So the original dash pads and steering wheel are cracked, are there any options for repair? Have you done this and were you happy? Thanks in advance,
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Re: 1963 Dash pad and Steering Wheel repair
there are repair people out there that do repair steering wheels, I had my done a few years ago, its expensive. Gary's steering wheel restoration he is in PA. DID WONDERFUL WORK. If you google him I'm sure you will find him. I don't know of anyone that can repair cracked dash pads but I'm sure there is someone out there. -
Re: 1963 Dash pad and Steering Wheel repair
there are repair people out there that do repair steering wheels, I had my done a few years ago, its expensive. Gary's steering wheel restoration he is in PA. DID WONDERFUL WORK. If you google him I'm sure you will find him. I don't know of anyone that can repair cracked dash pads but I'm sure there is someone out there.Comment
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Re: 1963 Dash pad and Steering Wheel repair
Depends on how perfect and original you want the result to be, is it for a driver or for judging.
At the risk of being simplistic...
You have the option of replacing the dash pads, re-skinning the dash pads, or finding a good used set (on eBay or elsewhere). Replacements will cost about $300 each pad; skins will cost about $125 each, and used pads will start about there. Skins are only going to work if the stiff foam padding beneath them is in good shape, and of course you either have to install them yourself or pay someone to do it. I'd recommend new pads, if you're going to the work of removing them you won't want to do that again soon.
Try the Al Knoch website for pricing on replacements and skins:
http://tinyurl.com/96b6c
For the steering wheel you have similar options. You can buy a reproduction wheel for about $300, have your old wheel reconditioned (I think Corvette Central offers that service, as do a number of craftsmen offering general steering wheel restoration services) for about the same, replace the steering wheel with an aftermarket wheel (like a Nardi wood wheel) for about $200+, or find a later model wheel or a used wheel, or simply cover your old wheel with a leather skin.
Here's a source for a repro wheel:
http://tinyurl.com/3d4hggComment
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Re: 1963 Dash pad and Steering Wheel repair
Depends on how perfect and original you want the result to be, is it for a driver or for judging.
At the risk of being simplistic...
You have the option of replacing the dash pads, re-skinning the dash pads, or finding a good used set (on eBay or elsewhere). Replacements will cost about $300 each pad; skins will cost about $125 each, and used pads will start about there. Skins are only going to work if the stiff foam padding beneath them is in good shape, and of course you either have to install them yourself or pay someone to do it. I'd recommend new pads, if you're going to the work of removing them you won't want to do that again soon.
Try the Al Knoch website for pricing on replacements and skins:
http://tinyurl.com/96b6c
For the steering wheel you have similar options. You can buy a reproduction wheel for about $300, have your old wheel reconditioned (I think Corvette Central offers that service, as do a number of craftsmen offering general steering wheel restoration services) for about the same, replace the steering wheel with an aftermarket wheel (like a Nardi wood wheel) for about $200+, or find a later model wheel or a used wheel, or simply cover your old wheel with a leather skin.
Here's a source for a repro wheel:
http://tinyurl.com/3d4hggComment
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Re: 1963 Dash pad and Steering Wheel repair
The two responses basically say it all. I would not recommend the skin replacement covers for the dash pads. The old foam gets brittle and I think you will see cracks telegraph through. I would not look for used replacements either. They are 44 years old and likely to crack. Al Knock sells a very decent replacement dash pad. They are not perfect reproductions but they are as close as you will get. I also replaced the vinyl center cover on my 63. If you go to the trouble of taking out the pads might as well replace the center vinyl at the same time.
I had the original steering wheel refinished by Gary (Mentioned above). I thought he did very nice work.Comment
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Re: 1963 Dash pad and Steering Wheel repair
The two responses basically say it all. I would not recommend the skin replacement covers for the dash pads. The old foam gets brittle and I think you will see cracks telegraph through. I would not look for used replacements either. They are 44 years old and likely to crack. Al Knock sells a very decent replacement dash pad. They are not perfect reproductions but they are as close as you will get. I also replaced the vinyl center cover on my 63. If you go to the trouble of taking out the pads might as well replace the center vinyl at the same time.
I had the original steering wheel refinished by Gary (Mentioned above). I thought he did very nice work.Comment
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Re: 1963 Dash pad and Steering Wheel repair
I agree with Bob on used dash pads. I found a perfect condition used dash pad after nine months of looking. It was blue so I had to dye it black to match my driver side (which I also dyed to get a matching shade. I have never been a fan of these spray can dyes, but after getting advice from guys on this board I went a head with fantasic results. I tryed to scratch it off with my finger nail but couldn't. I droped this pad by accident from a hight of about three feet on to a carpeted floor and that perfect pad split right up the middle all the way across the center. I will be buying two repops now. No more original pads for me.Comment
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Re: 1963 Dash pad and Steering Wheel repair
I agree with Bob on used dash pads. I found a perfect condition used dash pad after nine months of looking. It was blue so I had to dye it black to match my driver side (which I also dyed to get a matching shade. I have never been a fan of these spray can dyes, but after getting advice from guys on this board I went a head with fantasic results. I tryed to scratch it off with my finger nail but couldn't. I droped this pad by accident from a hight of about three feet on to a carpeted floor and that perfect pad split right up the middle all the way across the center. I will be buying two repops now. No more original pads for me.Comment
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Re: 1963 Dash pad and Steering Wheel repair
Thanks for the tips!Comment
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Re: 1963 Dash pad and Steering Wheel repair
Thanks for the tips!Comment
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Re: 1963 Dash pad and Steering Wheel repair
Just Dashes, in Van Nuys California re did my dash and pads. It looks perfect with new foam and vulcanized vinyl. Expensive but good. About $850 for two pads and center section. They advertise in hemmings. I forgot the number, but it is 818 area code.
BoyanComment
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Re: 1963 Dash pad and Steering Wheel repair
Just Dashes, in Van Nuys California re did my dash and pads. It looks perfect with new foam and vulcanized vinyl. Expensive but good. About $850 for two pads and center section. They advertise in hemmings. I forgot the number, but it is 818 area code.
BoyanComment
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