Best aftermarket dash pad? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

davidh · 08-31-2010, 03:22 PM

Im looking at getting a new dash pad, green for a 70. Who has the best or worst? If not comfortable posting here PM me. thanks

davidh · 09-01-2010, 12:26 AM

None of you have changed out your cracked dash pad? LOL

extd56 · 09-01-2010, 01:33 AM

I had my original recovered

Beuford · 09-01-2010, 07:45 AM

Mine's an LMC for my `70. It's ok I have no experience with other vendors dash pads.

*Shane* · 09-01-2010, 08:21 AM

if it isn't a genuine GM pad then there isn't much difference in any of them.

**LockDoc** · 09-01-2010, 08:24 AM

-
There is a lot of difference in the aftermarket pads made. I'm not sure the vendor matters, just make sure it has the metal insert like the originals. Some of the cheap ones don't and they are like a limp you know what...

LockDoc

dznucks · 09-01-2010, 09:09 AM

This is actually my next purchase for my truck.

Who sells the better dash pads?

6772owner · 09-01-2010, 09:22 AM

I just bought one from Early Classic and it seems very close to the original. (I did not have an original to compare) The pad has the steel insert, came with all the hardware and fit well for aftermarket stuff. I am not sure of the "brand" of the pad though.

**71blksuper4x4** · 09-01-2010, 10:09 AM

If you look on ebay, there is a guy that sells vinyl wrapped OEM style dash pads from time to time. Those are the best quality if wanting to be exact, but they are double $ what the urethane ones are. I believe he can get them in different colors. 3/4 of the vendors only carry the Urethane molded dash pads, which do the trick, but aren't like the originals. If getting the urethane ones, make sure to follow the advice and make sure it has a metal backing atleast. Trevor

Lee H · 09-01-2010, 10:11 AM

I recently installed on from The Truck Shop. Fit and finish is nice. Would buy another from them if needed.

*Shane* · 09-01-2010, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
There is a lot of difference in the aftermarket pads made. I'm not sure the vendor matters, just make sure it has the metal insert like the originals. Some of the cheap ones don't and they are like a limp you know what...

LockDoc

my bad ... i've never seen one without the metal insert. i stand corrected.

**leddzepp** · 09-01-2010, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee H

I recently installed on from The Truck Shop. Fit and finish is nice. Would buy another from them if needed.

I got mine from the Truck Shop as well. Very pleased with it. Identical to original.

**BIG ORANGE** · 09-01-2010, 04:58 PM

With most of the parts for our trucks being aftermarket and with my involvement with some of the vendors I have learned that alot of them buy in bulk from the Truck Shop in Orange County Cal. and when you see there boxes or packages the name CounterPart will apear on them!
Lots of vendors even go to the effort to change the package or just label over the CounterPart label.
There are other aftermarket companies out there that repop the dash pads and the arm rest ect. cant remember the name right off the top of my head!
But getting feed back from board member always helps out!
just my 2cents worth
Donnie

mbgmike · 09-01-2010, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG ORANGE

With most of the parts for our trucks being aftermarket and with my involvement with some of the vendors I have learned that alot of them buy in bulk from the Truck Shop in Orange County Cal. and when you see there boxes or packages the name CounterPart will apear on them!
Lots of vendors even go to the effort to change the package or just label over the CounterPart label.
There are other aftermarket companies out there that repop the dash pads and the arm rest ect. cant remember the name right off the top of my head!
But getting feed back from board member always helps out!
just my 2cents worth
Donnie

Thats because the Truck and Car shop is the Retail end of Counterparts. Quite a few companies buy from Counterparts. We don't

68gmsee · 09-01-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I got mine from the Truck Shop as well. Very pleased with it. Identical to original.

Do they look like this original one? I've been wanting one for my 69.

**Tim Christian** · 09-01-2010, 07:16 PM

I have a NOS Black one for $200.00 shipped if interested????

71 super · 09-01-2010, 08:25 PM

I have a counterparts version that is extra, a NOS GM and another 2 I bought at the auto fair several years ago. The NOS is definitely different than the others- but I feel the units from the truck shop are very nice and look similar if not exact to the NOS. The other counterparts version is floppy so to speak however the grain looks good and once installed would be fine. I also have discovered that the 69-72 pad is thinner than the original 67-68 pad. I recently got a super nice unit from Duncan and son in original condition and it was much thicker than the later years.

tcb-1 · 09-01-2010, 10:01 PM

since no company produces the shade green I had, I found a good oem and painted/dyed it to match the original. simple process.

Zoomin · 09-01-2010, 10:18 PM

The one I got from dashesdirect.com fit perfectly. Some of the others I had a heckuva time getting the studs to line up the the holes in the dash.

davidh · 09-01-2010, 11:36 PM

Is this the place you guys are talking about? pg 23
http://www.scribd.com/full/17608177?...qy43h7a9pmdutn

out of orange ca?
direct dashes sounded like you had to be a dealer when I went to their site.

mbgmike · 09-02-2010, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidh

Is this the place you guys are talking about? pg 23
http://www.scribd.com/full/17608177?...qy43h7a9pmdutn

out of orange ca?
direct dashes sounded like you had to be a dealer when I went to their site.

Yes you do we are dealers for Dashes Direct. They make two types the OEM style witch can be dyed or in black.

or the ones precolored with original style steel inserts in black ,green ,bright blue,saddle, red or light saddle

68gmsee · 09-02-2010, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbgmike

Yes you do we are dealers for Dashes Direct. They make two types the OEM style witch can be dyed or in black.

or the ones precolored with original style steel inserts in black ,green ,bright blue,saddle, red or light saddle

What's the difference between the OEM and the others -quality and fit?

**leddzepp** · 09-02-2010, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

Do they look like this original one? I've been wanting one for my 69.

I bought a black one, I cannot attest to the colored ones as far as matching the OEM color. It looks just like my OEM one...except it doesn't have any cracks in it

68gmsee · 09-02-2010, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I bought a black one, I cannot attest to the colored ones as far as matching the OEM color. It looks just like my OEM one...except it doesn't have any cracks in it

I actually just wanted to know if the one you bought fit and looked like the one in the pics which is an original. The reason I asked is because all the ones I've seen have been sorta flimsy. A buddy bought one some years ago and after a couple of years you could see waves on top and it seemed flatter than original pads. It wasn't rounded and smooth.

swamp rat · 09-02-2010, 11:23 PM

I got one from LMC about 10 years ago, i didn't notice it right away untill after i had it all bolted up but looking thru the windshield you could see where it was trimmed back a little too far with a razor knife for about a 5" area, I'm assuming this was trimmed after the molding process. so you can see a small area where the white foam underneath shows thru.. I probably should have called them and made them exchange it but i was lazy..

)

Just saying this so ya look it over closely after ya get it and before ya bolt it up..

08-31-2010, 03:22 PM	#1
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,221	Best aftermarket dash pad? Im looking at getting a new dash pad, green for a 70. Who has the best or worst? If not comfortable posting here PM me. thanks __________________ Even the nicest dodge-chrysler is only 2years away from being parked outside of Section 8 housing.

09-01-2010, 12:26 AM	#2
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,221	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? None of you have changed out your cracked dash pad? LOL __________________ Even the nicest dodge-chrysler is only 2years away from being parked outside of Section 8 housing.

09-01-2010, 01:33 AM	#3
extd56 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,272	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? I had my original recovered

09-01-2010, 07:45 AM	#4
Beuford Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Townville,Pa Posts: 284	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? Mine's an LMC for my `70. It's ok I have no experience with other vendors dash pads.

09-01-2010, 08:21 AM	#5
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? if it isn't a genuine GM pad then there isn't much difference in any of them.

09-01-2010, 08:24 AM	#6
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,332	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? - There is a lot of difference in the aftermarket pads made. I'm not sure the vendor matters, just make sure it has the metal insert like the originals. Some of the cheap ones don't and they are like a limp you know what... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 09-01-2010 at 08:26 AM.

09-01-2010, 09:09 AM	#7
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? This is actually my next purchase for my truck. Who sells the better dash pads?

09-01-2010, 09:22 AM	#8
6772owner Gearhead Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,193	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? I just bought one from Early Classic and it seems very close to the original. (I did not have an original to compare) The pad has the steel insert, came with all the hardware and fit well for aftermarket stuff. I am not sure of the "brand" of the pad though. __________________ 2002 Saturn SL2, My D/D 2019 Ford Fusion SE, Ecoboost - Wife's D/D 1993 Camaro Z28, A4, CAI, Cat-Back Exhaust Project C10 (my 72' C10 w/96' LT1, 700R4, bagged F&R, 18's (for now), Short/Fleet) -- SOLD! Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313644

09-01-2010, 10:09 AM	#9
71blksuper4x4 SWB 4x4 Collector Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Osage City, KS Posts: 5,148	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? If you look on ebay, there is a guy that sells vinyl wrapped OEM style dash pads from time to time. Those are the best quality if wanting to be exact, but they are double $ what the urethane ones are. I believe he can get them in different colors. 3/4 of the vendors only carry the Urethane molded dash pads, which do the trick, but aren't like the originals. If getting the urethane ones, make sure to follow the advice and make sure it has a metal backing atleast. Trevor __________________ TREVOR 1970 CST swb 4x4 (speedwarning,cruise,tilt,tach,8track, original red shoulder belts,tow hooks) 1972 Jimmy (soon to be Hickey cloned) 1971 Cheyenne Super 4x4 swb (tilt,tach,buckets, original blue shoulder belts,am/fm,cruise,tow hooks, dealer 8 track) 1972 Cheyenne Super K20 4x4 Custom Camper (tilt, tach, am/fm, tow hooks, bed toolbox, aux gas tank 1972 Cheyenne Super Crew Cab K30 4x4 Duramax, Allison, np205, buckets, tow hooks (CURRENT PROJECT) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=624819 1989 V3500 Crew Cab (454tbi, NV4500, np205) 1970 Chevelle SS (LS5 454,th400,8track,buckets,tach) :2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (daily driver) WTB: 1968-70 Cruise Control Lever

09-01-2010, 10:11 AM	#10
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,139	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? I recently installed on from The Truck Shop. Fit and finish is nice. Would buy another from them if needed. __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

09-01-2010, 04:58 PM	#13
BIG ORANGE Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lancaster S.C. Posts: 4,747	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? With most of the parts for our trucks being aftermarket and with my involvement with some of the vendors I have learned that alot of them buy in bulk from the Truck Shop in Orange County Cal. and when you see there boxes or packages the name CounterPart will apear on them! Lots of vendors even go to the effort to change the package or just label over the CounterPart label. There are other aftermarket companies out there that repop the dash pads and the arm rest ect. cant remember the name right off the top of my head! But getting feed back from board member always helps out! just my 2cents worth Donnie __________________ Things happen for a reason!

09-01-2010, 07:16 PM	#16
Tim Christian Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TN/VA Posts: 6,388	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? I have a NOS Black one for $200.00 shipped if interested????

09-01-2010, 08:25 PM	#17
71 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canton North carolina Posts: 3,075	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? I have a counterparts version that is extra, a NOS GM and another 2 I bought at the auto fair several years ago. The NOS is definitely different than the others- but I feel the units from the truck shop are very nice and look similar if not exact to the NOS. The other counterparts version is floppy so to speak however the grain looks good and once installed would be fine. I also have discovered that the 69-72 pad is thinner than the original 67-68 pad. I recently got a super nice unit from Duncan and son in original condition and it was much thicker than the later years. __________________ 67 blue step side- bb 68 gold and white swb cst anniversary 68 custom swb hot rod Ls swap 69 swb cst 6 cylinder/ overdrive 69 black/black cst bb swb 70 orange and white cst Canada built truck swb bb 71 black and white super swb bb 71 red and white super swb 72 green and white super swb 4x4 62 nova wagon 400 series Ls swapped 68 Camaro 327/4 speed- 1 owner, original paint 66 Volkswagen bettle 69 auto stick Volkswagen Beetle

09-01-2010, 10:01 PM	#18
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? since no company produces the shade green I had, I found a good oem and painted/dyed it to match the original. simple process. __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

09-01-2010, 10:18 PM	#19
Zoomin Man of Mini-Talents Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 4,295	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? The one I got from dashesdirect.com fit perfectly. Some of the others I had a heckuva time getting the studs to line up the the holes in the dash. __________________ Steve Project - Ruth 66 Skylark Project - Lola 60 Biscayne Project - Iron Ox 54 GMC 100 Project - Darth 69 Camaro



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09-01-2010, 11:36 PM	#20
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,221	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? Is this the place you guys are talking about? pg 23 http://www.scribd.com/full/17608177?...qy43h7a9pmdutn out of orange ca? direct dashes sounded like you had to be a dealer when I went to their site. __________________ Even the nicest dodge-chrysler is only 2years away from being parked outside of Section 8 housing.

09-02-2010, 11:23 PM	#25
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: Best aftermarket dash pad? I got one from LMC about 10 years ago, i didn't notice it right away untill after i had it all bolted up but looking thru the windshield you could see where it was trimmed back a little too far with a razor knife for about a 5" area, I'm assuming this was trimmed after the molding process. so you can see a small area where the white foam underneath shows thru.. I probably should have called them and made them exchange it but i was lazy.. ) Just saying this so ya look it over closely after ya get it and before ya bolt it up..

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