1989 dash and console question

[John M.]

I looked at a low mileage 1989 convertible today. The car was in very good condition. The one glaring fault was that someone had applied 'wood' trim to the dash and console. How difficult is this to remove without damaging the original dash finish? Or should I calculate the cost of replacing these pieces of trim if the negotiations move forward?

Thanks,
John

[Ed N.]

Re: 1989 dash and console question

John, this is just my 2 cents. I would calculate the cost of replacing those items with original trim pieces (if they are still available). I think some of those "wood trims" may have been adhered with adhesive backing. My guess is, even if you apply a little heat to those "wood trims" and they subsequently come off, adhesive residue may remain on the trims. Attempting to remove the adhesive with some type of adhesive remover may damage the finish on the part.

[John M.]

Re: 1989 dash and console question

Thanks Ed, as I recall you have a beautiful 1995 with red interior, I have always loved that combination. Thanks for the advice.

John

[Ed N.]

Re: 1989 dash and console question

Thanks Ed, as I recall you have a beautiful 1995 with red interior, I have always loved that combination. Thanks for the advice.John

You are welcome.2013 NCRS 2.jpg

[Joe L.]

Re: 1989 dash and console question

I looked at a low mileage 1989 convertible today. The car was in very good condition. The one glaring fault was that someone had applied 'wood' trim to the dash and console. How difficult is this to remove without damaging the original dash finish? Or should I calculate the cost of replacing these pieces of trim if the negotiations move forward?

Thanks,
John

John------

If you buy the car, I would try mightily to save the original interior pieces when removing the wood trim. Most, if not all, of the 1989 Corvette interior pieces are discontinued and have been for a long while. In terms of discontinuations, interior trim is usually the "first to go". If I knew the exact pieces involved, I could tell you for sure but, as I say, I really doubt any are currently available.

[John M.]

Re: 1989 dash and console question

Thanks Dave, good to know. My goal is to have the car I ultimately buy judged, so I try and keep that in mind as I look. One additional question, I have seen several C4 interiors with seats that were a contrasting color (these were online pictures I ran across). For example an 89 car with red interior and carpet with seats which were black. The car was a base model and the seats were base model seats. Was this a case of the current owner slapping a set of different seats into the car or did some come this way?

Thanks,
John

[Ed N.]

Re: 1989 dash and console question

Thanks Dave, good to know. My goal is to have the car I ultimately buy judged, so I try and keep that in mind as I look. One additional question, I have seen several C4 interiors with seats that were a contrasting color (these were online pictures I ran across). For example an 89 car with red interior and carpet with seats which were black. The car was a base model and the seats were base model seats. Was this a case of the current owner slapping a set of different seats into the car or did some come this way?

Thanks,
John

John, send me a PM, I saw a 1990 in Lakeland Florida that looked very good. I don't know the car's histroy, just a lead.

[Paul J.]

Re: 1989 dash and console question

I looked at a low mileage 1989 convertible today. The car was in very good condition. The one glaring fault was that someone had applied 'wood' trim to the dash and console. How difficult is this to remove without damaging the original dash finish? Or should I calculate the cost of replacing these pieces of trim if the negotiations move forward?

Thanks,
John

John, you did'nt state whether this was a veneer which is glued on or a thicker material that is screwed on. Veneers usually use contact cement, and they can be removed with heat or solvents. If you use a solvent like acetone (preferred) or lacquer thinner you must be careful, and if it damages the polyurethane you can dye or paint it fairly easily. If there are holes, there are polyurethane fillers that you can use to fill them and then sand and texture. In this case you will have to dye or paint the piece.

Paul

[John M.]

Re: 1989 dash and console question

Thanks Paul,

The material appears to be a veneer. I can find no evidence of screws and when examining the edge it appears to be glued on. The current owner bought the car this way so they had no idea. Thanks for the additional input.

John

[Terry M.]

Re: 1989 dash and console question

Thanks Paul,

The material appears to be a veneer. I can find no evidence of screws and when examining the edge it appears to be glued on. The current owner bought the car this way so they had no idea. Thanks for the additional input.

John

John,
If you live in or near a fair sized metropolitan area you might consider professional help. New car dealers often have the interiors of their up-scale vehicles refurbished (cigaret smoke and burn holes, cracked door panels, etc.) by individuals who come to their establishment for this purpose. These type of services (just like paintless-dent repair and cast wheel repair) are usually mobile and generally advertise only "to the trade," so they are not found where you and I might look -- although the internet is changing that. Stop by one of the larger used car dealerships in your area and ask who they use -- get a business card. Of course, if you live in a rural area you will just have to consider this one of the prices you pay for the benefits of remote living.