1997 CAMARO SS UPPER DASH PAD

[JOATMON]

My '97 has a severely cracked upper dash pad. I got some bucks for my birthday to buy a new one. I was shocked when I saw the prices. Anybody know where to get a new one reasonably priced? Thanks for any and all replies. Nolan

[popo8]

We have a few threads floating around on anything from repairing...to using the beauty caps to replace...

I got mine straight from GM $250.00

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

[spikester7878]

if its just cracked and not missing any parts repairing it is a great option. A buddy of mine did his z28 dash a few years back. Took alittle effort, but while he had it out he leather wrapped it as well. It also didnt cost him $250.

[Louvit]

I have mine all repaired but the defroster part was too far gone. I keep asking if anyone has a junk one and can cut that out for me so I can finish mine...lolI need this

[JOATMON]

We have a few threads floating around on anything from repairing...to using the beauty caps to replace...

I got mine straight from GM $250.00

MEMBER @ LTXtech.com

Thanks for the reply Popo, I've been on vacation. The best price I've found so far is $351.23, seems they have gone up a bit.

[JOATMON]

if its just cracked and not missing any parts repairing it is a great option. A buddy of mine did his z28 dash a few years back. Took alittle effort, but while he had it out he leather wrapped it as well. It also didnt cost him $250.

Thanks for the reply Spike, with the price getting really high and perhaps harder to find, repair could be an option, but mine is cracked up real bad.

[JOATMON]

I have mine all repaired but the defroster part was too far gone. I keep asking if anyone has a junk one and can cut that out for me so I can finish mine...lolI need this

Lou, I'm very likely going to replace mine. If I can save that vent section, I'll give it to you.

[97Z4CZ28]

Joatmon just remember, and I obtained a used one in excellent condition and have not installed it yet, but a used one could have weak spots in it that when you install if you bend it to much could break then whatever you have invested is down the drain. I know it costs but a new one shouldn't have weak spots from years of the sun hitting it and years of vibration from driving. Short of removing the windshield to install it you WILL have to contort it somewhat...that is the scary part...investing as I did around $150 for a perfect used one not knowing what will happen when I go to install it. Just a thought. I do like the leather wrapped idea as well...that would save a bunch of mucho denaro and look great to boot!

[Blackbird96WS6]

I also heard of a trick of leaving the used dash pad in a humid room overnight before install to put some moisture back into the plastic so it's not so brittle, which will help it flex more without breakage. Worth a shot when you go to install your used one.

[Louvit]

Lou, I'm very likely going to replace mine. If I can save that vent section, I'll give it to you.thanks, you can cut it maybe 2-3 inches out and maybe use a bubble envelope to mail.. let me know...thanks

[JOATMON]

Joatmon just remember, and I obtained a used one in excellent condition and have not installed it yet, but a used one could have weak spots in it that when you install if you bend it to much could break then whatever you have invested is down the drain. I know it costs but a new one shouldn't have weak spots from years of the sun hitting it and years of vibration from driving. Short of removing the windshield to install it you WILL have to contort it somewhat...that is the scary part...investing as I did around $150 for a perfect used one not knowing what will happen when I go to install it. Just a thought. I do like the leather wrapped idea as well...that would save a bunch of mucho denaro and look great to boot!

Z4C, Thanks for the tip on installation.

[JOATMON]

I also heard of a trick of leaving the used dash pad in a humid room overnight before install to put some moisture back into the plastic so it's not so brittle, which will help it flex more without breakage. Worth a shot when you go to install your used one.

BB, Thanks for the tip on installation. I'm gonna buy a new one, but these tips are letting me know what to expect.

[JOATMON]

thanks, you can cut it maybe 2-3 inches out and maybe use a bubble envelope to mail.. let me know...thanks

I'll contact you when I get the new one bought and installed.

[Louvit]

Maybe it's me but I've never had a problem putting them in and I have a 5" tach and shift light on my dash. I remove both a pilar plastic and install from passenger side

[JOATMON]

Maybe it's me but I've never had a problem putting them in and I have a 5" tach and shift light on my dash. I remove both a pilar plastic and install from passenger side

I hope it goes in smooth, I'd be really pissed at myself if I broke it during installation. Best price I've found is over $350.

[Louvit]

anyone think of brushing on some epoxy or something like that on the underside would reinforce it before installing?

[gregpenechar]

I had one laying around in my garage from a previous car when I bought my 97. Before installation I cleaned it really well and used a spray adhesive to stick foam on the entire under side. Hopefully it keeps some of the vibration from damaging it. The old one was literally shattering under its own weight when I took it out.

[Salvo]

I found a perfect dash pad in the junkyard a few months back. I was quite amazed. I carefully removed the a-pillars, and everything else to make it as easy as possible, popped the clips and was pulling it out. about the time it got out over the seats it literally crumbled under its own weight in my hands. instantly became 7 levels of pissed and threw it back in the car

[JOATMON]

anyone think of brushing on some epoxy or something like that on the underside would reinforce it before installing?

Thats a good thought!

[JOATMON]

I had one laying around in my garage from a previous car when I bought my 97. Before installation I cleaned it really well and used a spray adhesive to stick foam on the entire under side. Hopefully it keeps some of the vibration from damaging it. The old one was literally shattering under its own weight when I took it out.

This sounds like a good idea too!

[JOATMON]

I found a perfect dash pad in the junkyard a few months back. I was quite amazed. I carefully removed the a-pillars, and everything else to make it as easy as possible, popped the clips and was pulling it out. about the time it got out over the seats it literally crumbled under its own weight in my hands. instantly became 7 levels of pissed and threw it back in the car

Bummer!

[JCzNova]

I cracked mine a little while doing some under dash work, it was super brittle. Just order one of these.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cvc-smat/overview/


http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/mediumlarge/cvc-smat_ml.jpg
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/xlarge/cvc-smat_xl.jpg

[jlo]

I cracked mine a little while doing some under dash work, it was super brittle. Just order one of these.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cvc-smat/overview/


http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/mediumlarge/cvc-smat_ml.jpg
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/xlarge/cvc-smat_xl.jpg
Do you have a pic?? Just want to know how it looks. I have a new dash pad on my camaro and want to give it a fighting chance against the elements..