C2 - Reskin Dash Pads ?

[Gerald L.]

Archives seem to suggest that I will not be happy with the result whether I do it myself or pay others an arm-and-a-leg. I am tempted to give it a try with the Al Knoch product. I have an original pad with the vinyl removed and the foam looks smooth, in great shape, and possibly an excellent starting point. I suspect that a typical reskin would just go over existing torn and patched vinyl. I would appreciate input to maximize the chance of a successful reskin. Will it be so obvious that it will look repo, but with the correct edge thickness? TIM&JG assigns 12 and 8 to the entire dash, how is that allocated between the two pads and the center section? Thank you in advance.
Gerry Lehmann

[John M.]

Re: C2 - Reskin Dash Pads ?

Well, I did my own pads, and I am very pleased with the results. It is a time consuming job to do well, and requires much heating and stretching of the vinyl to get a smooth fit, but it can be done. I did not use Knoch covers, I used CA covers, but I would bet that there is little difference in the installation of either one.

Regards, John McGraw

[Jason B.]

Re: C2 - Reskin Dash Pads ?

Gerry, I re-skinned my own pads as well and am more than happy with the results. There's not a wrinkle to be found. And like the other response, if you want good results you'll have to take the time to do it right. I used a heat gun and worked different areas at a time. Mine were Al Knoch covers. p.s. I used Al Knoch for the new convertible top too and it doesn't have a wave in it and fits very snug. On project like this I remind myself before I begin ... if I don't have time to do it right the first time, I certainly don't have time to do it TWICE. Good luck.

Jason

[Anthony S.]

Re: C2 - Reskin Dash Pads ?

Gerry,

I reskinned both of my lower pads in my '68. The repo dash pads had all kinds of fit issues.

It wasn't the easiest thing I've ever done, but they both came out perfect. A heat gun is a must.

The skins that I used from Corvette America were designed to go over the existing vinyl.

Goood luck,

Anthony