How do you fix a bent dash pad?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Todd68Chevy** · 07-23-2011, 12:06 PM

I have a dash pad that the cover is in good shape and is very usable. The problem is the metal backing is bent. I have not tried anything and looking for ideas before I try and damage the cover. I tried to get pictures of the bend but what is looks like is the stud still had a nut on it when the pad was being removed and the when pryed on the backing bent. The pad still fits the dash. Seems tight at the stud that is where the dip is and the it sticks up off of the dash where the raised part is. I thought this might be an easy fix but afraid of damaging the outer cover. Any ideas? I know I am not the first one with this problem but I could not find the answer in a search. If this needs to be in another catagory please move it. Thanks, Todd

kcsa75 · 07-23-2011, 12:44 PM

A couple of 2x4s and a BFH should do the trick.

Find one 2x4 maybe 3-feet long (long enough to span the bend in the pad). Lay pad-side down on the long board. Hit the shorter 2x4 with the BFH and you should be able to straighten right out.

bobs409 · 07-24-2011, 06:32 AM

If that's any color other than the 69 maroon, I'd just buy a repro for $49 dollars and call it a day. Put this one on ebay and probably end up getting the new one for free all said and done.

Now if it's the maroon color, skip the above.

**Todd68Chevy** · 07-24-2011, 06:54 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. I was able to spend some time on it yesterday and it bends a lot easier than I thought it would. I was able to just straighten it some by hand and the backing has straightened up a lot. I need to get some nuts for the studs so I can bolt it down but it looks like it is going to survive without a major issues.

Bobs409- I know what you mean. I have no idea what it is out of because I bought it out of a truck but I need black anyway so I plan on dyeing this one. I thought about the repo but was affraid it would not fit correctly and would rather use original.

Thanks again, Todd

bobs409 · 07-25-2011, 07:04 AM

I have bought 3 repro's in my lifetime, 2 already installed and had no troubles and they look great. For the price, you can't beat 'em. They are made of a different material on the inside so I don't see any cracking problems later on. (so far anyway) They seem very tough.

I'd be very careful bending your original as the outer vinyl can crack easy.

If it is maroon, I wouldn't dye it. That color is NOT available and is hard to come by. My wrecker has that color but since I need everything in that shade, I got some vinyl spray to do everything so it all matches.

You might get some big bucks for that odd ball maroon pad though from someone in need. Something to think about. I'd also go back and get every other maroon piece that parts truck had. $$$

07-23-2011, 12:06 PM	#1
Todd68Chevy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Shelburn Indiana Posts: 3,977	How do you fix a bent dash pad?? I have a dash pad that the cover is in good shape and is very usable. The problem is the metal backing is bent. I have not tried anything and looking for ideas before I try and damage the cover. I tried to get pictures of the bend but what is looks like is the stud still had a nut on it when the pad was being removed and the when pryed on the backing bent. The pad still fits the dash. Seems tight at the stud that is where the dip is and the it sticks up off of the dash where the raised part is. I thought this might be an easy fix but afraid of damaging the outer cover. Any ideas? I know I am not the first one with this problem but I could not find the answer in a search. If this needs to be in another catagory please move it. Thanks, Todd Attached Images __________________ Note: All parts I have for sale are also for sale locally. I currently own: 1940 Chevy Fire truck (project), 1946 Chevy truck (project), 1946 Chevy 1 Ton pick up, 1953 Chevy school bus (storage area), 1968 Chevy C10 (I have drove for 26 years), 1994 Chevy C2500 (daily driver), 2005 GMC crew cab K2500 (parts hauler) and more trucks for parts.

07-23-2011, 12:44 PM	#2
kcsa75 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kansas City Posts: 3,590	Re: How do you fix a bent dash pad?? A couple of 2x4s and a BFH should do the trick. Find one 2x4 maybe 3-feet long (long enough to span the bend in the pad). Lay pad-side down on the long board. Hit the shorter 2x4 with the BFH and you should be able to straighten right out. __________________ Willie Swamp Angel Truckers '72 C10 Highlander *People who blindly follow a GPS end up on television programs on The Weather Channel. Some survive, some don't.*

07-24-2011, 06:32 AM	#3
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Re: How do you fix a bent dash pad?? If that's any color other than the 69 maroon, I'd just buy a repro for $49 dollars and call it a day. Put this one on ebay and probably end up getting the new one for free all said and done. Now if it's the maroon color, skip the above. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

07-24-2011, 06:54 AM	#4
Todd68Chevy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Shelburn Indiana Posts: 3,977	Re: How do you fix a bent dash pad?? Thanks for the suggestions. I was able to spend some time on it yesterday and it bends a lot easier than I thought it would. I was able to just straighten it some by hand and the backing has straightened up a lot. I need to get some nuts for the studs so I can bolt it down but it looks like it is going to survive without a major issues. Bobs409- I know what you mean. I have no idea what it is out of because I bought it out of a truck but I need black anyway so I plan on dyeing this one. I thought about the repo but was affraid it would not fit correctly and would rather use original. Thanks again, Todd __________________ Note: All parts I have for sale are also for sale locally. I currently own: 1940 Chevy Fire truck (project), 1946 Chevy truck (project), 1946 Chevy 1 Ton pick up, 1953 Chevy school bus (storage area), 1968 Chevy C10 (I have drove for 26 years), 1994 Chevy C2500 (daily driver), 2005 GMC crew cab K2500 (parts hauler) and more trucks for parts.

07-25-2011, 07:04 AM	#5
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Re: How do you fix a bent dash pad?? I have bought 3 repro's in my lifetime, 2 already installed and had no troubles and they look great. For the price, you can't beat 'em. They are made of a different material on the inside so I don't see any cracking problems later on. (so far anyway) They seem very tough. I'd be very careful bending your original as the outer vinyl can crack easy. If it is maroon, I wouldn't dye it. That color is NOT available and is hard to come by. My wrecker has that color but since I need everything in that shade, I got some vinyl spray to do everything so it all matches. You might get some big bucks for that odd ball maroon pad though from someone in need. Something to think about. I'd also go back and get every other maroon piece that parts truck had. $$$ __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10



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