54 dash rail cover and such

[Guy M.]

I read the archives but wondered if there was anything to ad as far as recovering the dash rail, dash extensions and door panels. Any tips? Thanks again

[Steven B.]

Re: 54 dash rail cover and such

Guy, I did the three dash rail and door rail pieces for a fellow years ago. After a trial fitting I "warmed" each piece with a hair drier so they slid on easily then when they cooled they fit very well. I used 3M spray adhesive. Steve

[Chris S.]

Re: 54 dash rail cover and such

You can buy them already covered from Al Knoch
or you can buy the covers and have a trim shop install them......

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 dash rail cover and such

Thanks Steve and Chris. I have the covers coming from AK. I already had the originals so I think Ill opt to take them to a trim shop. If I do it I might regret the possibility of wrinkles. Thanks for the advice.

[Troy P.]

Re: 54 dash rail cover and such

The key is to get the sewn ends to fit exactly. Look at photos and the judging guide to see how the stitching on the ends should fall. Also note when you install the dash eyebrow that they rarely fit exactly on unrestored cars. So some gaps between the eyebrow and the dash are normal. Don't overtighten and break off the threaded studs trying to get the gaps to close completely.

[Steven B.]

Re: 54 dash rail cover and such

The key is to get the sewn ends to fit exactly. Look at photos and the judging guide to see how the stitching on the ends should fall. Also note when you install the dash eyebrow that they rarely fit exactly on unrestored cars. So some gaps between the eyebrow and the dash are normal. Don't overtighten and break off the threaded studs trying to get the gaps to close completely.

Guy, Troy's note on the gaps are right on. When I bought my '57 in '64 the car had never been apart, including dash rail. The widest gaps were in the "humps" over the speedometer and radio grills. I snugged the nuts to tighten by pushing the rail tight with one hand and lightly tightened the nuts with socket and extension. I have seen a few rails for sale with broken studs. Steve

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 dash rail cover and such

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the insight, I just dont want to ruin the piece with adhesive getting all over the vinyl

[Chris S.]

Re: 54 dash rail cover and such

to get the eyebrows to fit well - make sure there are two strips of fiberglass that face outwards from the dash
there are two on both eyebrows
you get get the dash to fit pretty tight......

[Troy P.]

Re: 54 dash rail cover and such

On the other hand you might want to leave it like it came from the factory.

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 dash rail cover and such

Thanks again guys for the great advice, my canvas was really bad, cant have that on a brand new car now can I. Happy New Year!!!!!!!!