Early C3 replacement dash pads

[Robert M.]

Hello all,

I am looking to possibly replace the drivers side lower dash pad on the 1970.
I've recently had my hands on a well known repo made in Pennsyvania. Mostly nice, except the Stitching was poor, and the groove between the stitching rows was nearly non-existant. My question to you, is there any one out there manufacturing a good lower dash repo? And have you had your hands on one and looked it over?

Thanks much,

Bob

[Jack H.]

Re: Early C3 replacement dash pads

I've yet to see a reproduction Shark dash component that's 'spot on' to the factory original. I'd suggest you shop eBay/swap meets for a good used original...

[Terry F.]

Re: Early C3 replacement dash pads

Good used ones are out there. Ebay is a good source. Terry

[Joe L.]

Re: Early C3 replacement dash pads

Bob, Jack, and Terry-----

I'd be VERY reluctant to purchase and install a used dash panel for a C3. These things are old and plastic inevitably deteriorates over time. Plasticizers "outgas" and render the plastic more brittle with each passing day. Sure, a pad might look ok now, but for how much longer will it remain that way? In other words, how much of it's life has been "used up" by the time you get it?

[Terry F.]

Re: Early C3 replacement dash pads

You are right, they do deteriorate. I have original 68 stuff and it looks nice to me. I tend to go for original over looks though. Terry

[Patrick H.]

Re: Early C3 replacement dash pads

Joe,

Having seen the crap that they sell as new reproduction pads, I'd offer the opinion that a new reproduction has less life in it than a 30 year old original.

Patrick

[Robert M.]

Re: Early C3 replacement dash pads

Thanks all for the input, unfortunately you guys seem to have confirmed my thoughts. Ebay has had a few offered, but they seem to have damage, or the seller often confuses a 75 with air, as a 70 panel, or he just plain won't help by answering questions of taking a extra photo or two.

I've noted a few with slight tears of the vinyl. What is the current level of quality of a vinyl repair to a 36 year old panel, by a qualified shop?

Thanks again for answering.
Bob

[Mike R.]

Re: Early C3 replacement dash pads

Bob

Check Al Knoch, www.alknochinteriors.com, They aren't the cheapest guys around but thay have a good product.

Mike

[David M.]

Re: Early C3 replacement dash pads

Has anyone ever tried Just Dashes? Expensive, but they are supposed to be able to repair the understructure and and re-skin the part with correct grain and finish using the same thermal vacuum methods as the factory did?

[Terry F.]

Re: Early C3 replacement dash pads

Bob, I have seen nice ones and purchased nice ones on ebay. The upper dash pad takes the most abuse from heat. The drivers side lower gets cracked when people try to pull it out without lowering the steering column. The white fiberglass support structure loves super glue. I have taken some that have cracks on the back side and super glued them with excellent results. I'm not exagerating on this one. Just wash the area and get as much dirt out of the crack as possible. Lightly wipe with lacqer thinner. And if you sort of play with it, you can almost make the crack disappear (rubbing the super glue over the crack and the surrounding area sort of melts the surrounding plastic and blends it all together). I have even wet sanded the cracks after super gluing them. I have taken a nice drivers side lower 68 that had good vinyl and totally blown out around the column. It was completely missing. I cut a piece out of another and carefully fused it in. Looks great and you can't tell it was broken. Mind you, it took work but find me another original dark blue one year only 68 left lower dash pad. I have since found another but they are hard to find intact. I don't like using vinyl dye unless I have to. I will use dye only when I can't find a color I need or I want to brighten the vinyl on a dull panel. Spray very thin only. I have never had vinyl repaired. I have heard great things about it though. Good luck, Terry