Best place to buy a Dashpad - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mhicks · 12-07-2009, 09:11 AM

So, where would be the best place to buy a new dashpad. I need one for my '73. I would like to get buckskin in color but would also like to be able to dye if necessary.

nutsforchevys · 12-07-2009, 09:16 AM

I got one from classicparts and the fit was horrible. They had some OEM pads but they were about twice as high.

cor86 · 12-07-2009, 12:04 PM

I got mine from Cheyenne Pickup Parts, since they were the cheapest at $225. Well, there is a reason for that. The defrost inserts, dash plate, and gauge bezel fit is poor, and the pad itself does not lay flat. If I could do it over again, I would have got a cap or an expensive OE pad.

**old Rusty C10** · 12-07-2009, 12:27 PM

have you tried our site vendors?

John Gilbert · 12-07-2009, 12:57 PM

I haven't seen every aftermarket dash pad ever made for a '73-87, but the ones I have used do not fit properly at the top two corners of the gauge cluster. They are not hollowed-out deep enough for the cluster to lay flush. If a person wants a perfect fit and they can find an original I'd say that's the way to go if they can afford it. On my '79 C10 Big 10 I went with a dash cap as an alternative. The caps make the outward appearance of the dash a little different, but I think for the money they are a good way to go. Right now mine is metallic blue, but its going to be real easy to change the color later on.

mhicks · 12-07-2009, 01:17 PM

I have looked at some of the vendor sites but I hate to spend that much money and not like it's fit. Just trying to do a little research before I shell out the money.

Rollie396 · 12-07-2009, 02:44 PM

I would shoot one of the vendors here a pm or phone their business and talk to them.They know the products they sell and will help you out.
To be honest,I've done a fair amount of searching on this topic and I haven't found an aftermarket solution that gets great reviews.Let us know what you find and how it fits!

willett · 12-07-2009, 03:55 PM

check my thread on dying interior parts:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=374799

68Timber · 12-07-2009, 07:29 PM

Good info, I didn't know the resto dash pads were usually a poor fit. I'm going to try to repair the crack in mine and repaint it first, just to see if I can. Plus I know the color will match my console and door panels that way.

3r!c84 · 12-07-2009, 08:35 PM

http://www.usa1industries.com/home.php

Wild83C10 · 12-07-2009, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3r!c84

http://www.usa1industries.com/home.php

Have you used this one, does it fit properly?

3r!c84 · 12-07-2009, 09:22 PM

i havnt used anything from them i was looking up somthing on google and found there website,there prices are bad eather

spaseghost · 12-10-2009, 12:12 AM

21 pounds, really?

BIG10 · 12-10-2009, 12:17 AM

If you're serious about it, spend the money for OEM. I think you'll be much happier with the fit and finish.

S10Fan · 12-10-2009, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhicks

So, where would be the best place to buy a new dashpad. I need one for my '73. I would like to get buckskin in color but would also like to be able to dye if necessary.

Don't buy one from Dashes Direct or one of their dealers, junk. My wife bought one off eBay as a surprise for me. I'll never tell her when I'm finally able to swap it out.

jchav62 · 12-10-2009, 10:39 AM

I bought a good, used one here from a board member. It was crack free and affordable. I dyed it and installed it with no problems. I know it seems impossible to find a crack free dash pad, but they come up in the parts section occassionally. Money saved and no fitment issues.

JC

Jonboy · 12-10-2009, 11:38 AM

Here is a nice pad, and it's fairly close. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=371897

mhicks · 12-10-2009, 02:12 PM

I saw that. He also said he would not ship in his first post. Maybe I could take a little trip.

Mr.Scary · 12-10-2009, 05:33 PM

I thought at tha end of tha post he said he sold it????

staggerd86c-10 · 12-10-2009, 07:23 PM

ok im pretty sure 75% of the owners of these square bodies have had a problem with their dash being cracked. I still havent seen anyone come out and say give **** they have a good product. Everyone says that they all suck. what are we to do? Im leaning towards a dash cap for the time being but i would like to get some more info from you guys.

sharpmotors · 12-11-2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by staggerd86c-10

ok im pretty sure 75% of the owners of these square bodies have had a problem with their dash being cracked. I still havent seen anyone come out and say give **** they have a good product. Everyone says that they all suck. what are we to do? Im leaning towards a dash cap for the time being but i would like to get some more info from you guys.

i am in the same position as you i need one but im still not sure who to get it from.come on guys spill the beans who has the best fitting one.

4ofakind · 12-11-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by staggerd86c-10

ok im pretty sure 75% of the owners of these square bodies have had a problem with their dash being cracked. I still havent seen anyone come out and say give **** they have a good product. Everyone says that they all suck. what are we to do? Im leaning towards a dash cap for the time being but i would like to get some more info from you guys.

What about repairing? How hard would it be to fiberglass in the cracks and paint the original pad? Or is there some other way to repair one? We are innovative types; surely we do not have to be held hostage to buying new or scrounging junkyards do we?

Mal

mhicks · 12-11-2009, 12:40 PM

I would think so (held hostage) if you wanted to match the grain. It would probably stick out like a sore thumb.
You would think that some of the vendors would chime in if they thought they had a good replacement and I haven't seen that yet.

S10Fan · 12-11-2009, 10:06 PM

I talked to a fellow with this company... http://www.tommyspickupparts.com/ at GoodGuys Charlotte in October. They had a dash pad for the 81-87 trucks at the show that looked to be of very good quality. The pad looked to be constructed in the same manner as a GM pad. The fellow I spoke with told me they also had pads for 73-80 trucks but he didn't have one with him. I don't recall the price but it was in line with what I've seen much lesser quality pads go for.

I saved his card and when I've recovered from what the Heap has cost me so far, I'll call and order one.

HOGDADDY · 12-13-2009, 01:25 AM

Here is one on ebay. Its not mine btw.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/73-87...Q5fAccessories

12-07-2009, 09:11 AM	#1
mhicks Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Weatherford,Tx Posts: 747	Best place to buy a Dashpad So, where would be the best place to buy a new dashpad. I need one for my '73. I would like to get buckskin in color but would also like to be able to dye if necessary.

12-07-2009, 09:16 AM	#2
nutsforchevys Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Stephenville, Texas Posts: 420	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad I got one from classicparts and the fit was horrible. They had some OEM pads but they were about twice as high. __________________ 72 Super Cheyenne lwb 4X4 Ocra / White 88 Chevy 1 ton Dumptruck 88 Chevy 1ton Flat bed 4X4 white

12-07-2009, 12:04 PM	#3
cor86 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Warsaw, IN Posts: 93	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad I got mine from Cheyenne Pickup Parts, since they were the cheapest at $225. Well, there is a reason for that. The defrost inserts, dash plate, and gauge bezel fit is poor, and the pad itself does not lay flat. If I could do it over again, I would have got a cap or an expensive OE pad.

12-07-2009, 12:27 PM	#4
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,300	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad have you tried our site vendors? __________________ 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!!

12-07-2009, 12:57 PM	#5
John Gilbert Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Placentia, California Posts: 567	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad I haven't seen every aftermarket dash pad ever made for a '73-87, but the ones I have used do not fit properly at the top two corners of the gauge cluster. They are not hollowed-out deep enough for the cluster to lay flush. If a person wants a perfect fit and they can find an original I'd say that's the way to go if they can afford it. On my '79 C10 Big 10 I went with a dash cap as an alternative. The caps make the outward appearance of the dash a little different, but I think for the money they are a good way to go. Right now mine is metallic blue, but its going to be real easy to change the color later on.

12-07-2009, 01:17 PM	#6
mhicks Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Weatherford,Tx Posts: 747	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad I have looked at some of the vendor sites but I hate to spend that much money and not like it's fit. Just trying to do a little research before I shell out the money. Last edited by mhicks; 12-07-2009 at 01:36 PM.

12-07-2009, 02:44 PM	#7
Rollie396 someday it will be done! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lloydminster,AB. Canada Posts: 1,620	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad I would shoot one of the vendors here a pm or phone their business and talk to them.They know the products they sell and will help you out. To be honest,I've done a fair amount of searching on this topic and I haven't found an aftermarket solution that gets great reviews.Let us know what you find and how it fits! __________________ '72 C-10 Proud owner of a million new and used pieces that used to be and will once again be(god willing) a testament to the term "they don't build em like that anymore. '80 LWB 2wd beater '67 GMC long fleet (cab donor) '66 long step (parked till it's turn comes around) '65 short step (parts truck that will donate it's bed and possibly frame to the '66) '06 Grand Prix wife's car (she hardly lets me touch it) my pics

12-07-2009, 03:55 PM	#8
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad check my thread on dying interior parts: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=374799 __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

12-07-2009, 07:29 PM	#9
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad Good info, I didn't know the resto dash pads were usually a poor fit. I'm going to try to repair the crack in mine and repaint it first, just to see if I can. Plus I know the color will match my console and door panels that way. __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

12-07-2009, 08:35 PM	#10
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad http://www.usa1industries.com/home.php __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90

12-07-2009, 09:22 PM	#12
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad i havnt used anything from them i was looking up somthing on google and found there website,there prices are bad eather __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90

12-10-2009, 12:12 AM	#13
spaseghost certified tard Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: grand junction, colorado Posts: 182	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad 21 pounds, really? __________________ 85 swb bbc 5% tint 16.356 @ 84.81 8/07/09 4800 Ft., bad timing, carb tune, and traction, fugg it. 16.169 @ 84.29 8/28/09 good timing, no carb tune, some traction... 06 Equinox LT AWD, wife's and family ride 03 Mustang V6, CAI, Duals, Pullies, Programmer, Short Throw, wife's dream car?! 90 Eagle Talon, other project / space taker, GOT head!! 08 Silverado 2500 HD, the bad ass work truck

12-10-2009, 12:17 AM	#14
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad If you're serious about it, spend the money for OEM. I think you'll be much happier with the fit and finish. __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser.

12-10-2009, 10:39 AM	#16
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad I bought a good, used one here from a board member. It was crack free and affordable. I dyed it and installed it with no problems. I know it seems impossible to find a crack free dash pad, but they come up in the parts section occassionally. Money saved and no fitment issues. JC __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

12-10-2009, 11:38 AM	#17
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad Here is a nice pad, and it's fairly close. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=371897



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12-10-2009, 02:12 PM	#18
mhicks Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Weatherford,Tx Posts: 747	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad I saw that. He also said he would not ship in his first post. Maybe I could take a little trip. Last edited by mhicks; 12-10-2009 at 02:13 PM.

12-10-2009, 05:33 PM	#19
Mr.Scary Project Optimus Prime Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 346	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad I thought at tha end of tha post he said he sold it???? __________________ 84 SWB work in progress 89 burb 1500 (parts pig) LOL 08 ford focus (I know, I know) Wifes car "I said it b4 and i'll say it agian wiring is my worst enemy":devil:

12-10-2009, 07:23 PM	#20
staggerd86c-10 Squarebody Aficionado Join Date: May 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 713	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad ok im pretty sure 75% of the owners of these square bodies have had a problem with their dash being cracked. I still havent seen anyone come out and say give **** they have a good product. Everyone says that they all suck. what are we to do? Im leaning towards a dash cap for the time being but i would like to get some more info from you guys.

12-11-2009, 12:40 PM	#23
mhicks Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Weatherford,Tx Posts: 747	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad I would think so (held hostage) if you wanted to match the grain. It would probably stick out like a sore thumb. You would think that some of the vendors would chime in if they thought they had a good replacement and I haven't seen that yet.

12-11-2009, 10:06 PM	#24
S10Fan Old Heap Driver Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 2,640	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad I talked to a fellow with this company... http://www.tommyspickupparts.com/ at GoodGuys Charlotte in October. They had a dash pad for the 81-87 trucks at the show that looked to be of very good quality. The pad looked to be constructed in the same manner as a GM pad. The fellow I spoke with told me they also had pads for 73-80 trucks but he didn't have one with him. I don't recall the price but it was in line with what I've seen much lesser quality pads go for. I saved his card and when I've recovered from what the Heap has cost me so far, I'll call and order one. __________________ _____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver.

12-13-2009, 01:25 AM	#25
HOGDADDY Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 661	Re: Best place to buy a Dashpad Here is one on ebay. Its not mine btw. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/73-87...Q5fAccessories

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