Good Dash and Pillar vendor

[Calvin C.]

I need to replace my dash pad, pillar, posts, and header trim on my 72 and 69. Who has good quality reproductions?

thank you
Cal

[Patrick H.]

Interior Trim Vendor

I know that Corvette America retooled their pillar post trim 6-7 years ago, and the new version is far closer to original than their previous which was, frankly, mediocre. I was very impressed.I would at least look at them, as they may have also retooled the header trim at the same time.You likely want to use the same vendor for all your parts to get the colors somewhat close to matching.

[Bill L.]

Re: Interior Trim Vendor

If the vettes are long term keepers then I would look for good used or better yet NOS parts. I do agree with Patrick that the pillar post moldings are pretty good from CA. IMHO the dash pad from Al Knoch best resembles the original. However, nothing fits like the GM pieces. I ended up with CA pillar post and the original center piece. I have NOS pillar posts but am saving them for my 70 LT1 some day.

You will need to install them all on a nice hot day to get them to conform to each other and the windshield frame. The other recommendation is after they are test fitted to drill small pilot holes for the screws in the trim. The trim was installed with self tapping screws if memory serves me and the original holes rarely line up with new trim. A couple of mine lined up but that was it.

Bill

[Alan S.]

Re: Interior Trim Vendor

Hi Cal,
I agree that the quality and craftsmanship of the soft parts wrapped with vinyl isn't always very good.
Even from a good manufacturer you need to examine EACH piece closely. The workmanship varies from piece to piece.
Here's the top of an a-pillar trim piece. The defect is visible when the part is installed.
On the original trim piece this corner of the vinyl is 'stretched' and trimmed in such a way that there is no 'buckle' visible
Regards,
Alan

Looks good:


Flipped over, not so good: