Dash Pad removal -66 - Re-dye ??

[Keith B.]

Just got my 66 back from the painter, nice lacquer paint work but not so nice that I have silver speckles of paint on my vinyl surround under the dash eyebrows beside the radio. Tried several cleaners and have now removed the black dye in a small spot near the bottom radio side.

1) What is the process to remove the dash pads ? I have glove box/liner, radio sides and radio out now, Does the cluster have to come out ??

2) Dash pads are perfect, no cracks , maybe slightly faded. What is the correct process for re-dyeing them - advice please.

[Jeff B.]

Re: Dash Pad removal -66 - Re-dye ??

If you want to pull the entire dash, which I recommend to dye it, you also need to remove the gauge cluster, the trim along the windshield and drill out the rivets on the ends next to the doors. Its also glued down to the floor at the center piece. Also anything attached like the radio and Heater control knobs have to be removed from the dash. It's a process but you can do it and you will end up restoring some other parts while you have access. My dash was black and I used the dye that is available at the major suppliers like Corvette Central. Clean the entire dash really well first with a product like 3M Plastic Prep. (3M makes dyes also) Strip everything off the dash and support in on a table in a way you can walk around it and can spray all of it at once. I applied about four very light coats allowing drying time of about 5 minutes in between. The results are quite amazing with the perfect low sheen and even coverage.

[Jerod M.]

Re: Dash Pad removal -66 - Re-dye ??

Might try a clay bar with clay lubricant to pick up the contamination?