Best options for getting a new dash pad

[Gatorslayer]

I need a dash pad for my '70 Cuda convertible but can't seem to find a reputable place to get one. I live in South Florida so I need to get a steel core one (as I don't think ABS core would last long dye to the heat and sun).

It seems very few companies can make these right based on the number of "seconds" on eBay and Etsy. I've also read about the horror stories with places like Dash Pad Factory.I've heard differing reviews on Just Dashes.

Any recommendations on the best option to get a new steel core  dash pad (I have a core). I need an AC dash pad.

I know they are pricey, shipping is expensive both ways) and he core charge is like $400, but I need a quality dash pad (no seconds).

Any input and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[70 Challenger Lover]

Following. I also need one for an upcoming Challenger project.

I know a lot of guys say ABC Moparts but a while back, I could not reach them by phone or email and I tried diligently for several months before giving up. I'm hesitant to use a company that has communication issues. I went down that road before with a power brake booster and it was a nightmare.

I've heard Al Knoch does them for a Year One or Classic Ind. and Al Knoch has a good reputation in the Corvette world. When I tried reaching out to them to confirm this, I got the same communication blackout as ABC Moparts so that makes me gunshy.

The only complaints I hear about Just Dashes is they tend to look a little too puffy and the price is exorbitant. Like close to $3k with taxes and shipping.

There's one or two guys in the El Paso, Tx area but those are the guys who routinely sell factory seconds online and you sometimes see them at shows. I considered buying one of these at the Moparty show a few months ago but what he had on site was really rough! Stitching looked like hell and the overall quality just wasn't what I wanted. If I bought from anyone out of Texas, I'd only do it face to face so I can examine the dash before handing over my money.

[Gatorslayer]

There is some type of relationship between AL Knoch and ABCmoparts. I ordered a dash pad for my '71 Cuda in 2019 from ABCmoparts and the return shipping label was from AL Knoch Interiors (see attached pic).

I dealt with a guy named Bob, communication was great and the dash pad I received was top notch. He worked with me so I could send him my own core ahead of time for him to recover. He then sent me pics of a lot of rust he found in the corners so it took longer but he didn't charge me anymore.

I found my old email thread and sent him a message last night so I'll let you know if he responds.

Talk about inflation - when he did mine in Nov. 2019 it was $749 and for $20 he put on the Barracuda name plate (which he said no one reproduces but he had one lying around.)

I think ABCmoparts now charges $1599 without the nameplate.

On that note, does anyone reproduce the Barracuda dash plate? Mine is missing and I need one.

[blown motor]

I replaced mine back in about 2014. Roseville had a sale in to do a bulk order and if I remember right they were $600. I think the going price at the time was around a grand.

[Deezel]

I asked a similar question not so long ago - Opinions on ABS core dashpads

It seems to me that you roll the dice and take your chances. Just Dashes was too expensive for my liking, they quoted me $2400 US plus shipping which put a new dash just over $4000 CAD.

I tried to get ahold of ABC but had no luck.

I eventually ended up ordering from Dash Pad Pros and couldn't be happier. It ended up costing me right around $1750 US after all the shipping and receiving a refund for my steel core, that I sent to them. Their end product was very good and turn-around time was under 4 weeks. I would definitely recommend them. Start to finish, they were outstanding. Some people, on the other hand, have had absolutely horrible experiences with them.

[CudaA39]

I went to ABC because I was told they were superior.  When I got it, it had "Year One" stamped in the vin tag depression.  ABC adjusted the price when I complained because Year One did free shipping.

I'm willing to bet if you're buying just the steel core pad and not a complete assembly they're all made by one, maybe two, manufacturers no matter who you buy from.

[mtull]

Any recommendations on the best option to get a new steel core  dash pad (I have a core). I need an AC dash pad.
I know they are pricey, shipping is expensive both ways) and he core charge is like $400, but I need a quality dash pad (no seconds)

I haven't really started looking at dash pads yet but have some of the same concerns as you.  For me, I think I'll have to see the finished product in person before buying which narrows down the possibilities a lot. 

Are you looking for a pad that looks nice at first glance and lasts or are you more interested in one that has the correct grain, stitching, etc.?  I have no idea if the later is even an option or if one vender produces a pad closer to original than any of the other venders?

Here's a dashpad for sale on eBay by DashPadsTX.  I have no idea if they've been known by other names previously but based on the location, I'm assuming they have a known history.  The pictures aren't the best but how would you rate this example?  I see issues with the straightness of the seam and stitching but perhaps it's just an issue with the image resolution?  Does anyone know if this would be considered an average example or does it set the bar high or low?

[anlauto]

I order 5 dash pads, I paid in full for 5 dash pads, I sent in 5 dash pad cores to Dash Pad Factory, Dash Pad Pros whatever you want to call them.
This was last May 2023.....I was promised them in August....They stopped answering my calls in September....I've left about 30-40 phone messages and never a call back....

If anybody gets a hold of these guys please ask them when I'm going to get my pads...They are bought and paid for .

[blown motor]

I order 5 dash pads, I paid in full for 5 dash pads, I sent in 5 dash pad cores to Dash Pad Factory, Dash Pad Pros whatever you want to call them.
This was last May 2023.....I was promised them in August....They stopped answering my calls in September....I've left about 30-40 phone messages and never a call back....

If anybody gets a hold of these guys please ask them when I'm going to get my pads...They are bought and paid for .

Whoa!!

[Deezel]

I order 5 dash pads, I paid in full for 5 dash pads, I sent in 5 dash pad cores to Dash Pad Factory, Dash Pad Pros whatever you want to call them.
This was last May 2023.....I was promised them in August....They stopped answering my calls in September....I've left about 30-40 phone messages and never a call back....

If anybody gets a hold of these guys please ask them when I'm going to get my pads...They are bought and paid for .

This is what I completely don't understand. Why would they treat one customer so good then treat another so horribly? I almost feel guilty telling anyone that I'd recommend them but they did such a great job with me.

I truly hope you get your dashes Alan. I'd be pissed beyond pissed if this ever happened to me.   

[mtull]

I order 5 dash pads, I paid in full for 5 dash pads

That hurts!  I am sorry.  What recourse (if any) do you have?

[70 Challenger Lover]

Alan, that seriously sucks! I'd be pretty upset. That is why I'm so hesitant to do business with guys that have intermittent communication issues (Power Brake Booster Exchange aka Dewey aka Steve...similar thing to me but it eventually worked out).

[Cuda Cody]

Dave at Roseville would be my first place to look.  With something like these dash pads it's a huge risk dealing with someone that does not have the power and ability to make the deal go through.  For some reason dash pads have been a very sketchy area in the resto world.  Lots of people not doing what they say they will do. 

[mtull]

Dave at Roseville would be my first place to look

I did a quick search on rosevillemoparts.com but didn't see any E Body dash pads.  Is this a special request or possibly done only if there's enough interest from a group of potential customers?

Thank you for the suggestion.

[Cuda Cody]

Yes, call Dave at 586-859-2575 and ask him. 

Dave at Roseville would be my first place to look

I did a quick search on rosevillemoparts.com but didn't see any E Body dash pads.  Is this a special request or possibly done only if there's enough interest from a group of potential customers?

Thank you for the suggestion.