Just Dashes - Avanti Dash Pad

[StudeMichael]

In case any of you were wondering the cost of a Just Dashes dash pad. I got this today:

For a 1963 Studebaker Avanti, we do a complete restoration. You will need to send the dash into us and we will do a complete reconstruction off your original dash frame. We work off your original part to ensure that when you go to put it back in car you know it's going to fit. Our current turnaround time is 6-8 weeks from the time we receive your part.
Send to: Just Dashes
5941 Lemona Ave.
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Cost: $1,800+ Shipping

This price includes that restoration of the dash pad in black. For any other color, you can add $100-$150 depending on the color.

[R2GTHAWK]

They do a great job. I had mine done in black and I had the radio and speaker openings eliminated.
You would never know that they were ever there. There are a couple of pictures under the Avanti X thread.
I don't know how to move them to this post. I believe it costs an extra $200 to have the glove box door covered.
The cost is worth it if you want a flawless dash.
Terry Stinehelfer
Bucyrus, OH

[Chris_Dresbach]

At SI we have reproduction Avanti dash pads, and glove box doors... I believe we also have some NOS fiberglass dash backers. (Call to inquire) They look really nice. I haven't compared the numbers, but I would assume the new crash pads are under $1,800.

[bezhawk]

At SI we have reproduction Avanti dash pads, and glove box doors... I believe we also have some NOS fiberglass dash backers. (Call to inquire) They look really nice. I haven't compared the numbers, but I would assume the new crash pads are under $1,800.

Put one on Chris.....then we'll talk

[nwi-region-rat]

Terry, here is the one you sent me....I was wondering about the radio delete.....another nice touch

[StudeMichael]

At SI we have reproduction Avanti dash pads, and glove box doors... I believe we also have some NOS fiberglass dash backers. (Call to inquire) They look really nice. I haven't compared the numbers, but I would assume the new crash pads are under $1,800.

Yes, I am waiting on one to come in Chris. Beware of NOS ones. They are impossible to fit. I tried one off of EBAY and all I got from it was an expensive lesson.

[Chris_Dresbach]

Put one on Chris.....then we'll talk

Part of why I don't have an Avanti. I've done my share of working with fiberglass restoring John Deere 110s. It is by far NOT my favorite material to work with. I like the plain, bare bones metal dash on my '40.

[Warren Webb]

Boy, the prce that Just Dashes charges has sure gone up. I priced it when I first painted my #1 Avanti back in the 90's & believe I was quoted around $600 including the glove box door. I'm sure its so much better as far as materials go compared to what was used in the 60's. Looks like I'm gonna have to save up a little more than I figured. I just recently bought a dash just to send into them to redo.

[avantilover]

Quality isn't cheap and cheap isn't quality. Gee, I vaguely recall the '90s Warren, that was 14 years ago (EEK).

[58PackardWagon]

I had one done 5 years ago....maybe 6 and it was 900.00 and I paid for the shipping to get it there.
They did an absolutely outstanding job. Mine took three months.

[lschuc]

Yes, I am waiting on one to come in Chris. Beware of NOS ones. They are impossible to fit. I tried one off of EBAY and all I got from it was an expensive lesson.

I probably depends how an NOS dash pad was stored through the years. I recently installed an NOS Avanti dash pad for a '63 R2 and it fit perfectly. It was made by Avanti Motors in 1977; I bought it in the '90s and stored it until a few weeks ago when I installed the dash pad. I had to do some trimming on the portion behind the instrument panel and used a heat gun to shape some of the vinyl around the instruments, but other than that, it looks new.

[bezhawk]

I probably depends how an NOS dash pad was stored through the years. I recently installed an NOS Avanti dash pad for a '63 R2 and it fit perfectly. It was made by Avanti Motors in 1977; I bought it in the '90s and stored it until a few weeks ago when I installed the dash pad. I had to do some trimming on the portion behind the instrument panel and used a heat gun to shape some of the vinyl around the instruments, but other than that, it looks new.

But the glove box door was re-used. That has been a problem with most I have worked with....the glove compartment door(opening) is usually way off. The new re-pop ones do not fit the instruments area. The back plane of the fiberglass is like an inch away from the new back side of the new pad. The new ones do not have any flexibility to reshape to fit.
The "padding" is hard urethane foam, like expando foam one would use to caulk. Very hard to shape to fit over the fiberglass underneath. I managed to grind away a bit and use heat on the instrument area, but still had to have piping made to hide the gaps where the aluminum instrument overlay went. Since the new dash is hard, and overlays a set form, if it fits in one area, it has to fit every area......it doesn't. I in no way was able to use the new glove box door....it was so over sized it wouldn't close. The used original did. I dyed everything so it was not a problem, but if yours is trashed, you'll be pulling your hair out.
I (of course) followed up with the manufacturer, and was told.."thats what you get......we took three years and perfected it...it must be you" "Send it back if you don't like it" Jim McCuan, and Mathew Burnett both witnessed this in person and were standing there.
I couldn't of course because I had to modify it.
Lew's NOS went on much easier.
I put the older re-pops that SI used to sell, and they fit ok too (except for the glove box opening again)
I have talked to many restoration shops, and they all say the same problem exists .
I'm grateful for the effort, and yes it's to be lauded someone is trying to keep us in parts, but they have to fit to be useable.

[JBOYLE]

Like Lew, I found a NOS unit and it went on with a few complaints, but it did go on and looks great. I don't know how old it was, but it wasn't that old...certainly post-80s.

Here's a tip, instead of having Just Dashes do the glovebox, just buy a new (used) one. The vertical lines do match up and it was fairly inexpensive. I got mine from Nostalgic and it came in a Newman and Altman box from the Avanti II era. I had it dyed fawn to match the main pad..that cost about $30 from a local guy who does used car repair work for dealers.

BTW: Anyone with a good plan on keeping it supple...to avoid cracks and any shrinkage?

[studeski]

I installed the SI pad last year. No complaints. It's around $500.

[WCP]

I have some Avanti glove box doors. One is new in fawn paint dating back to at least the '80s. The others are used - 1 good and the other needing repair, I think. I haven't priced them. Make me an offer. Bill