Restoring my dash pad

[CarlsLQ9SS]

I seen a post on here where someone restored their original dash pad. I was wondering what would be the best material to recover one with as i dont want to put a repop on my truck. Thanks in advance, Carl

[Davidf]

No idea how to answer your question. But, if it were me, I would probably call "Just Dashes" (there is another company as well) and ask if they would tackle the job. Fortunately, my dash pad was not original, so it was an easy solution to get another repop which I think is fine.

[CarlsLQ9SS]

Originally Posted by Davidf

No idea how to answer your question. But, if it were me, I would probably call "Just Dashes" (there is another company as well) and ask if they would tackle the job. Fortunately, my dash pad was not original, so it was an easy solution to get another repop which I think is fine.

I have been searching the forum and have seen some bad reviews on various manufacturers of them, which pad did you go with for your truck?

[Davidf]

Originally Posted by CarlsLQ9SS

I have been searching the forum and have seen some bad reviews on various manufacturers of them, which pad did you go with for your truck?

Brothers.

[Grumpy old man]

Originally Posted by Davidf

Brothers.

Yeah well ... Any time I go to some specialty shops web site and they have a huge fancy store with tons of "automobilia" hanging on the walls and videos on you tube that aren't always spot on all that screams to me personally is $$$$$$$$$$ this is gonna hurt . Just my Grumpy opinion buy from who ever makes you happy .

[Ironangel]

I used one of these in both of my 72's and am very satisfied with them. The key to a good fit is slotting the center holes in the dash a bit (if necessary) and not over tightening the nuts! The Pad will distort if you over tighten the nuts or force a stud through a hole. https://www.classicparts.com/Dash-Pa...oducts/268/3/0

[CarlsLQ9SS]

Originally Posted by Ironangel

I used one of these in both of my 72's and am very satisfied with them. The key to a good fit is slotting the center holes in the dash a bit (if necessary) and not over tightening the nuts! The Pad will distort if you over tighten the nuts or force a stud through a hole. https://www.classicparts.com/Dash-Pa...oducts/268/3/0

Thank you, I have ordered from them and i am happy with the small parts i got, mainly small interior pieces. I may just get one from them.

[A1971Blazer]

Check with member GrumpyOldMan
He was offering a custom dash pad cover for the original dash pad
I bought a repro from SoKy Classics made by DashesDirect...in USA
It fit very well and looks nice

[Boog]

There is also a member (an upholsterer) selling dash recovering kits down in the classifieds.

[Grumpy old man]

1) If your dash is crack free and good all around shape you can recolor it using Sem adhesion promoter and Sem dye , The trick using sem products is to use very LIGHT coats or you'll end up with a glossy look . cost $

2) If your dash is cracked just check with your local upholstery shop to see if they will recover for you . The problem with recovering with vinyl material is very few materials have a bi axial stretch to stretch around the corners without wrinkles, None of which are factory colors/ grain so it has to be seamed and you really need to use good upholstery grade glue or the heat will just let the material release and you'll have a mess, Another problem with wrapping is the material will not go into the lower dash mounting screw holes ,So when you go to install them they will either just pull thru the material leaving a hole or leave a "pulled look" around each hole . cost $$$


3) Just buy a new replacement dash pad ,The trick for installing dash pads is to not over tighten the top mounting nuts ,Too tight and any of them will look wavy . The Truck and car shop has them for $55.00 + cost $$ page 36 of the catalog

http://www.truckandcarshop.com/6072.html

[Grumpy old man]

Truck and car shop.

[54blackhornet]

I believe you will be quiet impressed with the pad Southern Kentucky offers. It’s a dashes direct product made in the US.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Truck and car shop.

I used this one on my 72 worked out well

[CarlsLQ9SS]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Truck and car shop.

Thank you for all the info and i will probably use the spray for my 72 plastic door panels. The dash pad looks like pretty good quality so i will check into that one as well. I also ordered a catalog from them because it looks like they have some pretty good prices.

[bry593]

Yes, Southern KY does a good job of weeding out the bad aftermarket parts. They also have as fair a price as you can get for the quality.

[70STOVEBOLT]

I got a replacement dash pad about 15 years ago from Dashes Direct and it held up well over the years. I traded it for a blue OEM pad a few years ago.

[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 3 doing it a different way but all look much better than what they had!

Pretty amazing results by all of them.

[Astro-Balls]

Carl, I can get the vinyl dash cover you want to restore your dash.
Let me know if you want it with a saddle stitch seam or plain.
What color?

[CarlsLQ9SS]

I need a black one, the one in my truck is cracked but not terrible. I like the stitch seam but what would be the price on each one?

[CarlsLQ9SS]

Here is what I'm working with, I bought a kit from Astroballs (Mitch). Wondering if I need to take all the old vinyl off of the pad?

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by CarlsLQ9SS

Here is what I'm working with, I bought a kit from Astroballs (Mitch). Wondering if I need to take all the old vinyl off of the pad?

I believe you should ask Astroballs. He made it and knows what he made the pattern to fit. Send him a PM and ask.

[Boog]

I haven't done one but I would think the result would be better without that hard cracked cover under the new one. In fact somewhere here there is a thread showing the removal of the old cover and someone using something like spray foam or something to fill in and level the foam for a better finish.

[CarlsLQ9SS]

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

I believe you should ask Astroballs. He made it and knows what he made the pattern to fit. Send him a PM and ask.

I have spoke with Mitch and he said it depends on the condition of the dash, I think I will invest in a heat gun and remove the old vinyl.

[KevinK7]

Originally Posted by CarlsLQ9SS

Here is what I'm working with, I bought a kit from Astroballs (Mitch). Wondering if I need to take all the old vinyl off of the pad?

Carl,
I just went through this myself (first time, so you could do it) Here's a write-up I did as well. BTW, I got the material from Mitch (Astro-Balls), great guy and the material was super easy to work with. Very happy with the outcome

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=dashpad+diy


Kevin

[CarlsLQ9SS]

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

I believe you should ask Astroballs. He made it and knows what he made the pattern to fit. Send him a PM and ask.

Originally Posted by Boog

I haven't done one but I would think the result would be better without that hard cracked cover under the new one. In fact somewhere here there is a thread showing the removal of the old cover and someone using something like spray foam or something to fill in and level the foam for a better finish.

I think you are right I'm gonna remove the old vinyl.

Originally Posted by KevinK7

Carl,
I just went through this myself (first time, so you could do it) Here's a write-up I did as well. BTW, I got the material from Mitch (Astro-Balls), great guy and the material was super easy to work with. Very happy with the outcome

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=dashpad+diy


Kevin

I have read your thread and you put up a really good how too on this. It will deffinalely help me in my restoration.

Carl