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Necoa #: 7055
Location: 13(TX)
Joined: Mar 03, 2006
Posts: 39
Year: 1979
Model: El Camino
Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:51 pm Post subject: El Camino Store molded dash
OK like all 30 yr old dashes, mine is cracked. Anyone got experience with the
El Camino Store's molded dash pad outer shell cover? It is not real descriptive but appears to be some type of molded plastic. I could ask them, but would rather get some feedback from an unbiased and experienced resource.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanx,
_________________ the RED one
You can talk about it all you want .... but you will never really know 'til you go
I have had one for about 3 years now. I am very satisfied with it. You have to try it on and if needed trim the front edge so it fits flush against the old dash. The leading edge (under the edge of the windshield) is the only thing you MAY need to trim. Color and gloss matched well. As the catalog states, you really have to tell someone that it is a cover for them to spot it. Highly recommended. _________________ I didn't touch it. I swear.
I've noticed there are 70% covers and 100% covers, which did you use?
My dash is cracked on top like most, but the rest is in pretty good condition. I'm wondering if the 70% cover will look like a cap at the bottom where it no longer covers the old dash. _________________
1981 Chevy El Camino
1991 Chevy S10
"The only thing collecting dust in my garage... is my broom"
Necoa #: 7055
Location: 13(TX)
Joined: Mar 03, 2006
Posts: 39
Year: 1979
Model: El Camino
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:15 am Post subject:
Excellent info, so thanx Elkiebob and Dave. Steve, I too am interested in the 70-100 thang. I am going to get one for sure now.
Now for another one. Do any of you know if you only have the center radio speaker, is there still opeings in metal frame at the corners for stereo speakers? If so, what size can will fit. I figure as long a I am covering it, I could cut 2 holes in the dash and put 2 front speakers in.
Again thanx guys _________________ the RED one
You can talk about it all you want .... but you will never really know 'til you go
Just be aware of color match. Since I went with the 100% there is not much to compare the color to except the doors. With the 70% alot more of the old color may show and may have faded or turned a little. I didn't mean to say that all the dash covers need to be trimmed to fit. I installed my as it came and I believe I need to pull it out and trim the front so that the lower portion fits more flush. That may be just my car. Either way, trial fitting at least once is a must. The experience of this big booger sliding on and over the steering wheel and coming to rest in place is very cool. You can't imagine how it could work at first. Enjoy!
Necoa #: 7055
Location: 13(TX)
Joined: Mar 03, 2006
Posts: 39
Year: 1979
Model: El Camino
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:01 pm Post subject:
Thanx Elkiebob,
You have a good point about matching as my interior is fading especially vinyl and plastic stuff. The price for a 100% is reasonable anyway. I am heeding your advice and will trial fit. _________________ the RED one
You can talk about it all you want .... but you will never really know 'til you go
I also installed a full cap about five years ago. I'm very satisfied with it, but I do have a couple of installation recommendations. Clean your old dash REAL good! Especially around the openings or the defrosters and the radio/heater control areas! Use enamel reducer or a very good cleaner. When you put the cover in place, have several rolls of paper towels on hand and use them to hold the cover down by wedging them against the windshield. Leave them there overnight. Don't use anything that could put a pressure point against the windshield, unwanted cracks may show up...... Enjoy! _________________ 82 SS El Camino, Gen 5, Album #20
Super charged 3.8 fwd 48 Buick
68 Norton Fastback
74 MCI 36,000#, 40' Private Coach
To the wife: Better cars than bars.......
Necoa #: 10673
Location: 9(IN,KY,MI)
Joined: Dec 26, 2007
Posts: 10
Year: 1986
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 8:04 pm Post subject: pix of dash pad installs?
wondering with all of the topics on these molded dash pads and soo many people wondering how they look, ease of installation etc. DOES ANYONE HAVE GOOD PICS OF THESE INSTALLED? you would think that soemone fromteh el camino store woudl have been on here. i am in the same boat, may end of just reappostlering my own , cuz i dotn want to waste 125-150 bucks on a chance. thanks for allteh good info guys,a nd thanks for the help.
I was very pleased with the fit when I installed it.
I have since found a good original dash and changed it out but had no problems with the cap. It will be much easier and probably look better than trying to upholstery it. _________________ 84 Elky with 455 Buick, Tremec TKO600 5 speed, 8.5 3:42 posi -
My Members Page Album
Another 3 to 9 years should finish it.
Necoa #: 10673
Location: 9(IN,KY,MI)
Joined: Dec 26, 2007
Posts: 10
Year: 1986
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 7:12 pm Post subject: dash pad
looks good from what i can see. where did you get your from? Elco store? seen soem from 1A Auto on ebay, and some other places, dont really want to take chances over a 30 dollar difference, but you get whatyou pay for too. Mine is that same oxblood/maroon/ whatever color. I am takign my dash out this week, so i need to order somethign up soon. do you got pics of the actual install? thanks a lot though, pix say a thousand words.
Mine was one of the $99.00 deals from somewhere. The only place it didn't fit perfect was along the bottom of the bezel in front of the passenger. It was black and I sprayed it with SEM after it was glued on. _________________ 84 Elky with 455 Buick, Tremec TKO600 5 speed, 8.5 3:42 posi -
My Members Page Album
Another 3 to 9 years should finish it.
Necoa #: 7055
Location: 13(TX)
Joined: Mar 03, 2006
Posts: 39
Year: 1979
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:25 pm Post subject:
Excellent feedback and discussion. Thanx to all. I am going for the cover. Does anyone know what size speakers can be put in the upper corners of the dash? Even though mine does not have the stereo dash, I am considering cutting them out and putting a 'stereo' cap over the dash using whatever speakers will fit. Any experience with those corners would be appreciated.
Thanx _________________ the RED one
You can talk about it all you want .... but you will never really know 'til you go
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