Mike M.]

Re: '65 dash pad question

If you are planning on having the car judged, you might consider locating a pair of originals.
Ad in the Driveline perhaps?
H. a. N. D.

[Peter J.]

Re: '65 dash pad question

Mike,
I looked for nine months before I found a good one and spent days cleaning it before I dyed it all to have it hit the floor and split all the way across the day before I was going to put it in. This pad felt pretty soft and pliable to the touch after it was dyed and ready to install.
It makes me think new might be the way to go inspite of it being obvious that is a repop. I would be worried about going to all the effort of installing a used one just to have somebody squeeze the grab bar and it shatter in their hand.

[Tony S.]

Re: '65 dash pad question

I agree. These foam dash pads can get pretty brittle. I wish mine were still pliable, but they aren't. I'm just going to go with the best repros I can find. It's not worth it to me to go through the whole body off resto and then 2 months after it is put together a crack appears. I'll take the point hit and be happy with it.

Thanks for your input.
Tony

[Ray G.]

Re: '65 dash pad question

Hello;
Had my pair of '67 pads recovered by Corvette America within the last 6 months. Less expensive and they look great.
Never put original pads in again, to breakable, much rework when they crack.
There may be a slight difference in the thickness, not sure about that point.
Need to call them and get an order number started.
Hope that helps.
Ray

[Mike M.]

Re: '65 dash pad question

Understand, Peter.
Just how long until a persons patience runs out?
I've been looking for a thermostat housing for three years.
H. a. N. D.