Dash caps--worth it? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dean · 11-19-2002, 01:22 PM

Has anyone installed one of those over the old dash caps? Are they worth it? How do they look? Should I just break down and buy a complete dash. This is for my 85 C30. Where do you recommend buying a dash or cap?

Thanks

**old Rusty C10** · 11-19-2002, 07:33 PM

A freind of mine installed one from whitney on his old blazer and it looked nice, although its not totally original looking, and the color was a tad off . Im going to get one from one of the catalogues ive been sent when i get to that part of my restoration on my truck

gchemist · 11-19-2002, 09:06 PM

Your 85 should be just like mine. You have to remove the entire instrument dash bezel. Once that is removed, there are five or six screws above the glovebox and ash tray. You may need to loosen up the inside windshield cab moldings to pull the dash out. Straight forward but a PIA on your first time. Are you replacing original speakers? If not you gonna need some bracket to bolt up the speakers. I have a few pics of my dash removed. If I find them I'll post them here.
The inside is very paintable. Checkout what I did to my parts. New dash and oringinal tan interior pieces.
Here is my headliner
Here is the inside the cab
My used door panel

I would personally save for the dash over the cap.

Here is pic of my dash freshly primered. It was black. I bought it black because it was cheaper and I was going to paint it anyway.

Dean · 11-20-2002, 09:24 AM

I don't have any working speakers in the dash that I know of. I would really rather buy a dash with no speaker holes since that is where it cracked anyway. Does anyone make a dash with no speaker holes for a 85? Where did you buy your dash?

I have installed a dash in my 84 Elcamino SS. Your procedure sounds very similar to that.

bigblock73 · 11-20-2002, 01:51 PM

I believe all dashes have speaker holes in them...and most will crack in that area over time and usage.

You can find used dash pads on E-bay all the time, that is where I got mine.

Do a search in "part and accessories" using 73-80 or 73-87, or 1973-80 or 1973-87...get the idea?

Good luck

-Jeff

11-19-2002, 01:22 PM	#1
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	Dash caps--worth it? Has anyone installed one of those over the old dash caps? Are they worth it? How do they look? Should I just break down and buy a complete dash. This is for my 85 C30. Where do you recommend buying a dash or cap? Thanks

11-19-2002, 07:33 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	dash caps A freind of mine installed one from whitney on his old blazer and it looked nice, although its not totally original looking, and the color was a tad off . Im going to get one from one of the catalogues ive been sent when i get to that part of my restoration on my truck __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

11-19-2002, 09:06 PM	#3
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Your 85 should be just like mine. You have to remove the entire instrument dash bezel. Once that is removed, there are five or six screws above the glovebox and ash tray. You may need to loosen up the inside windshield cab moldings to pull the dash out. Straight forward but a PIA on your first time. Are you replacing original speakers? If not you gonna need some bracket to bolt up the speakers. I have a few pics of my dash removed. If I find them I'll post them here. The inside is very paintable. Checkout what I did to my parts. New dash and oringinal tan interior pieces. Here is my headliner Here is the inside the cab My used door panel I would personally save for the dash over the cap. Here is pic of my dash freshly primered. It was black. I bought it black because it was cheaper and I was going to paint it anyway. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos Last edited by gchemist; 11-19-2002 at 09:11 PM.

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11-20-2002, 09:24 AM	#4
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	I don't have any working speakers in the dash that I know of. I would really rather buy a dash with no speaker holes since that is where it cracked anyway. Does anyone make a dash with no speaker holes for a 85? Where did you buy your dash? I have installed a dash in my 84 Elcamino SS. Your procedure sounds very similar to that.

11-20-2002, 01:51 PM	#5
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	I believe all dashes have speaker holes in them...and most will crack in that area over time and usage. You can find used dash pads on E-bay all the time, that is where I got mine. Do a search in "part and accessories" using 73-80 or 73-87, or 1973-80 or 1973-87...get the idea? Good luck -Jeff



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