I have a repro pad from Larry's that I installed and it fit just fine with the exception of some force fitting on the outside corners where the pad wraps around the edge (by the door jambs).
When I was about to install my 57 dash pad I asked about gluing - got about 20 responses ... an even 50% said to glue and 50% not to use any glue. I chose the NO GLUE route since it was less for me to screw up and the installation came out perfectly. It has been on the dash and in the car for about 9 months now and has not moved at all.
Some tips - make sure the pad is heated in a warm garage or in the sun for a couple of days before you start. You DO NOT have to lossen the dash insert with the guages but remove the chrome trim around the "eyebrow" of the opening. I presume you already have the speaker grill, map lite, glovebox lock and the turned aluminum trim on the face of the dash by the radio and heater controller and the two small curved pieces on the outer edge.
Slide pad on dash - you must first adjust so the speaker grill opening, map light and the glove box lock are perfectly lined up before you cut anything. (I actuall stuck small fininshing nails in the 4 screw holes of the speaker grill once set to help hold in place) Once alligned make sure pad stretches over curved ends by winshield posts and pull gently to front to attach the retaining strips along the front edge. Take care not to pull to hard because the corners could tear. (Good job for two guys). Now secure the ends by the posts with the chrome trim pieces. Chech it again and again - the pad will walk during the fitting process - I guess that is where the glue would help maybe but not insurmountable by any means. Make sure all this time you have not realligned the speaker grill, map lite and lock. When all is set install the speaker grill, map light and lock. Now trim the eyebrow of the guage opening so it will form without folds around the under side - then re-install the chrome piece. Trim any excess with a SHARP exacto knife - not difficult ot do at all. Reinstall the turned aluminum face trim with the lower edge tabs of the pad behind them.
There you have it - NO GLUE - and it has no place to go. PS: the Trim and Sealer manual does call for glue I think. I'll check back in in a year and let you know how this method worked out.
Tom
57 Dusk Rose/Colonial White
|