Dash Pad Restoration

[69Z28-RS]

Rather than start a new thread, I'm going to tack onto this one as the subject is perfect for my question:  'Dash Pad REstoration'.   I do not want to *replace* my original dash pad with a reproduction one.   I want to 'restore' my original dash pad. 
Question 1:    Is the dash pad difficult to remove without damaging it?  I've never taken apart a camaro, so I'm a novice re knowing Camaro details, and I do not want to damage the pad.  My pad is near perfect in appearance except for the front edge of it being 'raised up', or separated? from whatever the backing is.  A step by step for how to remove the dash pad would be appreciated, as well as where the retainers are...?

Question 2:  Can the issue with my dash pad (raised up front edge) be repaired once it is removed?   Any suggestions?

OR should I just leave well enough alone?   I'm trying to clean and maintain my original car for possible judging in the original unrestored category;

Gary  / 69Z28-RS

[Kelley W King]

If you had another pad or a good picture to see where the nuts are it is not hard to remove because if you know where the nuts are you can feel them where they are hard to see. Using clamps and adhesive and care you can improve the looks a lot.

[68camaroz28]

Rather than start a new thread, I'm going to tack onto this one as the subject is perfect for my question:  'Dash Pad REstoration'.   I do not want to *replace* my original dash pad with a reproduction one.   I want to 'restore' my original dash pad. 
Question 1:    Is the dash pad difficult to remove without damaging it?  I've never taken apart a camaro, so I'm a novice re knowing Camaro details, and I do not want to damage the pad.  My pad is near perfect in appearance except for the front edge of it being 'raised up', or separated? from whatever the backing is.  A step by step for how to remove the dash pad would be appreciated, as well as where the retainers are...?

Question 2:  Can the issue with my dash pad (raised up front edge) be repaired once it is removed?   Any suggestions?

OR should I just leave well enough alone?   I'm trying to clean and maintain my original car for possible judging in the original unrestored category;

Gary  / 69Z28-RS

Gary, if you wish to have your car judged in the "original unrestored category" why are you considering pulling your dash to restore? Most of the previous discussion on this thread had to do with restoring a 68 pad. The 69 pads are a whole new animal and not sure what restoration services are available for them as it was limited. Depending on what you have, it might be wise to err in doing nothing at least for now.
Good luck,

[william]

Nothing can save a deteriorating '69 pad. The liner is plastic; as it ages it warps and shrinks. It starts along the top but will also peel and curl above the glovebox. The vinyl becomes hard and brittle. Weldwood contact cement works for a while.

I hear there is finally good repro available.

[69Z28-RS]

I'd rather have my curling original pad than any of the repros I've seen.... 

Chick:  Maybe *restore* isn't the right word.   What I would like to do is *maintain* the original pad and stop it from collecting dust under the curling edge and help it to look as good as possible..     How do the original unrestored judges look at such actions?  Is 'gluing the pad back to the plastic considered 'restoring or maintaining??

Gary

Gary

[Sauron327]

Ask James if he had any success with his procedure here: http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=6283.15

[69Z28-RS]

Thanks for that link Mr Sauron..     I agree with the opinions expressed by James, although I don't think I'm going to substitute metal for the plastic.   Someone else in that link mentioned just 'regluing' the original pad and having it last for 8 yrs.. so I'll go that route first..   but James is exactly correct re the length, coverage, and grain/etc of the repros..   they don't math the originals...  and I strongly prefer keeping the *original* parts whenever possible.   (The only parts I've ever had problems with on my older cars - from the 50's - was with the repros)..

Gary  /  69Z28-RS

[68camaroz28]

I'd rather have my curling original pad than any of the repros I've seen.... 

Chick:  Maybe *restore* isn't the right word.   What I would like to do is *maintain* the original pad and stop it from collecting dust under the curling edge and help it to look as good as possible..     How do the original unrestored judges look at such actions?  Is 'gluing the pad back to the plastic considered 'restoring or maintaining??

Gary

Gary

OK, got it! No expert here but would think doing what you are considering would do nothing to harm your intentions concerning judging. Might want to carefully review different glues and possibly some trial runs with donor materials as your probably only going to have one good chance. I have had good luck with one of the liquid nails glue that works on glass, cloth, plastic, etc., and one iron clad adhesive from Loctite named "power grab." That stuff is something else as you can glue trim or even stone on a wall. Just a couple thoughts.....

[69Z28-RS]

Yes, that's the type of adhesive I was thinking of, and someone else mentioned the 'weldwood' products which are similar I believe.. . but I've first got to figure out how to remove the dash pad without damaging it or something else.. 

Gary