C-3 dash pad restore?
I would like to reuse the original upper dash pad from my 69 coupe. It needs to be recovered, and have 1 corner repaired. I e-mailed Al Knoch to see if he offered this service, but he did not reply back. Does anyone know where I can have this done? Thanks, Mark
-
-
Re: C-3 dash pad restore?
Mark;
Sorry you aren't getting a response. I'll move you back up the "Q" again and see if it helps.
Stu Fox -
Re: C-3 dash pad restore?
There is a company in California that advertises in Hemmings.. Their name is Just Dashes. They restore padded dashes. I have not used them so I cannot vouch for their ability or prices. Check Hemmings or try Googling them.
BobComment
-
Re: C-3 dash pad restore?
My advice is this: At one time most all of the catalog houses offered a dash 'skin' kit to salvage sunbaked/cracked original dash pads. Most who bought these and 'attempted' to install them HOWLED at how poorly they fit, how noticeable the cover was in contrast to the original dash pad material and how air bubbles here/there during the skin to dash glue job were noticeable/objectionable.
Today, it's hard to find somebody who still stocks/sells these re-skin kits. And, I know of NOBODY who'll volunteer to install one due to the complaints that are almost sure to follow....
Now, if your original dash isn't in too bad shape as far as condition goes, consider having a local repair it for you. What I'm talking about is there are folks who specialize in doing 'invisible' vinyl repair jobs who cater mainly to restaurant owners. Their work CAN be pretty good!
But, the Catch-22 is you're probably going to have to remove the dash for them to take back to their shop and work on. THEN, when you go to re-install it, it's an aged and now BRITTLE part that has a high liklihood of cracking in a fresh/new location when you go to bend it slightly during re-installation. Good luck!!!Comment
-
Re: C-3 dash pad restore?
Mark,
I spoke to Just Dashes & Dashes Direct about my upper dash. Both said that their service was more than a repro and they referred me to Corvette America or Al Knoch for a repro dash.
Since my upper dash was in poor shape, I went with a new dash from C.A. (through Wilcox) & the fit was very good.
As for my lower dash pads, the left repro from C.A. did not fit well at all. The mounting locations were too short (long story).
Since the lowers were in good shape, I bought 2 new skins. They weren't easy to put on, but I was able to do it myself (a heat gun is a must) & they came out like new.
Good luck,
AnthonyComment
-
Re: C-3 dash pad restore?
Same Church - Different Pew.
What has been people's experiences with door panel skins? I'm trying to keep the fiberboard back.
Regards,
Alan71 Coupe, 350/270, 4 speed
Mason Dixon Chapter
Chapter Top Flight October 2011Comment
-
Re: C-3 dash pad restore?
I put a repro dash pad in my '70 convertible and was disappointed. It did not fit as well as I liked and the grain was different. I believe it was from Corvette America. As a matter of fact, I was disappointed with much of the interior items. Holes not lining up. Panels not fitting together well. Parts too short and make inferior to original. I'm looking for an original this time for my '70 LT-1 coupe. I have original parts for the rest of the interior except the seat covers. If you can find original, buy it.Comment
-
Re: C-3 dash pad restore?
If I remember correctly, Al Knoch will make door panels on fiberboard by special request. EVERYONE has gone away from this because you can't see the door panel backing material once the panel is installed and plastic is MUCH more durable than the fiberboard...
Remember, the guys in this business supply parts to both the SERIOUS restoration crowd as well as to the weekend warrior market segment. Some of the 'other' guys want it 'better' than factory original and/or at the lowest cost they can get...Comment
Comment