The dash pad matrix...who makes the best?

[71blksuper4x4]

I am fairly certain that USA1 dyes Dashes Direct Dash Pads (metal backer).

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by 71blksuper4x4

I am fairly certain that USA1 dyes Dashes Direct Dash Pads (metal backer).

The do dye the Dashes. It states that right on their website.

[71blksuper4x4]

Originally Posted by TKCR

The do dye the Dashes. It states that right on their website.

I know they dye them, but the main point was that they are Dashes Direct brand vinyl over metal. Dash Pads that you can order without being dyed already from other sites and DIY. They don't actually produce their own dash as it may sound in previous responses to my knowledge.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by 71blksuper4x4

I know they dye them, but the main point was that they are Dashes Direct brand vinyl over metal. Dash Pads that you can order without being dyed already from other sites and DIY. They don't actually produce their own dash as it may sound in previous responses to my knowledge.

I apologize then, when I read it, I was taking it that you were talking about the dye process. My bad

[69Tom]

So I just got off the phone with Dashes Direct. I called because their web page isn't working regarding dealers. Aside from USA 1, LMC sells their vinyl covered dash, which is most like the OEM pads, fyi.

We started talking about dyeing the pads, which they both do. The difference is, as stated above, USA 1 is dyeing black pads after they're shipped to them. Maybe they do some kind of baking process with the dye, but he wasn't sure. But, the difference is, Dashes Direct dyes their dash pads during the molding process, which apparently goes up to 300 degrees F. So, the color really is getting baked in.

He said that the dash pads LMC sells are dyed by Dashes Direct to match the color seats/door panels LMC sells. So LMC picks the colors, and hence why they don't match stock exactly.

However, it just so happened that for some reason they had done a batch of correct color for saddle interiors (it wasn't called saddle, but he sent me pics of it and it looks spot on), so I purchased one directly from them. Saved a ton on shipping too. Glad I called.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by 69Tom

So I just got off the phone with Dashes Direct. I called because their web page isn't working regarding dealers. Aside from USA 1, LMC sells their vinyl covered dash, which is most like the OEM pads, fyi.

We started talking about dyeing the pads, which they both do. The difference is, as stated above, USA 1 is dyeing black pads after they're shipped to them. Maybe the do some kind of baking process with the dye, but he wasn't sure. But, the difference is, Dashes Direct dyes their dash pads during the molding process, which apparently goes up to 300 degrees F. So, the color really is getting backed in.

He said that the dash pads LMC sells are dyed by Dashes Direct to match the color seats/door panels LMC sells. So LMC picks the colors, and hence why they don't match stock exactly.

However, it just so happened that for some reason they had done a batch of correct color for saddle interiors (it wasn't called saddle, but he sent me pics of it and it looks spot on), so I purchased one directly from them. Saved a ton on shipping too. Glad I called.

Good info there! Now my only question to all this. I know USA1 Dashes are made over a metal frame, which has already been confirmed. But what about LMC? They have always been known to be over a non-metal frame. Which is why they warp in a short amount of time. So are they saying that LMC Dashes are now also over a metal frame?

[69Tom]

They said that LMC sells the vinyl covered dashes with the metal frame. Dashes Direct’s pads, urethane and vinyl covered versions, are both over metal frames per my conversation.

[Factory Guy]

Before I would buy anything. I think I would try refinishing it as shown in these you tube video's:

This first one is a true craftsman (I love his speaker grill inserts-AWESOME idea).

https://youtu.be/05XrGq734u0

https://youtu.be/m3wCdLJAPgE

https://youtu.be/1klhN8ovMfs

https://youtu.be/cJtRCOWebRc

All 4 doing it different ways but all look much better than what they had!

Pretty amazing results by all of them.

[Axle]

Originally Posted by 69Tom

They said that LMC sells the vinyl covered dashes with the metal frame. Dashes Direct’s pads, urethane and vinyl covered versions, are both over metal frames per my conversation.

The "in hindsight" question for them would be; why does everybody seem to be claiming the LMC dash pad is warping, yet the same dash pad bought from another souce is not?

Alex.

[JJH Jimmy]

Does anyone have a link to the metal backed dash pads from LMC? I didn't see them on their web site.

[69Tom]

Originally Posted by Axle

The "in hindsight" question for them would be; why does everybody seem to be claiming the LMC dash pad is warping, yet the same dash pad bought from another souce is not?

Alex.

I didn't realize the ones from LMC that were warping were the metal backed ones. Sorry, not familiar with the history of ones sold at LMC. Was just going by what Dashes Direct was stating - that they are presently supplying dash pads to LMC.

If I was going to order anything from LMC, I'd definitely give them a call and ask what they're selling. Might even be worth calling back Dashes Direct.

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by Axle

The "in hindsight" question for them would be; why does everybody seem to be claiming the LMC dash pad is warping, yet the same dash pad bought from another souce is not?

Alex.

I thought the same thing. I just wonder if the person from Dash Directs really knows. Because LMC has the urethane Dashes, and that’s why they warp. Unless they recently made a change, because of so many complaints. I guess that’s a possibility.

[Axle]

I think we need a play book to keep track of all this. =-)

[71blksuper4x4]

I do believe that LMC made a change to the vinyl dashes within the last two years. They were out of stock for awhile, much like the swb bed sides. When they came back in stock, I believe the price had went up on them, and believe I seen the description read different. Don’t quote me on that.

[gerryeric]

Originally Posted by Axle

I think we need a play book to keep track of all this. =-)

The thread title sucks you in with the promise of a matrix Sadly I'm still confused (but then again, not the forum's fault),

[RADustin]

well crap. I bought one from Cheyenne and its plastic backed.

maybe I can glue aluminum to support the back of it.

[mikentosh]

The metal backed dashes direct units are also available through Summit Racing. That’s where I got mine in 2018.

[kglowacky]

well got my sample from usa1 today in the mail. It is the darker red so I guess no one dyes these dashes to the correct 78 red or when dying over the black dash the red turns dark. I am probably just going top buy a black one and install it instead of red. Thanks everyone

[TrybalRage]

Originally Posted by RADustin

well crap. I bought one from Cheyenne and its plastic backed.

maybe I can glue aluminum to support the back of it.

They specify this and their reasoning on their website:

We exclusively manufacture vinyl over foam dash pads, like original GM. Ours are made with an ABS backer, which is the same material our fan shrouds are made of. We did this so they would be able to withstand temperature fluctuations and allow the vinyl to contract and expand without cracking like OE ones did. ABS was not used to save money, it was used to make a better dash pad. Our dash pads have the same rigidity as original GM dash pads and can support their own weight.

Whether or not this claim is true (contract and expand without cracking) I have no idea. But I've read good reviews of their dashes, and they are high on my list of companies to order from when the time comes.

[1774btcrew]

Originally Posted by TrybalRage

They specify this and their reasoning on their website:



Whether or not this claim is true (contract and expand without cracking) I have no idea. But I've read good reviews of their dashes, and they are high on my list of companies to order from when the time comes.

cracking has not been an issue with mine from Cheyenne truck parts. It is the warping. Here in Phoenix we get hotter than most places in the country though

[69Tom]

I received my dash pad from Dashes Direct. While the color isn't exact to original (it's apparently difficult to tell colors from picture on my end), I think I'm still going to keep it as it's just a little darker. Looks to be well made.

[71blksuper4x4]

Originally Posted by 69Tom

I received my dash pad from Dashes Direct. While the color isn't exact to original (it's apparently difficult to tell colors from picture on my end), I think I'm still going to keep it as it's just a little darker. Looks to be well made.

Tom, what color did you get?

[69Tom]

Originally Posted by 1774btcrew

cracking has not been an issue with mine from Cheyenne truck parts. It is the warping. Here in Phoenix we get hotter than most places in the country though

Feel free to PM me if you want to swing by and check out the dash pad before I install it.

[69Tom]

Originally Posted by 71blksuper4x4

Tom, what color did you get?

I can’t seem to find the packing slip for the color name used by Dashes Direct. I have a saddle interior in my 74. Again the pic makes it look lighter than it really is. If it was how it looked in the pic it’d be pretty close to spot on.

[1774btcrew]

Originally Posted by 69Tom

I can’t seem to find the packing slip for the color name used by Dashes Direct. I have a saddle interior in my 74. Again the pic makes it look lighter than it really is. If it was how it looked in the pic it’d be pretty close to spot on.

I appreciate that! The color of mine was great just to quality was very poor. It did fit excellent though