Restoring my dash pad - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CarlsLQ9SS · 07-21-2020, 08:57 AM

I seen a post on here where someone restored their original dash pad. I was wondering what would be the best material to recover one with as i dont want to put a repop on my truck. Thanks in advance, Carl

Davidf · 07-21-2020, 09:12 AM

No idea how to answer your question. But, if it were me, I would probably call "Just Dashes" (there is another company as well) and ask if they would tackle the job. Fortunately, my dash pad was not original, so it was an easy solution to get another repop which I think is fine.

CarlsLQ9SS · 07-21-2020, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidf

No idea how to answer your question. But, if it were me, I would probably call "Just Dashes" (there is another company as well) and ask if they would tackle the job. Fortunately, my dash pad was not original, so it was an easy solution to get another repop which I think is fine.

I have been searching the forum and have seen some bad reviews on various manufacturers of them, which pad did you go with for your truck?

**Ironangel** · 07-21-2020, 09:31 AM

I used one of these in both of my 72's and am very satisfied with them. The key to a good fit is slotting the center holes in the dash a bit (if necessary) and not over tightening the nuts! The Pad will distort if you over tighten the nuts or force a stud through a hole. https://www.classicparts.com/Dash-Pa...oducts/268/3/0

CarlsLQ9SS · 07-21-2020, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironangel

I used one of these in both of my 72's and am very satisfied with them. The key to a good fit is slotting the center holes in the dash a bit (if necessary) and not over tightening the nuts! The Pad will distort if you over tighten the nuts or force a stud through a hole. https://www.classicparts.com/Dash-Pa...oducts/268/3/0

Thank you, I have ordered from them and i am happy with the small parts i got, mainly small interior pieces. I may just get one from them.

**A1971Blazer** · 07-21-2020, 11:34 AM

Check with member GrumpyOldMan
He was offering a custom dash pad cover for the original dash pad
I bought a repro from SoKy Classics made by DashesDirect...in USA
It fit very well and looks nice

**Boog** · 07-21-2020, 12:45 PM

There is also a member (an upholsterer) selling dash recovering kits down in the classifieds.

**Grumpy old man** · 07-21-2020, 02:32 PM

1) If your dash is crack free and good all around shape you can recolor it using Sem adhesion promoter and Sem dye , The trick using sem products is to use very LIGHT coats or you'll end up with a glossy look . cost $

2) If your dash is cracked just check with your local upholstery shop to see if they will recover for you . The problem with recovering with vinyl material is very few materials have a bi axial stretch to stretch around the corners without wrinkles, None of which are factory colors/ grain so it has to be seamed and you really need to use good upholstery grade glue or the heat will just let the material release and you'll have a mess, Another problem with wrapping is the material will not go into the lower dash mounting screw holes ,So when you go to install them they will either just pull thru the material leaving a hole or leave a "pulled look" around each hole . cost $$$

3) Just buy a new replacement dash pad ,The trick for installing dash pads is to not over tighten the top mounting nuts ,Too tight and any of them will look wavy . The Truck and car shop has them for $55.00 + cost $$ page 36 of the catalog

http://www.truckandcarshop.com/6072.html

**Grumpy old man** · 07-21-2020, 02:45 PM

Truck and car shop.

54blackhornet · 07-21-2020, 04:25 PM

I believe you will be quiet impressed with the pad Southern Kentucky offers. It’s a dashes direct product made in the US.

72c20customcamper · 07-21-2020, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Truck and car shop.

I used this one on my 72 worked out well

bry593 · 07-21-2020, 07:04 PM

Yes, Southern KY does a good job of weeding out the bad aftermarket parts. They also have as fair a price as you can get for the quality.

**70STOVEBOLT** · 07-21-2020, 09:02 PM

I got a replacement dash pad about 15 years ago from Dashes Direct and it held up well over the years. I traded it for a blue OEM pad a few years ago.

**Factory Guy** · 07-21-2020, 09:11 PM

Before I would buy anything. I think I would try refinishing it as shown in these you tube video's:

This first one is a true craftsman (I love his speaker grill inserts-AWESOME idea).

https://youtu.be/05XrGq734u0

https://youtu.be/m3wCdLJAPgE

https://youtu.be/1klhN8ovMfs

https://youtu.be/cJtRCOWebRc

All 3 doing it a different way but all look much better than what they had!

Pretty amazing results by all of them.

Astro-Balls · 07-21-2020, 09:45 PM

Carl, I can get the vinyl dash cover you want to restore your dash.
Let me know if you want it with a saddle stitch seam or plain.
What color?

CarlsLQ9SS · 07-22-2020, 02:04 AM

I need a black one, the one in my truck is cracked but not terrible. I like the stitch seam but what would be the price on each one?

CarlsLQ9SS · 07-22-2020, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Truck and car shop.

Thank you for all the info and i will probably use the spray for my 72 plastic door panels. The dash pad looks like pretty good quality so i will check into that one as well. I also ordered a catalog from them because it looks like they have some pretty good prices.

**70cst** · 07-22-2020, 09:39 AM

Great info folks...

**Grumpy old man** · 07-22-2020, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlsLQ9SS

Thank you for all the info and i will probably use the spray for my 72 plastic door panels. The dash pad looks like pretty good quality so i will check into that one as well. I also ordered a catalog from them because it looks like they have some pretty good prices.

They have 2 locations one in CA and the other in NC ordering from the NC store should save you some shipping costs .

http://www.truckandcarshop.com/

Davidf · 07-22-2020, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlsLQ9SS

I have been searching the forum and have seen some bad reviews on various manufacturers of them, which pad did you go with for your truck?

Brothers.

**Grumpy old man** · 07-22-2020, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidf

Brothers.

Yeah well ... Any time I go to some specialty shops web site and they have a huge fancy store with tons of "automobilia" hanging on the walls and videos on you tube that aren't always spot on all that screams to me personally is $$$$$$$$$$ this is gonna hurt . Just my Grumpy opinion buy from who ever makes you happy .

CarlsLQ9SS · 07-26-2020, 08:16 PM

Here is what I'm working with, I bought a kit from Astroballs (Mitch). Wondering if I need to take all the old vinyl off of the pad?

**Ol Blue K20** · 07-27-2020, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlsLQ9SS

Here is what I'm working with, I bought a kit from Astroballs (Mitch). Wondering if I need to take all the old vinyl off of the pad?

I believe you should ask Astroballs. He made it and knows what he made the pattern to fit. Send him a PM and ask.

**Boog** · 07-27-2020, 09:41 AM

I haven't done one but I would think the result would be better without that hard cracked cover under the new one. In fact somewhere here there is a thread showing the removal of the old cover and someone using something like spray foam or something to fill in and level the foam for a better finish.

KevinK7 · 07-27-2020, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlsLQ9SS

Here is what I'm working with, I bought a kit from Astroballs (Mitch). Wondering if I need to take all the old vinyl off of the pad?

Carl,
I just went through this myself (first time, so you could do it) Here's a write-up I did as well. BTW, I got the material from Mitch (Astro-Balls), great guy and the material was super easy to work with. Very happy with the outcome

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=dashpad+diy

Kevin

07-21-2020, 08:57 AM	#1
CarlsLQ9SS Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: London, Ky Posts: 1,160	Restoring my dash pad I seen a post on here where someone restored their original dash pad. I was wondering what would be the best material to recover one with as i dont want to put a repop on my truck. Thanks in advance, Carl

07-21-2020, 09:12 AM	#2
Davidf Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Austin Posts: 749	Re: Restoring my dash pad No idea how to answer your question. But, if it were me, I would probably call "Just Dashes" (there is another company as well) and ask if they would tackle the job. Fortunately, my dash pad was not original, so it was an easy solution to get another repop which I think is fine.

07-21-2020, 09:31 AM	#4
Ironangel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere" Posts: 2,219	Re: Restoring my dash pad I used one of these in both of my 72's and am very satisfied with them. The key to a good fit is slotting the center holes in the dash a bit (if necessary) and not over tightening the nuts! The Pad will distort if you over tighten the nuts or force a stud through a hole. https://www.classicparts.com/Dash-Pa...oducts/268/3/0 __________________ Michael of the clan Hill, "Two Seventy Two's" 71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed 71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed 02 3/4 ton Express 14 Indian Chief Vintage 1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property" "Be American, Buy American"

07-21-2020, 11:34 AM	#6
A1971Blazer Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 2,107	Re: Restoring my dash pad Check with member GrumpyOldMan He was offering a custom dash pad cover for the original dash pad I bought a repro from SoKy Classics made by DashesDirect...in USA It fit very well and looks nice __________________ 1967 C10 Step side 1968 C10 Step side 1970 Chevrolet K/5 Blazer 1972 Chevrolet K/5 Blazer .............

07-21-2020, 12:45 PM	#7
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,946	Re: Restoring my dash pad There is also a member (an upholsterer) selling dash recovering kits down in the classifieds. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-21-2020, 02:32 PM	#8
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: Restoring my dash pad 1) If your dash is crack free and good all around shape you can recolor it using Sem adhesion promoter and Sem dye , The trick using sem products is to use very LIGHT coats or you'll end up with a glossy look . cost $ 2) If your dash is cracked just check with your local upholstery shop to see if they will recover for you . The problem with recovering with vinyl material is very few materials have a bi axial stretch to stretch around the corners without wrinkles, None of which are factory colors/ grain so it has to be seamed and you really need to use good upholstery grade glue or the heat will just let the material release and you'll have a mess, Another problem with wrapping is the material will not go into the lower dash mounting screw holes ,So when you go to install them they will either just pull thru the material leaving a hole or leave a "pulled look" around each hole . cost $$$ 3) Just buy a new replacement dash pad ,The trick for installing dash pads is to not over tighten the top mounting nuts ,Too tight and any of them will look wavy . The Truck and car shop has them for $55.00 + cost $$ page 36 of the catalog http://www.truckandcarshop.com/6072.html Attached Images __________________ 1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop Last edited by Grumpy old man; 07-21-2020 at 02:41 PM.

07-21-2020, 02:45 PM	#9
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: Restoring my dash pad Truck and car shop. Attached Images __________________ 1967 Factory short bed - Old school '71 - 350 / 4bolt / 487 heads / Edelbrock C3BX Muncie M-22 4 speed / Hurst Comp plus Factory 12 bolt posi 3.73 / 255-70-15 Smoothed firewall / Factory cowl induction Power disc brakes / power steering / 3.5-5" drop

07-21-2020, 04:25 PM	#10
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,250	Re: Restoring my dash pad I believe you will be quiet impressed with the pad Southern Kentucky offers. It’s a dashes direct product made in the US. __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

07-21-2020, 07:04 PM	#12
bry593 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 188	Re: Restoring my dash pad Yes, Southern KY does a good job of weeding out the bad aftermarket parts. They also have as fair a price as you can get for the quality. __________________ 1971 C20 Custom Deluxe, HT383, 4L80E, 3.73 Locker, 4 Wheel Discs

07-21-2020, 09:02 PM	#13
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,207	Re: Restoring my dash pad I got a replacement dash pad about 15 years ago from Dashes Direct and it held up well over the years. I traded it for a blue OEM pad a few years ago. __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Power windows Power Locks Coming soon: EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23

07-21-2020, 09:11 PM	#14
Factory Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Midway USA Kentucky Posts: 539	Re: Restoring my dash pad Before I would buy anything. I think I would try refinishing it as shown in these you tube video's: This first one is a true craftsman (I love his speaker grill inserts-AWESOME idea). https://youtu.be/05XrGq734u0 https://youtu.be/m3wCdLJAPgE https://youtu.be/1klhN8ovMfs https://youtu.be/cJtRCOWebRc All 3 doing it a different way but all look much better than what they had! Pretty amazing results by all of them. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=791250

07-21-2020, 09:45 PM	#15
Astro-Balls Registered User Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 822	Re: Restoring my dash pad Carl, I can get the vinyl dash cover you want to restore your dash. Let me know if you want it with a saddle stitch seam or plain. What color? __________________ 1968 C20 Fleetside 396 4sp PS PB AC CST . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWK8GgWD4uA

07-22-2020, 02:04 AM	#16
CarlsLQ9SS Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: London, Ky Posts: 1,160	Re: Restoring my dash pad I need a black one, the one in my truck is cracked but not terrible. I like the stitch seam but what would be the price on each one? Last edited by CarlsLQ9SS; 07-23-2020 at 09:37 AM.

07-22-2020, 09:39 AM	#18
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,339	Re: Restoring my dash pad Great info folks... __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

07-26-2020, 08:16 PM	#22
CarlsLQ9SS Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: London, Ky Posts: 1,160	Re: Restoring my dash pad Here is what I'm working with, I bought a kit from Astroballs (Mitch). Wondering if I need to take all the old vinyl off of the pad? Attached Images



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07-27-2020, 09:41 AM	#24
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,946	Re: Restoring my dash pad I haven't done one but I would think the result would be better without that hard cracked cover under the new one. In fact somewhere here there is a thread showing the removal of the old cover and someone using something like spray foam or something to fill in and level the foam for a better finish. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

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