To dash pad or not to dash pad

[JointTech]

I ripped out the nasty cracked dashpad yesterday. I kind of like the metal look and the little slots in it.
Anybody running with no pad? Did you weld up the slots?
Does air blow through there when driving? Any negatives other than maybe seeing some stuff behind it?

Anybody bought the LMC replacement pad? Is it a piece of junk? Anybody else sell the whole assemply with the metal rod in it?

[67Slider]

intersted to - subscribed

[MidLifer]

I bought a dash pad from Brothers, as they were the only ones who have them in Sandalwood. It looks great in my truck. A couple of mold marks on the underside whic you have to crane your neck to see, otherwise perfect.
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[Maxxd07]

X2 with Brothers for sandalwood. It didn't fit for crap until I trimmed the excess "stuff" left from molding from the backside(mounting area), and then it fit pretty well for repop.
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[special-K]

I bought a dash pad from LMC in '01,installed it w/o ever fastening it,and it looked great,held up,and never warped in the ten years it was on. I just removed it to change colors and it looked brand new. i have no idea if the ones they sell now are the same. I prefer the original look. It would have to be a heavily customized truck to look right,to me,w/o a pad and I'll never have a heavily customized truck.

[dfwright]

Does the Sandalwood dash pad match the original Sandalwood coloring pretty well?

[Bert W]

I took mine off recently and have had the same thoughts. My welding skills are not good, so I'm not sure I want to try it. I think it would look nice with slots welded up and painted, no pad.

[dukcaln]

who has a picture with no pad. My dash pad is cracked and I want to order a new one but would like to see what it would look like with out the pad. Someone post up a picture please!

[67chevemall]

I got lucky and found two OEM ones in great shape. Got a spare still.

Little crazy glue sharpie marker and armoral goes a long ways...

[JointTech]

mines out Ill post a pic in a few hours.

[JointTech]

Here you go. Top of dash is still dirty.

[AusTx68]

I had my upholstery guy cover mine in high grade vinyl and I bolted it back into the dash. Still there and looks good.

[dukcaln]

thanks for the pictures. think I will leave the dash on and look for a nice new one or a good used one...

Originally Posted by JointTech

Here you go. Top of dash is still dirty.

[BMERDOC]

My pad looked like waves in a hurricane! I ripped it out and have been rockin it naked ever since! I'm not ashamed. It looks better without it. If I had my way I'd rock one but for now if the passenger sees a collision comin theyd better throw their hands over their face! Ulimately I will have one.

[stevencvn72]

I covered my dash pad with a light material (bandana stuff). It had cracks, but I filled them in with (get ready for it) spray foam. Yeah...the expanding stuff. (insert laughter here). Let it set up and sanded it down flush. Covering that thing is a piece of cake. Cheaper than a new one. Maybe that's an option for you.

[tech1]

I shaved mine dash pad, ash tray, and cig

[tech1]

Before paint

[jlaird]

I'm partial to no dash pad. To me, it looks like an afterthought.

Here's mine




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[old Chevy guy]

I still like the pad better but after seeing the dash with the holes filled I have to admit it looks a lot better than I would have thought.

[yuccales]

I saw a 70 with no pad, but had some sort of blue rope light behind the slots. Looked kinda cool.

[Ackattack]

I don't have one in my 69....its just cause there have been more important things to spend my money on. I'll get one eventually though.

[JointTech]

Originally Posted by yuccales

I saw a 70 with no pad, but had some sort of blue rope light behind the slots. Looked kinda cool.

heh i had that in my crown molding. I like it welded up but I think Ill leave it open for now. No way im covering mine. i got a little angry with the last bolt and did some, um, damage to it.

[jcpnofear]

i'm going to use a half round piece of pipe to cover the slots and to soften the curve of the dash. weld,grind,and some ultra RAGE then paint!

[89AKurt]

My previous '69 had the aftermarket fuzzy pad only, the original was not on. The a/c grill on one side never stayed in place.
I sort of like the Death Valley dried mud look in blue, but will think about something later.
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[halfstep]

I like the guys thinking about alternatives here.
It's a simple and discreet dash pad to begin with, so to me filling in doesn't detract from the basic design and it eliminates the warping, cracking issue.
Just an idea, but one could essentially make another, simpler dash pad.
Cut and shape a metal strip that covers the slots and position a few studs on the back to secure it. Then give it a little shape, add a thin pad and cover or finish it however strikes you.