Dash Pad Options

[harnalien]

Hello all. I'm now looking for some feedback on dashpad replacement options. Opinons on Coverlay, LMC, Chevy Duty (Classic Parts), or any site supporter would be appreciated. I'm far from a perfectionist, but i do want whatever i get to look right. I've done a search of the forum, but can't seem to find the answer i'm looking for.

[sloans4x4]

That is a very good question, I too am needing one for my '91 OOBS in red. And I want it to look factory. I have only seen a couple overlays, and wasn't impressed. I would be glad to pay a little more for one that looks good.


Shane

[75sierraclassic]

I have a plastic overlay that I glued to my old dash. It lookds pretty good. There is some warping on the top, but I think that is due to my crappy glue job. I got mine from LMC. It has been on for about 3 years now. I have had to touch up some of the corners with contact cement to get them to stick. They send a silicone adhesive to attach the overlay. I would probably use a contact cement next time, even though it would be a bear to get it to stick on straight.
You can get a new dash, but it is more expensive, you will probably have to dye it (I don't know how long that lasts). I think the overlay is the best way to go, just make sure you glue it well.

[75sierraclassic]

Ohh also another thing you have to think about is what kind of shape your old dash is in. If the vinyl is almost gone and you have the foam exposed your overlay isn't going to stick well. If it is not in the original shape, the overlay will confrom to the shape of your dash. My dash only had a few cracks, all the vinyl was there.

[mySAVIOReigns]

Sometimes you can find pretty nice ones in the junkyard - I didn't get mine from there, but I've seen some nice ones

As 75sierra said, you can dye them (see 73-87.com for tips on how to do this) and I believe you can apply a UV coating to make it last and last.

[84 400]

mine is a replacement but i am not sure from who pro lmc as my wheels are from lmc(PO did it ). The two things i don'tlike about it... 1 it is not the stock style speaker cover it has the pin holes instead of the slats in the middle but that i can live with. However the more important is that it has bowed dow and flexed up in some spots. this is frome the Texas sun. No cracks it is just warped. Other then that it looks great. any tips for fixing worpage? Thanks

[Captkaos]

I have this GM 81-91 Dash for $330 + shipping

[sloans4x4]

And then you have to dye it?


Shane

[Captkaos]

Yes it would have to be dyed just like GM did.

[86swb]

Hey Capt, do you happen to have a catalog on the '73-'87 parts you sell?

[Captkaos]

Its online only right now. Most everything is listed except for the out of norm stuff. Some parts did mysteriously disappear when I moved to a different server though, if you don't see it, email me webmaster@73-87chevytrucks.com.

Carpet kits, Rod Doors products, Reproduction door panels and CalTracs aren't currently listed, but I have them.
I also carry the full line of Dakota Digital products.

[crossy]

The Coverlay brand covers that Capt sells are a very good fit. I've installed many over the years. Most on 81-87 models. there are a few tricks to know but it basically CLEAN yours good, trim down any high spots. don't overdo the silcone adhesive that comes with it. get tight around the defrost ducts and the front, right side opening. weight it down evenly on the top, come back in the morning. crossy

[ocbaud]

from what i've seen, the covers, while looking decent enough to cover up a really crappy/cracked dash, just dont fit all that great on every area of the dash. i have a cover, and the area between the glovebox and the a/c vents doesnt fit well at all and isnt flush.

i need to order a stock replacement, just another thing on my list of to do's

[bwright]

I've got the LMC plastic glue-on cover. It's okay, but you can tell it's a cover if you look very close. If it's going on a nice truck, I'd get the factory vinyl replacement dash.

[Captkaos]

I am not sure if anyone realizes this or not, but the dash I posted a pic of that I am selling IS a GM dash.

[sloans4x4]

Yes I noticed the box!! Money is just too tight right now trying to get the engine and tranny done, as well as the body and paint. The interior is kinda last on my priority. But I would love to have it. Would be better if it were already RED!!! LOL


Shane

[Captkaos]

I can send you some SEM paint along with them...

[kylejamers]

personally if time isnt your biggest concern
i would look elsewhere
i pulled my entire interior out of an 85
that was pristine for 200 bucks
headliner, door panels, dash, bezel, steering column,
seat plus other parts such as flooring and mirrors etc.
so its out there

[bodydropped]

i did the dash swap in my 78 i put a 85 in there but mine was covered in vinyl and looks better because it hides all the breaks and u never have to worry about it comin apart