1960 Dash Pad

[Ron F.]

My first visit to the board. Question may not be appropriate, let me know.

Looking for advice on dash pad purchase. Romeo Engineering is a lot cheaper than others. Reason? Your experience?

Thanks

[William C.]

Re: 1960 Dash Pad

Do a search in the archives on Romeo and I think you will find your answer.

[Ron F.]

Re: 1960 Dash Pad

Thanks Bill, quite enlightening. Darn, the next closest price is Corvette Central, there goes $150. I mostly just drive my cars and haven't had to look for many restoration supplies. Are most of the vendors resellers? Do items tend to come from the same source? I realize there will be no rule of thumb but I wonder how many companies tool up for something like dash pads, seat covers, weatherstrip, etc.

My 60 is coming out of the paint shop soon and I am ordering the all those items and more, what vendors should I be avoiding?

[William C.]

Re: 1960 Dash Pad

Really depends on the product, some parts have only a single supplier, but most have at least two sources and the major houses decide where to go based on the needs of their particular business. There are a couple of options to save some money if you are doing a major project, one is to put your whole shopping list together and negotiate a bulk purchase with one of the major houses, several hav a discount program for people who are doing an entire car and making a (relatively) large purchase. Another is to work with a local Corvette shop in your area who may have access to multiple suppliers and then work the entire purchase thru them, as they likely will have more experience as to who might be the "best" of multiple suppliers. Nothing is for certain, but a little looking and learning before you buy can go a long way towards not having to duplicate purchases because you didn't specify "plated Steel" and got Stainless or ran afoul of similar misadventures. Many vendors will use the terms "NCRS correct" for parts that are anything but, so the time to gaing the knowledge of what you are actually looking for is well spent.

[Howard M.]

Re: 1960 Dash Pad

Ron:
I did my 60 last year with a dash pad from Al Knoch. Not the cheapest but the better quality. They all will require a good deal of cutting and fitting to make a good installation. Look in the archives for backround and advice.

[Terry D.]

Re: 1960 Dash Pad

Agree with Howard Al Knoch is the way to go, what part of the country are you in?
Terry

[Ron F.]

Re: 1960 Dash Pad

Hi Terry,

Upstate New York. Thanks for the advice. I've owned and driven Corvettes for over 30 years but my work experience with them is strictly mechanical. Now I find my 61 getting really long in the tooth and needing a lot of cosmetic work and my 60 has been a basket case for about 30 years. The prospect of doing the dash is a bit daunting but they both need it.

Ron