Spaceboy1980

iTrader: (6)

I've read some bad reviews about this, but what other choice is there really? I shopped around online for a few weeks until I found the best price. I won't say where I ordered it from unless a mod okays it, but it was 356.16 shipped. The place I ordered from waited two days then drop shipped it from OER.

It arrived well packaged from OER, it was wrapped in bubble wrap with styrofoam spacers to take up the slop in the box. The ends of the box had packaging paper to keep it from moving around. I unwrapped barehanded without a knife so as to not damage the skin on it. It was taped well.

Now onto the comparison. I have read these come without screw holes, they are plastic cored, the speaker grilles don't match and the grain doesn't match. OER must have stepped up their game because mine had screw holes, a metal core, matching speaker grilles and the grain match was perfect. It matched my OE pad exactly.

As to the installation, it went in just like the other one came out. It slipped in easily and the screw holes lined up surprisingly well. I have read about a gap around the center vents but the gap in mine matched the OE one.

mwfrels

This is good info. I have been babying the one in my car with ArmorAll for the last 26 year but even so the plastic is now quite inflexible. Won't take much of any sort of hit to produce a crack. The stories about the less than GM fit of the aftermarket pad didn't give me much hope but your experience relieves my anxiety.

M

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Do you have any pics? Where did you purchase it?

actarnoff

iTrader: (1)

My OER fit pretty well, my only issues were the corners (where the defrost vents are) didn't lie flat at that angle. It fits a bit better with time and heat. Also at the corners of the front vents it started to depress ever so slightly, it kind of bothered me but it's better than the cracked dash I had before. Ultimately I've covered with with a carpet cover to keep it in good condition.

onthedownlow

iTrader: (4)

Spaceboy, It would be great to see pictures of your new dash, interested in seeing the speaker grilles and such. I am starting my interior restoration and would love to get my hands on a good quality dash,thanks.

Spaceboy1980

iTrader: (6)

Here are some pics.

Top side comparison:


Not much to add here, looks like a clean replacement.

Bottom comparison:


As you can see it does not have the silencer tape the OE pad has.

The OE grille area:



The OER grille area:


Very well reproduced I think, minor dimples at the edge of the recess and the holes are slightly smaller. I did not notice this at all until I reviewed my photos.

OE edge:



OER edge:


Slight difference where it tucks under the A-pillar trim.

Center defrost OE:



Center defrost OER:


The OE doesn't look as crisp here and I believe it is due to the vinyl shrinking. That is not chips in the cut out in the OER, it's light from the bag. The edge of the opening on the OER is perfect.

58mark

iTrader: (3)

that looks really nice. Please tell us who sells it

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Thank you for the pics. One last pic if you can get it - do you think you can take a pic of it installed?
I am curious where you purchased also. I hope the quality carries over to the TA dash pads they sell.

mwfrels

Please PM me where you purchased. I am guessing either Classic or YearOne.

M

Spaceboy1980

iTrader: (6)

I'll try to get better ones once it has thawed out some and the sun isn't in such a bad spot.





Edit: PM me if you want to know the supplier. I don't want to break any forum rules or step on any toes. If a mod okays it I will post the supplier.

58mark

iTrader: (3)

you wouldn't be breaking any forum rules unless you were associated with the seller.

burnout88

List the supplier it is ok on this forum

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Yup - you would be helping us all out. It looks good in the car. I may have to take a chance with the Firebird pad.

82RZ

I have seen the OEM pads in person and all I can say is they are just 'OK' if OK suits your needs. The grain in the vinyl doesn't match OE nor does the color and the fit could be much better.

I have a NOS pad still in the original GM box which I'am considering offering 'For Sale'. It belongs on a full restoration, show car, or a VERY NICE driver.

However Gents, I'll say up-front, its NOT cheap if/when I decide to sell.

Here are some pics to compare...........

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

I wish you had an NOS Firebird pad.
I am just curious how recently you saw the OER dash pads. Supposedly they took them off the market for awhile to make improvements.

82RZ

More pics...........................

Feel free to PM me if you are interested in my NOS dash pad. Serious only please.

82RZ

I wish I had a NOS Bird pad too! It would be a nice acompanyment to the Camaro pad.

I first saw a OEM pad about 4 years ago as I recall. The owner was not real happy with it but didn't want to pay 'Just Dashes' in CA around $950.00 to restore his original. BTW, I've also seen their 'restored pads' and they are NOT much better then OEM brand.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

I don't like the Just Dashes concept. They put a thin layer of foam over the original dash after repairing the cracks and then vacuum form new vinyl on top of that. It has to come out thicker then original and I have heard stories of fitment issues such as AC vents and gauges due to their process.

82RZ

Good observation and very true.

A fellow Camaro owner and good friend sent his 1969 Z28 OE pad to Just Dashes to be 'restored'. After spending nearly $1000.00 for the work and shipping cost, he was NOT happy.

He is now searching for a NOS pad which are very difficult to find and VERY expensive should one Pop-Up.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

The OER pad that the OP has is a lot cheaper than Classics.I did try to Order one from them last winter and they were going through some kind of research and development with the FireBird pad,I don't know about the Camaro Dash Pad.

Spaceboy1980

iTrader: (6)

Here is a comparison of the vinyl up close. Tell me this isn't perfect on color and grain.


I didn't get a better one of it installed, I slept the sunlight away. The draw backs of working evening shift.

As to the guy saying it is just OK, keep in mind folks he's trying to sell his NOS one for big money and that may cloud his judgement.

I'm going to take your guy's word that it's okay to post nonsupporting vendor links.

http://www.classicdiscountparts.com/...-Dash-Pad.html

This is where I got it from and I found it by doing google searches for the part number. If anyone else orders one I hope you have the same experience I did, I surely would buy another if I needed it.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for the link. The Firebird pad is priced considerably cheaper from them then from Classic. Shipping isn't bad either. I may have to get one for spring time to finish up my car.

ThePain

That grain and color looks legit. Good find!

86WS6

iTrader: (1)

Great posts and pictures! Thanks for the detailed information. My cars are both show cars, and I will have to look at the OER option when I need a new pad. Right now I don't need a pad for my 82 or my 86, keeping fingers crossed, however it is nice to know what options there are.

I have a NOS bird pad that I bought new from a Pontiac dealer in 1989 for the TA's with Performance Sound that came with the cloth speaker grills. The build date on the item is 1986. Since I have owned thirdgens contiuously since 1982, I figured it would be wise to put back a few parts for the future. Just a few OCD traits going on here... The NOS pads sold for $189.00 in 1989.

Just because one has an orginal pad in the original box does not mean it will last forever. My NOS pad is stored under a bed in a room that never sees over 75F or under 65F. Still, it is 26 years old, and could crack at any time just from age. I had better go and check on it...

Good Info and review on the OER pad.

Charles

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

I downloaded the OER catalog to find out some more info on their dash pads. The only thing I found different about it is that it is molded from urethane. I think the originals are made from vinyl.

kymmee

Looks like a pretty decent replacement. Does anyone know if the 82-84 FB pad has the correct grooved lines? The picture on classicdiscountparts is not very detailed. I would buy one of these if it is correct. I have been looking for over 2 years for a good 82-84 FB dash pad that is a reasonable price and not cracked. This would be a solution.

ringo234

Car Parts Discount sell it, but they want $389.00 for it and it doesn't come pre-drilled.

https://www.carpartsdiscount.com/aut...ml?3593=127509

So your place is a better option even though there description leaves a lot to be desired. The pad in my IROC is original and is great condition, but it is good to know there are quality replacements out there because I'm sure my dash won't last forever.

white_ghost

Nice to see someone finally selling less than $425 like CI is, and Ricks seems to be higher than that. Have seen Repops going for as much as $675 online.
Thanks to a lucky chance encounter while looking for a drivers door locally, I happen to get my hands on a OEM out of a 1990 that was totaled and it in mint. Owner salvage doors, interior, dash pad, hatch and rear diff...everything else got junked. He let me have it for $40......I hit the lotto with that buy...lol

white_ghost

I did buy a dash overlay prior to this and I can tell you right now, it was without a doubt the biggest wast of $100 plus S&H I could ever have spent. Overlays dont cover the entire corners...so any damage underside is seen.

86WS6

iTrader: (1)

I am going to invest in a couple of dashmats to protect the dashes in my cars. I had a dash mat in one of my 83's that sat in the sun all day and the dash looked great when I sold the car at 20 years old in 2003.

http://www.car-truck-accessories.com...utm_medium=cpc

82RZ

I disagree. Age does not necessarily crack vinyl. Witness vinyl siding on houses' that are over 30 years old and still in good condition.

In the case of auto dash pads, it seems that the sun's UV rays play havic with them. I have personally seen OE pads in 1st Gen Camaros that were well cared for and crack-free after over 40 years.

A good friend is the original owner of a prestine 68 Z28. He applies K-Y jelly to his pad about twice a year. He says DO NOT use a product that is silicone based such as Armor-All because silicone will PROMOTE cracks. K-Y is water based and can be wiped away with a moist cloth which is what he does when he shows the car.

Don't laugh about the K-Y jelly - it works.

82RZ

No clouded judgement here sir. Compare this photo to the two photos of the speaker and side vent areas of my NOS pad. The differenace in the vinyl grain is very obvious to me.

Also, the OEM pad is way too glossy.

However, if you are happy with your repop pad thats Great! Its your car.

82RZ

The 'padding' in the originals is indeed urethane. The covering is vinyl.

Spaceboy1980

iTrader: (6)

Ah, I see what you mean there. When I took those pics the pad was covered in mold release, it was very oily. The grain is a dead match, there is not a different grain pattern from one spot of the dash to the other. My comparison shot would be consistent on any part of the pad, weather it is around the speaker or the vent.

I hope you didn't think I am taking a dig at you. I took no offense as you were judging the OER pad and not me.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

The OER catalog refers to the outer covering being molded with urethane. On some models such as Novas and 1st Gen Camaros they offer the dash in both vinyl and urethane.

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

That OER pad looks great, no one would know it wasnt factory assuming it fits well, because everything else looks right on.

82RZ

No offense taken at all and yes I am judging the pad and certainly not you.

It is this type of discussion and critical analysis which will hopefully force the after market/repop parts to become much better. This has happened with the 1st gen F-bodys as well as the 'Vette Guys. And believe me, both groups are VERY critical and rightfully so when one considers a numbers matching 69 Yenko Camaro or a 63 ZO6 'Vette in the same condition.

Thanks for clarifiying the mold release agent on your OEM pad.

actarnoff

iTrader: (1)

You'll be waiting a long time for that, then. Our particular group of car enthusiasts are the cheapest I have ever seen. The fact that Classic even bothered to make a repop dash is a miracle on its own. I have one, no, it's not perfect, but it's better than the cracked and hard dash I replaced.

82RZ

This is one reason I don't like OER which means 'Original Equipment Replacement'. They mix words in a attempt to confuse buyers into thinking they are buying GM made repop parts which is NOT TRUE at all!

The original tooling used to manufacture the factory installed parts in most cases is long gone. Most likely sold as 'scrap metal' years ago.

Mr. 82tarecaro: The OER catalog description is a good example of mixing words. Yes, the outer covering which is vinyl, is vacuum molded around the base (padding) of urthane. It was all done in a large machine by the suppliers that contracted to GM during the time period of production.

Keep in mind that there is a thin piece of mild steel in the pad that serves as the 'base' upon which the urthane and covering is applied.

Thank you for your thoughtful and knowledgeable replies......

82RZ

You Sir and your particular group of so called "car enthusiasts" are standing in the way of bringing the 3rd Gen cars into the Lime Light which they deserve.

Perhaps thats the reason you chose to live in 'The Toilet Bowl' of southern CA per your profile also known as LA, CA. Sometimes referred to as 'The Dirty Armpit of America'.

There are many 3rd Gen owners all over this Great Nation of ours that are Very Proud of their cars and working Darn Hard to maintain, fix, and restore them.

Ask me how I know..................

actarnoff

iTrader: (1)

How so? I take a lot of pride in my car. I love third gens, but as a group, we do not spend money. How many people opt to cut a "trap door" to change their fuel pump? Ours cars are neglected and I'm seeing less and less nice examples every day. The fact is we're lucky we even got the dash, because I'm sure they've hardly sold any. Is it SPOT on perfect? No, but its better than NOTHING, which is what we had before.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

I wish I knew how to cut and paste the page from the catalog, but I am not that computer savvy. The way it sounds in the catalog, is that some of their dashes have the outer covering made with vinyl, and some with urethane. I am no plastic expert, and I know that the insides of the dash and door handles have a soft urethane core. But is it possible they are using a urethane derivative as the hard shell also? That is how they make it sound in the catalog. I am going to see if it is possible to contact them to clarify this. My concern is that if the plastic covering is molded of something different, it may not have the same appearance, although the comparison in the pictures above looks good

58mark

iTrader: (3)

You are both right. Look at the thread going on now by somebody that crammed a Chrysler radio in his car because he had one lying around. Looked like crazy, but hardly anybody had the sense to tell him so

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

I sent them an email. I will let you know when/if I get a response.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

My GM book says you can test weather it is vinyl or abs plastic,(for painting purposes)you have to get a pin and heat it until it glows red,then stick it to a piece on the underside or hidden area,it will melt some on the pin,then bring it back and hit it with the torch it will give off a Green or Turguoise flame if it is Vinyl, if it's ABS Plastic it will have black smoke and Polypropylene has no smoke at all.So the interiors only have 3 different kinds of plastics,
Polypropylene,Vinyl and ABS.

Richboll

The replacement dash looks pretty good. Did you have any "issues" mounting it?
Dash pads get brittle and crack because the sun bakes the plasticizer out of the vinyl the plasticizer is what keeps them flexible. Keeping KY jelly or some other protectant (I use furniture polish) on the dash along with a dash mat (carpet) will help protect them. Just remember that subjecting any dash to extreme temperatures can and will hurry their demise. This looks like a great replacement at a reasonable cost. I hope that if anyone else buys one that they post a review. Thanks for sharing!

actarnoff

iTrader: (1)

Mine went in with no fuss, every hole lined up. The only issue is it doesn't have that felt tape that GM installed from the factory. I covered the bottom on felt to quiet my dash up.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

Did you use those rubber center pieces when you installed the new one,for some reason FireBirds don't

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

I tried finding out the difference between vinyl and urethane dash pads by doing some searches on the net. The best I could come up with is that a vinyl wrapped dash is a 2 stage process where the inner core is formed and then the vinyl is molded on top of the core. The urethane dash is a single process and the same inner core forms the skin of the outer pad.

A good example of this process is a nerf football. It is molded in one shot and the inner core is foam and the outside skins over in the mold.
It is definitely a cheaper manufacturing process but I wonder how it holds up in the long term.

82RZ

[quote=actarnoff;5427609]How so? I take a lot of pride in my car. I love third gens, but as a group, we do not spend money./quote]
And that is the concern. You claim to take a lot of pride in your car but yet you look for cheap, junk replacemrnt parts?

Heck!, go to the Bone Yard and 'Suck-Up' the Trash if there is anything there which is unlikely.

Garbage In - Garbage Out. Simple as that.