Dash Pad

[drewkeen]

is the pad on the top of the dash an svo specific part? if not, was it the same on all 86 stangs?

[lonchair]

The SVO specific part of the Dash Pad is the molded in Gray Color.

[drewkeen]

so i could possibly find one and paint it gray as a temp pad?

[SVOeric]

YUP!!!!

Goodluck.. I been searching for a good one for years!
I've found a few, but all were too expensive for my pidley budget.

[Gator]

Well, I hate to say it in case someone has some HARD facts for me.....but i have come across a few early-mid 80's stangs with the same color interior as ours.

in fact the glove-box, kick panels, and inside rocker parts of my car or from a heap-yard....same color as the SVO.

Now, wether you find a nice dash-pad or not is like finding a needle in a hay-stack.

I have seen ones ( that arent in all the best shape ) go at swap-meets for 200+

So, i would try and find ANY color dash-pad in decent shape and order up some interior paint from Paul at www.SVPU.com.

Good luck if you choose to accept this mission.

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Somebody here or on another board posted this link before. They're right near me and when I mentioned it to a buddy who has a couple SVO's and a Saleen and a '65 and a ... (ad infenitum), he said that these folks do a great job at prices just a little more expensive than the cheesy looking dash covers. May be worth a look see.

http://www.justdashes.com/index_home.htm

[cobra0478]

Pat,
I have looked at this site before,and was curious.
I have also looked at adds for products that would make my hair grow back,and was curious.
I still have a crappy dash,and no hair,however I do still have money to invest in either.lol
Now on the serious side.
If these people are close enough to you and you could maby arrange a tour,just check out what they are doing,and get a look at the quality of their work,then let us know what you think.
I for one would go for a restoration on my old dash pad,I just don't like jumping in on something like this and maby ending up worse off than I am now.
Let us know what you can find out.
Thanks,
Don

[Pat_in_L.A.]

cobra0478

Believe me, that visit on the schedule, and I will report.

Why not comprimise and settle for a hairy dash? LOL!

[cobra0478]

Harry dash? A Thought
I am looking foward to your report,hopeing it to be positive.
Don.

[SVOPaul]

Just dashes does very nice work....however they are pricey. the last quote I heard for the Mustang pad was in the $450 range...I just got a quote from them for Lincoln Mark VII dash and door panels and was FLOORED....$850 for the dash(more if other than black) and $450 each for door panels(more if other than black)!!!!!

What we need is more people in this business....more competition, more competative pricing. As far as I know, these are the only guys that do it.

The sad thing is that the reproduction dash pad that IS currently available is PURE GARBAGE!!!! and the company(Dashes Direct) knows it...but will keep making it as long as people buy it.

[cobra0478]

Paul,
I wont buy the repro,trusting your judgement.
I also agree that $400.+ is a little much,my pad is cracked on at least one of the speaker grills,not bad. I may remove it,give it a good cleaning,and try a dye job,I have had good results before doing a color change,so I think it should work well with the same color.
Don

[SVOPaul]

I know I don't have to tell you this but just be VERY careful with your pad when cleaning....clean it with something like Dupont Prep-solv to get any residue or greasy stuff off it. Paint it with very light tack coats to start which will help eliminate the chance of fish eyes. Multiple thin coats are better than lesser thick coats.

Although the speaker grill area is not correct, I still think the best alternative right now is the $60 plastic cover for our cars. That dead fish they call a repro dash pad isn't worth $25 let alone the $179-$209 you see it sold for. I flat refuse to sell them knowing personally how bad they fit and look.

If you need any more tips on refinishing, just drop me a line....

[cobra0478]

Paul,
Thanks for the advice on the paint.
I am not famillar with the plastic cover,is there a site that I can visit ?
Don

[SVOPaul]

There is no site that I am aware of...I can order them through one of my suppliers and I have to double check but I believe they are $69 or less. They list the grey at more than the black...if the difference is much I would just assume get the cheaper black one and paint it myself so that I was sure it would match. The cover basically slides over your original pad.

I guess I should order one up, paint it and post pics here for everyone ......I'll get one sent to me tomorrow.

[cobra0478]

That would be great,I will be looking for it.
Don