Dash Replacement

[76okievette]

I am trying to decided if I want to replace the entire dash cap on my 1976 or just buy the replacement that fits over the existing dash. Has any one used the dash cap's the fit over the existing dash? Any advice on which way to go?

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I bought the replacement. All I can say is that it is pricey. I was told that in the long run I would not be happy with the cap and since I plan on keeping the car for a while, I spent the money.

 

[1979L82]

I just purchase the dash pad. I did see a vette that had the cap. I could tell it was the cap and did not like the appearence.
I know the pad is expensive, but keep searching the internet. One week after my wife bought mine I found one on sell for two hundred dollars less. Remember do not be in a hurry.
Ted

 

[tom102]

Dash Pad

I replaced the original dash cover with a skin that I bought several years ago I believe from Corvette America., My original was Buckskin in color and was cracked in a few places. The skin was designed to fit over the existing cover and fit perfectly. The seams and texture was perfect. I used a heat gun to get the vinyl stretched on properly with 3M adhesive and the end result was great. The time consuming part was drilling the holes for the speaker sound to come through. They provide a small drill bit with the skin to do this with a felt backing pad and you drill from the reverse side using the original as a template. Hope this helps

 

[76okievette]

Thanks Tom, you input was a great help, I still have not replaced my dash but its one of the projects for this winter. I will consider the pad now instead of replacing the entire thing. Thanks again.
How's your vette running you and I have the same year and color both inside and out, has yours been repainted? I believe mine is orginal paint, and it needs to be redone, lots of straches and bad spots, from 5 feet it looks great but up close you can see the problems, oh well that is a project for a different time. Thanks again.

 

[75DropTop]

I have seen the glue on dash cap covers and they don't look so great. I can see it as a temp measure until you are ready to replace the dash cap with an original one.

Also keep in mind, if you are going to replace the dash cap in the winter, make sure you are in a heated garage and heat up the dash pad with a hair dryer to keep in flexable. I have heard horror stories of people breaking them in half on a cold day. I had to pull mine up to replace the stereo speakers some time ago and did it in the full sun in the middle of July. Even then it was a little unnerving with all that bending and pulling.

 

[76okievette]

I just took the old one off and I understand what you are saying, I am going to put the old one back for now, I had to remove it to get at the speedo cable to lube it, I just could not get at it unless I removed the dash. The old one has some cracks in it but its good practice before I get the new one, I would hate to crack the new one installing it. Thanks for the advice I will let you know how it goes.