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Re: Dash Pad Replacement
I believe some of the early 63's had no vinyl covering. The later 63's had a vinyl covering adheared to the fiberglass form.
I recovered my 63 center dash section. I had damage from the installation of an aftermarket radio.
The work is not that difficult. The materials are available from many suppliers. I got my covering from Corvette Central. I used a hot air gun to warm the material making it easy to form to the shape of the dash. Do a small area at a time. I did the top center section first then the lower front then the right and left ends. Having an assistant is good but not absolutly necessary. You spray on a contact adheasive let it set up and press the vinyl into place. I always dry fit first to be sure it lines up. Be sure the adheasive can take exposure to the sun. I believe the repo materials have a slightly different grain then the originals.
To remove the clips that hold the pads to the frame slip a slim screw driver into the center of the clip and turn it. You should see the clip loosen up and if you continue to twist the clip should fall out.
The clips often break when you try to reuse them so have some spare ones on hand.
To install the passengers side, slide the pad in place then you can use the 2 bolts to force the pad completely into place. Then install all the clips with a pair of pliers.
The drivers side was more difficult. You don't have the bolts to force the pad into position. I found a very large vice grip clamp, put some protection on the pad and used the clamp to squeeze the pad into place. Then install the clips as on the other pad.
The entire job wasn't that difficult, just required some patience.
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