C1 - Aluminum Dash Insert 61'

[Jim K.]

Any advise on how to replace my aluminum dash insert? It seems to be braised in place. I don't really want to send it out. Thanks for the help.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 - Aluminum Dash Insert 61'

Jim, I have replaced two of these in the past couple of years. On the 61, I just carefully filed the braze or weld off the stainless trim until I could remove it. On the 62 it seemed to be spot welded and I had to drill the spots out. Not nearly as neat a job, but the end result was the same.
Once you get the trim off, the alum piece falls off. The trim is basically a press fit over the aluminum and the steel shell. It just takes a little patience to get everything back together. I did not use anything to retain the trim. Others have suggested that it should be glued or brazed. Once it's back i the car, however, it's not going anywhere. I would NOT attempt to braze or weld the pieces unless you are highly skilled.

[Jim K.]

Re: C1 - Aluminum Dash Insert 61'

Thanks Ed, I always learn something when I read your posts!!!
Jim

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 - Aluminum Dash Insert 61'

Carefull. What you "learn" from me ain't always the party line!

[Mike G.]

I thought that was solder

Is braze the same as solder? I'm not as patient as Ed, so I used a grinder to get the old solder (or braze?) off. For reassembly, I needed to use solder (acid core) to keep my new insert and trim in place. If you have patience, this is a do-able job. If not, both Corvette Instruments of Maryland and Al Knoch will do it for you.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: I thought that was solder

Might have been some form of solder. How did you solder yours back on? Did you use a solder gun (electric) or some sort of flame?

[Mike G.]

Re: I thought that was solder

I used a soldering iron. The stainless trim didn't "pinch" enough to hold itself in place, so I think I used masking tape to help secure one end so I could solder the other. Or maybe I started in the middle.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: I thought that was solder

Hummmm. I didn't try that on the assumption that the soldering iron wouldn't get hot enough. As I said, I did two of them and used nothing, but I will file that info in memory in case mine ever comes loose or I have to do another one.

[Loren L.]

Or...

Couple of strong rubber bands to hold the assembly together, followed by judicous application of J&B Weld "Kwik" in four or five locations on each edge and install in 30 minutes.