Aftermarket Product ReviewProvide questions and answers about aftermarket parts for the Third Generation F-Body.
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Received a new dashpad from Classic Industries. It looks fabulous, but for those considering this for replacing your cracked dash, this version is a bit different. The stock dash is built on a metal backing plate where the Classic Industries one is built on an ABS backing, and feels a bit thinner. It is also a good bit lighter than the stock one..which is nice. The only fitment issue I have noticed is at the center vents; the dash doesn't properly cover the top angled corners of the center vents. There is about a 1/4 inch gap on each side. Other than that, the dash is perfect and I highly recommend it; especially since the only other option is sending your original to JustDashes to be restored..for about $200 more than what this one cost. I'll post some pics of the dash and the fitment issues tomorrow. Also going to try and contact Classic Industries to see if they have a solution for the gap. I thought maybe the vent tubes were sitting a bit high..but that wasn't the case.
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I'll post some pics of the dash and the fitment issues tomorrow. Also going to try and contact Classic Industries to see if they have a solution for the gap. I thought maybe the vent tubes were sitting a bit high..but that wasn't the case.
Looking forward to your pics and what, if any, response Classic has about the gap.
Spoke with a guy named Dave at Classic. He was kind enough to take my number, then he went and pulled one from the warehouse and brought it back to his desk to measure the center portion. He then called me back to compare notes. While he was doing this I placed my old one next to the new one and could see no reason why there would be the gaps; everything looks identical in dimension and thickness. Dave did offer to send me a new one (even though they were already spoken for) but said that I would most likely encounter the same issue. Possible solution he agrees is to gently heat the area to soften it and allow the dash to mold to the vent, or on a more extreme level is to carve out some of the padding and re-glue the vinyl back down. I'm going to go with the heating option. I also need to transfer the screw hole inserts from the original to the new one. I'll take a pic of it sitting in the car tomorrow so ya'll can see the gaps I'm talking about. Took some for comparison purposes.
Last edited by stroked_n_blown; 12-26-2008 at 06:46 PM.
well, even so, its a decent chunk out of the $2500 i paid for my Z28. and its dash is factory soft. also, i hardly thought of that as the best part of that car. after seeing these prices my mind may change. heh
Guys, I found a BRAND NEW Dashpad on eBay and paid $45 plus shipping. It WAS in mint condition...until UPS put it down in my garage. Now it's chipped... So that will be repaired when the restoration place does the paint job.
But anyway, check around on eBay. It was NOT just a dash "cap", either. This was a WHOLE dash pad. Look around and be patient, and one will come up sooner or later.
Assuming so...It came with dash vents and speaker covers...but I kept my old ones in case these ever crack.
__________________ Bethany, 1988 Pontiac GTA
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actually big i was talking to stroked. but i agree that looking on ebay and craigs list is the best way to find things. hunting for parts on the cheap is half the fun.
saw the dash pad you got, looks good. did it come with the air vents on it or did you have to take yours off and put them on?
Came with them. The only thing you have to add is the felt strips, and transfer the nut inserts over..and probably both of those are optional if ya want.
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You got a great deal, props to ya. It is exceptionally rare to find a deal like that. Most people that would have a brand new GM pad for sale know they can get 450-500 or more for it. And if I find one, I'll buy it, plus have my current original restored...since my Camaro will be staying in the family, might need a few spares.
Last edited by stroked_n_blown; 12-27-2008 at 11:29 AM.
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Even if they are expensive, its nice they are making products like these for our cars and its a quality product. Hopefully they are made from better materials and less prone to cracking than the originals. Nothing ruins an interior quicker than a cracked dash pad or a torn drivers seat.
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Tony Z
1970 SS396 Chevelle with a 580 BBC
1974 Corvette Convertible
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So that will be repaired when the restoration place does the paint job. 
