92GTA

iTrader: (11)

I recall Classic Industries or someone makes a reproduction dashboard pad/top for 1985-1992 Firebirds. I think they were like $400.

I'm on my 3rd dash and this is ridiculous. The last 2 mint used ones I bought cracked within a couple months of receiving them! My original lasted for more than 200K, go figure.

I'm willing to pay the price for a brand new one but I want feedback on just how precise the reproduction one really is?

Thanks!

Alex

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

OER was repopping the dash pads for the Birds but I believe they took it off the market. I contacted them a few times to try to find out if they planned on bringing it back but never got a definitive answer.

FirebirdUSX

I still think wrapping your dash in leather (in a professional way to look good of course) is the only way to make it last .Ive seen the damn thing crack from no reason at all or from hot/cold day/night cycle.Getting it in leather is probably the only way to make it look good and last long.Problem is to find the right leather colour to make it look OEM.

thats my 2 cents about this ...too much money spent on plastic stuffs that dont last long.For 400$ you wrap the entire car in leather.

92GTA

iTrader: (11)

Dammit, guess I missed the boat on that one Thanks for letting me know!

Alex

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

Same here!!!!!

Classic1

Hello Thirdgen.org members,

We saw your post about these dash pads and decided to give the team at OER a call to check up on this product for you. The team at OER told us that these dash pads are in the final, quality control stages of production. Tooling has been completed and several prototypes have been manufactured. The quality control department at OER will be test fitting the product this week to review it for fit and finish, and if all is acceptable, we could see production and delivery in the very near future.

Here is a link to this product on the Classic Industries website. We will keep a close eye on this subject and do our best to update this thread as more information becomes available.

Due diligence is being done to ensure that the final product is the very best that it can possibly be. When all is said and done, we feel confident that everyone will agree that the end result was worth the wait. In the meantime, please let us know if you have any further questions.

For those who are ready to order, you can place an order for the product at Classic Industries, and by doing so, you will be put on a backorder list and will receive the product as soon as it becomes available. Please note that we never charge a credit card until the order ships and we offer a no hassle Money Back Guarantee on every product we sell.

92GTA

iTrader: (11)

Ray,

That's GREAT to hear! I'll be ordering on this weekend then for sure!

Thanks for the update!

Alex

Bob88GTA

iTrader: (2)

92GTA.....Just my 2 cents, but I'll share.
I bought my 88 new "off the floor". I purchased a Dash Mat for 40 bucks, and lived in the Mojave Desert in California for 23 years, moved to Alabama now for 5 years, and to this day my dash looks like new.
So I guess either the original dash was superior, or a $40 "rug on the dash" as my bro-in-law calls it, saved it.

I hope I never have to spent 400 on a new one!

They just don't make quality any more.

92GTA

iTrader: (11)

Yeah UV is what kills all forms of plastic, the rug for sure saved it haha! That's why my original lasted 200K miles until the mother ****ers at Safelite auto glass broke my original.

I'm hoping that in 2014 the quality of the material is superior to 1985 tech but who knows. It's all I have at this point.

Classic1

Hi 92GTA,

The original GM dash featured an injection-molded vinyl skin that was vacuum formed over a foam core. The result is a beautiful dash, but as we all know, after decades of exposure to UV Rays, the skin becomes brittle and prone to splitting and cracking.

These particular reproductions that we are discussing are being manufactured using a completely different process. They are produced in a poured urethane material with a molded-in grain that is designed to look as close to possible to the original grain. But, the modern urethane materials should be much more resistant to damage from UV Rays and this product will not split under the intense heat and prolonged UV exposure like the original skin-over-foam dashes do.

92GTA

iTrader: (11)

Ray,

Awesome to hear!

BTW, I'm also going to order a set of wheels:
http://www.classicindustries.com/pro...ts/*r4407.html

When are those going to be shipping if I back order this weekend? Unknown like the dashboard?

Looks like the interior I want is back order too:
http://www.classicindustries.com/pro...009220457.html

I can wait, just curious...my order is going to be $2161.77 with tax and shipping and the wheels/dash/seat covers are all back order lol.

Ray, hook me up with a promo code so the wait is worth it

Alex

Classic1

Hi Alex,

Sending you an email to your gmail account with detailed answers to your questions.

WhiteBlaze

iTrader: (1)

Whoever gets one PLEASE post pictures! I need one desperately, but will not order unless the factory speaker grills interchange. The caps turn me off because they have holes in place of the actual grills.

Do we know if they will produce a version for us 82 - 84 people?

Classic1

Hi WhiteBlaze,

The latest word we have from the manufacturer is that they are also developing a reproduction 1982-84 dash, item # 10029478. We have a listing up (click here) for any interested parties who would like to place a pre-order. However, please be advised that there is no firm eta on either of these dashes yet. Please note that Classic Industries can take your pre-order for these items, but your card will not be charged until the item is ready to be shipped. If the shipping date occurs after 90 days of your order date, you will receive a call from Classic Industries asking you to confirm your purchase. Hopefully this information helps. If we get any further information about these products, we will be sure to update you.

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

FYI I saw that a recent issue of Eckler's (Rick's Camaros) features thirdgen interior parts, they have reproduction dashpads

rusty vango

our issue is QUALITY. pure and simple.i did get a chance to inspect the one that OER made ,and it was a sad curled up POS. however ,if they have gotten past the issues they had initially. im game! now if us Camaro owners can get the same love. WOOO! HOOOO!

Classic1

Hello rusty vango,

There have been many improvements in reproduction dash pads over the years and the OER dashes for third gen Camaro are no exception. They are a very nice reproduction dash. You can read an independent review from a thirdgen.org member who bought one and did an install about a year and a half ago.

Here is the link to the review.

Here is the link to the product on the CI website.

These Camaro dashes are in stock, ready to ship. Part # is 12511119. Hope this info helps.

rusty vango

thank you for responding to my comment. me, and no doubt countless others have been waiting for this for a long time.

GXP

I just recently got an 87 firebird and the dash was cracked to hell on it. Coincidentally, at Pontiac Nationals in Norwalk, a guy was selling an immaculate one minus a chip on a corner. It's noticeable, but I don't really mind it. I stole it for $20.

Also, there is a thread floating somewhere of dash pad repairs on fourth gens where the plastic is cut off, and vinyl (bought by the yard) can be applied on top of the skeleton. I'm wondering if this can be applied to third gens...I'd like to try it eventually on my original cracked pad.

Another thing to keep in mind. Like other people have said, I've seen UV destroy a lot of these dash pads and I've only barely been around third gens. I'm getting a rug as well from lethal interiors to protect my $20 investment. After the pad and the rug, I'm still in it less than $100, and it's even embroidered!

I guess what I'm saying is, be patient. I was about ready to shell out $150 on eBay for one, when I got a slightly flawed one for a fraction of the price. If all else fails, try to do your own fix.

EDIT: Don't use ArmorAll to clean the dash! The chemicals can make it easier to crack. I only use a damp cloth when necessary. It was posted somewhere else on here, so thanks to them

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

You don't need to put an ugly rug on your nice new dash. There are plenty of good sunscreen products. 303 protectant is 100% uv protector and lasts at least 6 months.

GXP

I personally liked the look of it, but it's whatever works. Thanks for the idea of 303 though.. I was cautious to any sprays really after hearing about how harsh ArmorAll can be on them

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

glad my z28 has always been inside..so it even still smells new
but if the day ever comes that i need a dash pad...i know it's going to cost $500..

yes even the steering wheel has been coverd from day 1.. but its coming out with this 2nd make over as well.

Classic1

If you guys want to try something out of the ordinary. There are two professional grade products that we recommend and use for UV protection. You can choose your product based on the sheen you desire, Matt Finish or Super Shiny. They are both water based, non-oily gels that are not runny or greasy like the over-the-counter products you can buy at the store. The protection lasts for weeks, and the product actually nourishes the vinyl. These are professional grade products that are available in 16 oz. bottles. Or for shops and enthusiasts who do a lot of detailing, they come in gallon jugs. We use it on our car collection here at CI. And, I use it personally on my Jeep. It's a detailer's secret weapon.

K89480 OER Natural Shine Matt Finish Protectant - 16 oz.

K89481 OER Natural Shine - Gallon

K89468 OER Super Shine Protectant - 16 oz.

K89469 OER Super Shine - Gallon

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

What's wrong with armorall? I've used it for 10 years on everything, no cracks or issues...?

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

+1 for the 303. Works great and does not leave the dash greasy and attract dust. I did my dash in my vert with it a month ago and it still looks good with minimal dust build up.

Lambo74

I'm almost done with a complete ground-up restoration of my Dad's 1988 Firebird Formula, and I sent the original cracked and weathered dash to "JustDashes.com" and they recovered it with new foam and vinyl and it looks amazing! It was expensive, but worth it! I'm going to be picking it up from the shop for my first drive tomorrow to take it to the 20th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit!!!

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Not too keen on the Just Dashes process. They reskin over your old dash after making repairs and covering with a thin layer of foam. This leaves the dash fatter then it originally was. Contrary to what people believe, they do not take the dash down to the core. Do a search on fitment problems people have after using Just Dashes.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Re-did a junkyard pad in leather, $469 is way too much for a repro.Im also a cheap skate though!

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

it's only money..

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Easy come, easy go.

GXP

Sorry if I bump an old thread, let me know if there are rules against that.

But I heard that it can almost "dehydrate" or constrict the material on the dash making it more prone to cracking. I've never seen a third gen with a perfect dash pad, nor have I seen ArmorAll do the damage first hand, but I'm playing it safe.

rusty vango

I use "mink oil" it does a fine job of rehydrating a dry dash pad. AND it holds up to the sun.

NowhereFast

Armorall will crack the dash if you ever stop using it. I never use any of their products though, for everything they make, there is a much better product out there for the same price.

Termn8r

Armorall is great if you keep using it forever. If you stop it dries up and with it, whatever you covered it with. I use to use it all the time on my louvers, it took the guy 6 hours of degreasing/cleaning them to get them paintable.

He hates Armorall too ;p

padak

iTrader: (10)

- Nevermind!

FlyingDutchmann

What the difference in 82/84 dashboards?

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

82-84 were flat fronted instead of being beveled on the edge.

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

This thread has some good pics for example.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...-pace-car.html

You can put a newer style in one though, I know I don't technically have the right one in my 83, I think mines from like an 87 or something.

Classic1

Hi FlyingDutchmann,

On Third Gen Firebirds, I believe there were 3 main styles that covered most normal production models:

1982-83 which have the stitching on the front edge and speaker grilles that just show vertical lines from the top, with no "border" around the grille slats. The recesses for these grilles have crisp corners.

1983-84 that has the 1982-83 style stitching around the front edge of the dash, but a revised speaker grille cutout that fit the new style grilles found for the rest of the third generation. These later speaker grilles are more rounded on the corners with a border around the grille fins.

1985-92 which has no stitching around the front edge of dash pad but accepts the same later style 83-84 speaker grilles with the border and more rounded corners.

1982-84 Edge of Dash With Stitching


1982-84 Early Style Speaker Grille


Mid 1984-92 Later Style Speaker Grille

bigworm90

I bought a OER dash for my Camaro and it looks descent, except when you attach the screws from the bottom there is nothing to keep them in. You are just screwing into foam, the original dash had plastic inserts to screw into. So it rattles and sticks up on both sides, not worth the price.

Classic1

Hello bigworm90,
We are very sorry to hear that you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase. Did you happen to purchase the product from us here at Classic Industries? If so, please PM me and I will have a customer service representative contact you to see if we can be of assistance to you.

bigworm90

Got it from Camaro Central, came in a OER box thou. I got it over a year ago, have they changed the design? The price wasn't bad if they can fix that problem. I would be happy even at a slightly higher price if it had those inserts for mounting. I still have my factory dash if you need pictures of what I'm referring to.

Classic1

Not sure when the last design change occurred. But, I would be happy to forward your images to the product development department at OER, along with your comments. Images of your original dash would be a big help. Please email them to me at ryager@classicindustries.com.

bigworm90

Just sent some pics, had to send one pic per email. I checked my receipt looks like almost 2 years since I got my dash, hopefully the design has changed since there are not a lot of other options.

Yeager

Reading some interesting things on this board about 82's being a little bit different from the newer cars.

My pad is cracked pretty badly. My car was a survivor up until the engine gave out and likely won't ever be collectible now because it's no longer matching. Not even sure how important this is if I don't ever intend to sell it?

Will one of these repop dash pads drop in? or is there going to be something keeping it from going in?

Would an upholstery shop be able to strip and re-wrap the original in leather or is that an advanced DIY thing?

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

An upholstery shop can re-wrap your dash pad, that'll probably be your best outcome.

alexiroc

I just installed an Eckler's dashboard pad overlay. For $125, I am real happy with it. At night it is perfect. During the day, the light makes it look "just a little" lighter than the black plastic trim on the door. It has to do with the texture, as the Ecklers has a slightly rougher surface than the stock so it reflects the light more, but it really looks like stock. It fit perfectly too.

Now they say you don't have to remove your dashboard top, but it is best to take the 10 screws out and glue the Ecklers shell on the old dash on a workbench. This way you can put lots of weights on it so that it glues on firm, and also, the 4 screw holes at the top of the dash are covered by the Ecklers shell, so you will want to dremmel a little gap there so you can get to the screws.

I was getting quotes of nearly $500 and higher for a true replacement. For $125 the Ecklers looks good. The junkyards are "dried up" is true.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

Pontiac or Chevy

alexiroc

Chevy 1989 z28

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

I installed one of those in my TA, looked really good, except for the firebird versions they only had the 82-84 version and the speakers are covered over with perforated holes.I have since returned to the stock pad(3rd one) and I have a nice spare also.