Re: Dash pad
 

I believe most of the replacement dashes will last much longer than the OEM's. Because we will be taking better care of them. When our truck where new nobody thought of the dash cracking and falling apart after a few years in the sun. I know my truck will not sit out in the Florida sun with the dash not covered. And when at home the truck will always be under cover, garage or carport.

Ken

Re: Dash pad
 

Also if I understand correctly, the newest NOS dash will be at least 14 years old sitting in a warehouse somewhere hopefully with A/C.

Re: Dash pad
 

I saw an 83 K5 parked in the neighborhood with a recovered dash. It looks like two pieces stitched together except around the instrument cluster. It has some sort of nylon mesh over the defroster ducts and just cut out vinyl around the VIN hole (I think it could be done neater in those areas.) I could not get good pics of the front edge due to windshield glare. I think the concept is good though. It looked like about 1/8" thick white foam under the vinyl.

I wonder if it would be better to strip off all of the factory foam and vinyl and start over with just glued down foam and vinyl.

Re: Dash pad
 

So I checked with my Dad, he works for a GM parts distributor, and we ran a part number search for the 81-91 dashpad. None left in GM's parts system. Looks like someone had that idea before me. :waah: Sorry guys no more $500 NOS dashpads.

Re: Dash pad
 

I don't mind trying one of the reproductions as long as it's vinyl over foam like the original, the urethane pads seem to get universally poor reviews. But I don't think I've seen a consensus on the best place to buy one. For that matter, the resellers may be getting them from the same place. I'm going to try the one 1970pelle has that I linked from ebay, in my military Blazer it'll be hard to hate any flaws or variations from OEM it may have.

Re: Dash pad
 

After being dissatisfied with the aftermarket pads, I went by my upholster shop, they covered mine in vinyl matching my seat and headliner. Way better and only charged $150

Re: Dash pad
 

Any pics? Did they stitch seams? Fill in cracks?

Re: Dash pad
 

x2 on the pic request. The one I show in the pics was done nicely in the front but the defroster vent openings and VIN opening were not very neat. It looks to me like an upholsterer could trim those areas out with a little effort.

Re: Dash pad
 

If you want the OEM look, get an upholstery shop to stitch a new cover on it.

Or, do what I did, get the DIY4X dash: http://diy4x.com/product.php?productid=17682

Re: Dash pad
 

Truck is at paint shop, I'll try to get out and gets some pics.

He did put a seam in it. He told me before hand he would do it either way, but placing a seam would make it hold better.

Re: Dash pad
 

Take a look at what Capt Kaos offers- 73-87chevytrucks.com

Re: Dash pad
 

Thank you for the link sir!

Re: Dash pad
 

My truck had a thin plastic cap when I bought it. It bows big-time in the summer, to the point that's it's now cracked in the center next to the windshield.

There was a thread showing how to rebuild a stock dash pad on this or another square body forum earlier this year. I need to find it, because the job turned out pretty good.

I'm not picky about any stitching, and I'm not sure my Custom Deluxe base truck even had it.

Re: Dash pad
 

What about the covers Capt Kaos offers?

I realize it won't be as nice as a new complete dash.

I'm looking for "acceptable". My 83 is a beater, and I want it to be decent, not a show truck.