Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

[Glen Braxton]

Hello.
I have a question for you all. I am looking for some lower dash panels for a 1972. I am aware that GM Restoration parts sells them as do the many catalog vendors. Are all these panels from the same source? Who makes the GM Restoration Parts dash panels?

When looking at Dash Panels, what are the clues to differentiat between factory GM panels and the Repo's?

Thanks, Glen Braxton

[Patrick H.]

Re: Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

Glen,

I'll make it simple without trying to be too harsh: the reproduction panels are absolute junk. I would never consider using them unless my interior burned in a fire and I had the only car with interior color X in the world, thus couldn't find used ones out there. Even then, I'd consider buying used a different color and dyeing them.

GM Reproduction parts only means that someone is paying GM a cut to use their name. There is no quality/accuracy approval needed.

If your pieces need repair, check with a Lexus or Mercedes dealer for whomever they use to repair interior tears/rips etc. That is likely your best route.

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

Glen,

I'll make it simple without trying to be too harsh: the reproduction panels are absolute junk. I would never consider using them unless my interior burned in a fire and I had the only car with interior color X in the world, thus couldn't find used ones out there. Even then, I'd consider buying used a different color and dyeing them.

GM Reproduction parts only means that someone is paying GM a cut to use their name. There is no quality/accuracy approval needed.

If your pieces need repair, check with a Lexus or Mercedes dealer for whomever they use to repair interior tears/rips etc. That is likely your best route.

Patrick

[Glen Braxton]

Re: Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

I am also wondering about the tell-tale signs of a repo pad. A local fella I've met, has a pair of lower pads he says are NOS. I am very suspicious, as They don't quite seem right, but I can't put a finger on what is wrong or different about them. What should I look for on these panels so I don't get burnt?

[Glen Braxton]

Re: Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

I am also wondering about the tell-tale signs of a repo pad. A local fella I've met, has a pair of lower pads he says are NOS. I am very suspicious, as They don't quite seem right, but I can't put a finger on what is wrong or different about them. What should I look for on these panels so I don't get burnt?

[Joe L.]

Re: Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

Glen-----

Among other things, I believe the backing material is different on the reproduction lower dash panels. So, compare this feature. Also, even if the pads are NOS, that does not mean that they're serviceable. I've seen some NOS interior components, like dash pads and door panels, become so brittle after long storage in the box that they crack like an eggshell. I think that a lot has to do with UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS that they were stored, but you have no way of knowing that. So, a careful inspection of the panels is always in order.

[Joe L.]

Re: Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

Glen-----

Among other things, I believe the backing material is different on the reproduction lower dash panels. So, compare this feature. Also, even if the pads are NOS, that does not mean that they're serviceable. I've seen some NOS interior components, like dash pads and door panels, become so brittle after long storage in the box that they crack like an eggshell. I think that a lot has to do with UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS that they were stored, but you have no way of knowing that. So, a careful inspection of the panels is always in order.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

Joe and Glen,

The originals are made of a white hard plastic, almost like fiberglass in appearance. You know it when you see it. I believe that the reproductions are made with a black plastic underlayment. Also, the glue to hold the vinyl on shoudl LOOK 20+ years old. Often, masking tape was used along the edges of the originals to hold the edge down as well. The edge of the vinyl on the back is often is a straight line, vs. the notched appearance on the repros.

I think that will be enough to tell.

Of course, on a car the extremely poor fit of the repro will be the dead giveaway.

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

Joe and Glen,

The originals are made of a white hard plastic, almost like fiberglass in appearance. You know it when you see it. I believe that the reproductions are made with a black plastic underlayment. Also, the glue to hold the vinyl on shoudl LOOK 20+ years old. Often, masking tape was used along the edges of the originals to hold the edge down as well. The edge of the vinyl on the back is often is a straight line, vs. the notched appearance on the repros.

I think that will be enough to tell.

Of course, on a car the extremely poor fit of the repro will be the dead giveaway.

Patrick

[David D.]

Re: Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

Glen, There was a thread a couple weeks ago or so, I believe by Juliet, asking about on this very thing. It should be in the archives. I believe the stitching
was the main difference, when installed. Originals have actual stitches, the repro's had an imitation of the stitching. I have a set used 1971 original right and left lower and upper dash pad, if you need some info. Dave

[David D.]

Re: Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

Glen, There was a thread a couple weeks ago or so, I believe by Juliet, asking about on this very thing. It should be in the archives. I believe the stitching
was the main difference, when installed. Originals have actual stitches, the repro's had an imitation of the stitching. I have a set used 1971 original right and left lower and upper dash pad, if you need some info. Dave