Early 70's Lower Dash panels. - NCRS Discussion Boards

Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

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  • Glen Braxton

    Early 70's Lower Dash panels.

    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.
    Beyond Control Poster
    • December 1, 1989
    • 11608

    #2
    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
    Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
    71 "deer modified" coupe
    72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
    2008 coupe
    Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

    Comment

    • Patrick H.
      Beyond Control Poster
      • December 1, 1989
      • 11608

      #3
      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
      Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
      71 "deer modified" coupe
      72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
      2008 coupe
      Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

      Comment

      • Glen Braxton

        #4
        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?

        Comment

        • Glen Braxton

          #5
          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?

          Comment

          • Joe L.
            Beyond Control Poster
            • February 1, 1988
            • 43193

            #6
            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.
            In Appreciation of John Hinckley

            Comment

            • Joe L.
              Beyond Control Poster
              • February 1, 1988
              • 43193

              #7
              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.
              In Appreciation of John Hinckley

              Comment

              • Patrick H.
                Beyond Control Poster
                • December 1, 1989
                • 11608

                #8
                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
                Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
                71 "deer modified" coupe
                72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
                2008 coupe
                Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

                Comment

                • Patrick H.
                  Beyond Control Poster
                  • December 1, 1989
                  • 11608

                  #9
                  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
                  Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
                  71 "deer modified" coupe
                  72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
                  2008 coupe
                  Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

                  Comment

                  • David D.
                    Very Frequent User
                    • April 1, 1990
                    • 330

                    #10
                    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

                    Comment

                    • David D.
                      Very Frequent User
                      • April 1, 1990
                      • 330

                      #11
                      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

                      Comment

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