Dash pad install issues - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

4thgencreamsicle · 01-13-2022, 09:42 PM

Am I missing something? I am trying to install my new dash pad (bought from Brother’s over a year ago) and I can get the bolts along the top sorta in the holes. But then nothing along the front lines up. It’s like I can’t pull it down far enough for those little screws to get close to their holes.

I kinda ovaled out the holes along the top so I can pull it forward/down a little. Do I need to do it more? I guess I don’t wanna go too far with my dremel if I’m totally missing something obvious.

Also, those bolts are in stupidest places.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 01-13-2022, 10:43 PM

22 or 23 years ago I bought a blue Dash Pad from Brothers for my '71 GMC Jimmy. I removed the Dash Panel, heater control, radio and glove box to get to it.
My new in the box pad was pretty, but I did not notice the stud all the way left wasn't even threaded, until I got to it last. It looked kind of melted. I had to reassenble the old dash and live with it until they sent a replacement free. Getting them to cover shipping both ways was like pulling teeth.
Check your piece for factory defects.
Even with a good unit, they are a total PIA.
Start on the outside ends and work towards the middle.
Just get the nut started, then move on. When they are all on, then you can tighten up.
Might help if everything is warm, shop, cab, dash pad. They might be stiff if cold.

Greasey Harley · 01-13-2022, 10:52 PM

I had to use a Dremel to slot some of the holes in my dash. Kinda irritated me that I had to modify the truck to fit an improperly made part. It ended up working out and the new dash looks good.

sick472 · 01-14-2022, 09:56 AM

I bought a polyurethane dash pad from GMC Pauls a couple years ago and had to dremel some holes out to get them to go through the dash. Not a big deal, but it does suck to have to slot holes in a freshly painted dash. IIRC, a few of the holes needed slotted to one side or another by about an 1/8" or so depending on the hole....not enough that a new hole could be drilled instead.

**A1971Blazer** · 01-14-2022, 11:04 AM

The ones I have bought come from Dashes Direct
have fit perfectly

**DaHos** · 01-14-2022, 11:36 AM

I have had to slot the top dash holes for both the Dashes Direct and Counterpart pads........

Peanut74 · 01-14-2022, 11:32 PM

I had the same issue with mine. After researching the issue I just slotted the holes and moved on.

**damnyankee36** · 10-14-2023, 01:04 PM

I'd like to add my experience:

The "Counterpart" pad would not fit as described above.

The "Just Dashes" fell into place. Perfect fit.

01-13-2022, 09:42 PM	#1
4thgencreamsicle Registered User Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Lemoore, CA Posts: 74	Dash pad install issues Am I missing something? I am trying to install my new dash pad (bought from Brother’s over a year ago) and I can get the bolts along the top sorta in the holes. But then nothing along the front lines up. It’s like I can’t pull it down far enough for those little screws to get close to their holes. I kinda ovaled out the holes along the top so I can pull it forward/down a little. Do I need to do it more? I guess I don’t wanna go too far with my dremel if I’m totally missing something obvious. Also, those bolts are in stupidest places.

01-13-2022, 10:43 PM	#2
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,060	Re: Dash pad install issues 22 or 23 years ago I bought a blue Dash Pad from Brothers for my '71 GMC Jimmy. I removed the Dash Panel, heater control, radio and glove box to get to it. My new in the box pad was pretty, but I did not notice the stud all the way left wasn't even threaded, until I got to it last. It looked kind of melted. I had to reassenble the old dash and live with it until they sent a replacement free. Getting them to cover shipping both ways was like pulling teeth. Check your piece for factory defects. Even with a good unit, they are a total PIA. Start on the outside ends and work towards the middle. Just get the nut started, then move on. When they are all on, then you can tighten up. Might help if everything is warm, shop, cab, dash pad. They might be stiff if cold. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 01-13-2022 at 10:48 PM.

01-13-2022, 10:52 PM	#3
Greasey Harley Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Post Falls, ID Posts: 884	Re: Dash pad install issues I had to use a Dremel to slot some of the holes in my dash. Kinda irritated me that I had to modify the truck to fit an improperly made part. It ended up working out and the new dash looks good. __________________ Insert clever text here:

01-14-2022, 09:56 AM	#4
sick472 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Sedalia Mo. Posts: 1,130	Re: Dash pad install issues I bought a polyurethane dash pad from GMC Pauls a couple years ago and had to dremel some holes out to get them to go through the dash. Not a big deal, but it does suck to have to slot holes in a freshly painted dash. IIRC, a few of the holes needed slotted to one side or another by about an 1/8" or so depending on the hole....not enough that a new hole could be drilled instead. __________________ He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20

01-14-2022, 11:04 AM	#5
A1971Blazer Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 2,109	Re: Dash pad install issues The ones I have bought come from Dashes Direct have fit perfectly __________________ 1967 C10 Step side 1968 C10 Step side 1970 Chevrolet K/5 Blazer 1972 Chevrolet K/5 Blazer .............

01-14-2022, 11:36 AM	#6
DaHos Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Owosso, Michigan Posts: 2,853	Re: Dash pad install issues I have had to slot the top dash holes for both the Dashes Direct and Counterpart pads........ __________________ 1967 C10 SWB Owner - Rustbelt Restorations

01-14-2022, 11:32 PM	#7
Peanut74 Registered User Join Date: May 2018 Location: Prattville, AL Posts: 590	Re: Dash pad install issues I had the same issue with mine. After researching the issue I just slotted the holes and moved on. __________________ -------------------------------------------------------- 1967 C10 "Snowball" (Currently in a million pieces down from a bazillion) 1989 Toyota DLX pickup "The Hulk" 2012 Jeep JKU "Crush" 1976 Chevy short bed with a 327 and 3 on the tree (Sold it to buy the Blazer) 1971 Chevy Blazer (Sold it)

10-14-2023, 01:04 PM	#8
damnyankee36 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Alamogordo, NM Posts: 679	Re: Dash pad install issues I'd like to add my experience: The "Counterpart" pad would not fit as described above. The "Just Dashes" fell into place. Perfect fit.



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