restore dash pad? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

67chevemall · 10-21-2005, 04:05 PM

I have my pad out to paint the truck and it is looking like a 40 year old
dash pad.
Anybody have any ideas how to restore it?
Not going with the repo pad.

How hard would it be to re vinal it?
Its there any wood grain kits out there?
Anybody have wood where the dash pad is???

Cheers

**special-K** · 10-21-2005, 04:29 PM

I`ve seen them covered plain and fancy,like roll`n`pleat.Is your vinyl crecked or just old looking?If it`s not cracked,you could die it.

weasel29gm · 10-21-2005, 04:32 PM

For the price of a repop I'd use it. Seen very few thats been restored that looked or lasted long.

HeavyD · 10-21-2005, 04:37 PM

Only way to properly fix an old one is to send it to someplace like Just Dashes that strips it and reapplies new vinyl. http://www.justdashes.com/
Any reason you don't want a new one? Have you not been happy with the quality of the reproduction ones?

Tx Firefighter · 10-21-2005, 04:42 PM

I run those 40 buck repros in all my stuff. They look and work great.

70rs/ss · 10-21-2005, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeavyD

Only way to properly fix an old one is to send it to someplace like Just Dashes that strips it and reapplies new vinyl. http://www.justdashes.com/
Any reason you don't want a new one? Have you not been happy with the quality of the reproduction ones?

justdashes is way expensive, but I hear they do good work. I'd use a repop they look OK, better than a vinyl recover.

redhead69 · 10-21-2005, 05:12 PM

I've got a Q on this subject... Do the repros come with those 2 metal strips that hold the originals down, or do they just glue to the dash itself? I tore mine apart and kept that strip thingamabob wondering what I am going to get when I order another from my favorite vendor in Olympia (uhhhmmmm Wes).

67chevemall · 10-21-2005, 05:32 PM

I'd like to go wood to match the roof and bezel
but...
I could try and re vinal it.. It does have a few cracks
$40 isn't bad for a repo either?
=stuck

Joe67 · 10-21-2005, 05:59 PM

Another option is lose the pad and fill the little square holes

Putter · 10-21-2005, 06:09 PM

I bought a new pad from Tim Christian and it looks great. It attaches exactly like the original and is holding it's shape perfectly!!!

Tx Firefighter · 10-21-2005, 06:20 PM

40 dollar repro pad....

Remove 4 screws along front and 5 or 6 nuts underneath, throw original in trash, reverse procedure to install the new one. The only thing you reuse is the 4 screw along the front. They come with new nuts and washers.

red71cheyenne · 10-21-2005, 07:23 PM

I put a repro pad in the Cheyenne 4 years ago and still can't get the 4 screws in the front of it.

Tx Firefighter · 10-21-2005, 07:58 PM

Use a pick to line the holes up. I just put one in my 72 beater last weekend ands had to do that myself.

Longhorn Man · 10-21-2005, 08:13 PM

Personally, i went and located a straight non cracked one in a junk yard, used the spray dye to color it black, and haven't looked back yet.

**special-K** · 10-22-2005, 09:41 AM

I like the slotted look of the bare dash.Going out to Spencer Gifts and buying a blacklight to mount behind dash.Yeah,I know,I should be a designer.

67chevemall · 10-23-2005, 09:51 PM

good idea ! no Pad!
smooth it out some more, doesn't end

**southern parts** · 10-23-2005, 10:20 PM

Has anyone had a dash pad restored at just dashes ? If so how much ?

**special-K** · 10-23-2005, 11:09 PM

Alot more than buying a repro.Those guys are good for parts that can`t be replaced with new.

4x4Poet · 10-23-2005, 11:20 PM

IIRC, Just Dashes charges a little less if you provide them any metal strips from the original pad. They need the metal to affix the foam and vinyl to. Something to consider before tossing an old dash without saving the metal strips.

I talked to Just Dashes once years ago. They claimed that they use a superior foam and vinyl than oem used. JD claims that this foam and vinyl resists cracks and fading much better than oem or repops. JD also claimed that oem foam actually causes cracks in dash vinyl. So JD claimed that their dashes will outlast oem or repop given the same treatment. But, I've never used a JD product.

I highly recommend using303 Products Protectorant on vinyl and tires for the UV protection and dry surface that doesn't attract dust. Most vinyl top makers recommend 303. Some further links:
Tech Facts Brochures
303 Products Protectant

**Green Machine** · 10-23-2005, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red71cheyenne

I put a repro pad in the Cheyenne 4 years ago and still can't get the 4 screws in the front of it.

The last repop I used had TONS of I'm gonna call it "molding flash" left underneath it, once I trimmed the excess rubber/vinyl stuff off it fit pretty good and was then able to get the screws in. I wanted a certain color not availble in the brand that the vendor usually carrys, so he got one from another source. I suspect then that the brand you get makes a difference but I hpoe my next one fits better. The repop I used had what looked like a fiberglass back to it not metal. My 2 cents.

**special-K** · 10-24-2005, 08:09 AM

Has anyone else noticed that if the truck had tinted glass,the dash pad lasts.The un-tinted trucks didn`t.That`s the way it is in my area and I`ve owned alot of western trucks,too.I`d say that`s long enough.

Chevy Chef · 10-24-2005, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

I run those 40 buck repros in all my stuff. They look and work great.

The cheapest Ive been able to find was about 80 bucks and only came in black. Where does one find these 40 dollar jobbys you mentioned? Would like to check them out.

kelsfine69 · 10-24-2005, 11:36 PM

Also looking for a dark green pad.....

Tx Firefighter · 10-25-2005, 06:05 AM

Ricks Pickup Parts...

67chevemall · 10-26-2005, 12:57 PM

I found this pic!
I wonder if he is makeing a Half Dash Pad??

Looks good all welded up too! Half and Half???

What yall think?

10-21-2005, 04:05 PM	#1
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	restore dash pad? I have my pad out to paint the truck and it is looking like a 40 year old dash pad. Anybody have any ideas how to restore it? Not going with the repo pad. How hard would it be to re vinal it? Its there any wood grain kits out there? Anybody have wood where the dash pad is??? Cheers __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD

10-21-2005, 04:29 PM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: restore dash pad? I`ve seen them covered plain and fancy,like roll`n`pleat.Is your vinyl crecked or just old looking?If it`s not cracked,you could die it. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-21-2005, 04:32 PM	#3
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,092	Re: restore dash pad? For the price of a repop I'd use it. Seen very few thats been restored that looked or lasted long. __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 35YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

10-21-2005, 04:37 PM	#4
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,179	Re: restore dash pad? Only way to properly fix an old one is to send it to someplace like Just Dashes that strips it and reapplies new vinyl. http://www.justdashes.com/ Any reason you don't want a new one? Have you not been happy with the quality of the reproduction ones? __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

10-21-2005, 04:42 PM	#5
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: restore dash pad? I run those 40 buck repros in all my stuff. They look and work great. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-21-2005, 05:12 PM	#7
redhead69 fugedaboutit Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gresham, OR Posts: 832	Re: restore dash pad? I've got a Q on this subject... Do the repros come with those 2 metal strips that hold the originals down, or do they just glue to the dash itself? I tore mine apart and kept that strip thingamabob wondering what I am going to get when I order another from my favorite vendor in Olympia (uhhhmmmm Wes). __________________ Currently truckless

10-21-2005, 05:32 PM	#8
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Re: restore dash pad? I'd like to go wood to match the roof and bezel but... I could try and re vinal it.. It does have a few cracks $40 isn't bad for a repo either? =stuck

10-21-2005, 05:59 PM	#9
Joe67 67 is sold Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 6,738	Re: restore dash pad? Another option is lose the pad and fill the little square holes __________________ Joe - Formerly 67c10step ------------------------------- 1967 Chevy Stepside - ECE 4/6, fuelcell, 5lug - SOLD gr8lakes - My ebay auctions Click here to order forum apparel :: Click here to become a subscribing member

10-21-2005, 06:09 PM	#10
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Re: restore dash pad? I bought a new pad from Tim Christian and it looks great. It attaches exactly like the original and is holding it's shape perfectly!!! __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket**

10-21-2005, 06:20 PM	#11
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: restore dash pad? 40 dollar repro pad.... Remove 4 screws along front and 5 or 6 nuts underneath, throw original in trash, reverse procedure to install the new one. The only thing you reuse is the 4 screw along the front. They come with new nuts and washers. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-21-2005, 07:23 PM	#12
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: restore dash pad? I put a repro pad in the Cheyenne 4 years ago and still can't get the 4 screws in the front of it. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

10-21-2005, 07:58 PM	#13
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: restore dash pad? Use a pick to line the holes up. I just put one in my 72 beater last weekend ands had to do that myself. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-21-2005, 08:13 PM	#14
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: restore dash pad? Personally, i went and located a straight non cracked one in a junk yard, used the spray dye to color it black, and haven't looked back yet.

10-22-2005, 09:41 AM	#15
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: restore dash pad? I like the slotted look of the bare dash.Going out to Spencer Gifts and buying a blacklight to mount behind dash.Yeah,I know,I should be a designer. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-23-2005, 09:51 PM	#16
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Re: restore dash pad? good idea ! no Pad! smooth it out some more, doesn't end __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD



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10-23-2005, 10:20 PM	#17
southern parts Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Elberton Ga. Posts: 3,470	Re: restore dash pad? Has anyone had a dash pad restored at just dashes ? If so how much ?

10-23-2005, 11:09 PM	#18
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: restore dash pad? Alot more than buying a repro.Those guys are good for parts that can`t be replaced with new. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-23-2005, 11:20 PM	#19
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	IIRC, Just Dashes charges a little less if you provide them any metal strips from the original pad. They need the metal to affix the foam and vinyl to. Something to consider before tossing an old dash without saving the metal strips. I talked to Just Dashes once years ago. They claimed that they use a superior foam and vinyl than oem used. JD claims that this foam and vinyl resists cracks and fading much better than oem or repops. JD also claimed that oem foam actually causes cracks in dash vinyl. So JD claimed that their dashes will outlast oem or repop given the same treatment. But, I've never used a JD product. I highly recommend using303 Products Protectorant on vinyl and tires for the UV protection and dry surface that doesn't attract dust. Most vinyl top makers recommend 303. Some further links: Tech Facts Brochures 303 Products Protectant __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup. Last edited by 4x4Poet; 10-23-2005 at 11:21 PM.

10-24-2005, 08:09 AM	#21
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: restore dash pad? Has anyone else noticed that if the truck had tinted glass,the dash pad lasts.The un-tinted trucks didn`t.That`s the way it is in my area and I`ve owned alot of western trucks,too.I`d say that`s long enough. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-24-2005, 11:36 PM	#23
kelsfine69 18 Till I Die Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,522	Re: restore dash pad? Also looking for a dark green pad..... __________________ 2011 GMC Acadia 1969 GMC BBC LS7 2007 GMC Crew Duramax 1987 Camaro Iroc 350 Tuned Port Injection 42000Km 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 350 TBI(yes 2) Take me drunk, I'm too home...

10-25-2005, 06:05 AM	#24
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: restore dash pad? Ricks Pickup Parts... __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-26-2005, 12:57 PM	#25
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Re: restore dash pad? I found this pic! I wonder if he is makeing a Half Dash Pad?? Looks good all welded up too! Half and Half??? What yall think? __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD Last edited by 67chevemall; 07-09-2010 at 02:27 PM.

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