59-61 Dash insert restoration

[studiog]

I have restored my dash insert with a new aluminium insert and installed it back into it's frame and reinstalled the top and bottom trim pieces that keep the insert secured in the frame. These trim pieces were originally spot welded I drilled the spot welds so I could remove them. They seem to retain the insert very well without welding and I'm not sure I want to spot weld them on again. Has anyone tried to epoxy or glue these in successfully.


The picture below is not mine.

 

[IH2LOSE]

Gary

When I did mine I could have put 3 extra hands to good use that night.

I pinched the stainless back into place.Mine did not want to hold for beens.

i had to use a set of wood workers clamps to hold it.then I used a product made by 3M used in the body shops for bonding steel 1/4 panels back on the newer cars. You have to purchase a special gun for it but once it sets up it as strong as steel.

If you have it in allreadey I would leave it as is .if it hasnt let go yet I doupt it will

 

[dennisb]

When I did mine, I used a dremmel to break the spot weld. I then used a little bit of JB Weld to tack the trim at spots. Not having woodworker clamps, I used several heavy duty rubber bands to wrap around the insert and hold the trim in place while I put on the JB Weld and waited for it to harden. That worked fine. I agree with IH2LOSE on the desire to have had some extra hands. But if you (or anyone) are going to pinch the stainless back in place, be darn careful. The insert is so flimsy and so easily dented. I dented one insert trying it when the pliers slipped. That's when I resorted to tacking it instead.

 

[Loren Smith]

Corvette Central has a service which will "refinish your housing, re-polish SS trim, and re-assemble the new aluminum insert" for $165.00 for 58-59, $195 for 60-62. Sounds worth it to me, given how tough a job this is.

 

[studiog]

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess at this point it can't hurt to dot some beads of JB Weld around the back side of the upper & lower trim strips. So that's what I'll do. Thanks again.

 

[firstgear]

Corvette Central has a service which will "refinish your housing, re-polish SS trim, and re-assemble the new aluminum insert" for $165.00 for 58-59, $195 for 60-62. Sounds worth it to me, given how tough a job this is.

good pointers....while I don't like spending the money since it seems everything I do consumes vast quantities of Ben Franklins.....but it seems given the PIA aspect, money worth spending...thanks!!!