Best dash insulation pad vendor for 1970

[Rich D.]

I'm thinking about replacing (again) the insulation pad that goes behind the dashboard on the firewall. I did this job once before many years ago when I purchased the car. The repro pad I bought at that time was terrible - I actually had to cut it into several pieces to get it even close to fitting.

Since the job was such a royal PIA and I was eager to drive the car, I left it alone. Now, since I again have access to a garage and the car's currently off the road for various other major services, I'm looking to re-do my own bubba job from so long ago.

My question is: does anybody have recent experience buying and installing one of these pads on a 70-72? If so, please tell me which supplier you purchased yours from, and how well it fit.

Thanks in advance. Yes, I know I'm a masochist for even considering doing this job again!!

[Bill C.]

Re: Best dash insulation pad vendor for 1970

There us no fast answer to this ---

Call Doc Rebuild. The pad he sells is hand made, looks exactly like original.
Some guy makes them, one at a time, You may wait 9 months to get it, but it is WORTH the wait.

I don't know if he uses the same guy or not anymore. I was on a 8 month waiting list.

If you need a pad sooner, I have used the one from Corvette Central before. It is a good fitting pad, needs carpet/pad plug holes punched out. Otherwise, not a nad pad to use.

I have seen pictures of the one that Paragon sells, looks nice and clean fitting, might be worth the phone call to.

[Paul D.]

Re: Best dash insulation pad vendor for 1970

I received one of the dash insulations from Doc Rebuild a few months ago after waiting over 1 and 1/2 years for it. The man who makes them was going through some family health issues as I remember being told was the reason for the delay.

The insulation looks nothing like the one in my car, however it looks like it will function perfectly. My original looks like carpet backing adhered to a heavy, oiled looking paper board. The replacement looked like the same carpet backing adhered to what looks like a hand laid rubber material, not at all smooth like my original.

I have never had problems with Doc Rebuild products and still don't. However, If this had been ordered for a restoration slated for Flight Judging, I would have appreciated a heads up on the different appearance.

BTW, the car I am working on is a 71 convert.

[Bill C.]

Re: Best dash insulation pad vendor for 1970

The pad in my car, when I disaambled for the restoration, was the 72 original and was as described for Doc Rebuild's part you waited for.

I have never seen an original:
"carpet backing adhered to a heavy, oiled looking paper board"

maybe GM used an alternate vendor --
most all the original vettes I have seen are rubber looking with jute carpet backing.