Early A dashpads are here!

-

737jetdr

FABO Gold Member
FABO Gold Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2007
Messages
841
Reaction score
257
Location
Martinsville, In.
I went to the Mopar Nats yesterday and happened upon a small vendor that just finished his mold and is repopping early A dash pads. I purchased the first one. It looks identical to the original front and back but weighs about half the weight of the original. I posted last Feb about getting a price from just dashes for $700 to refurbish my original. This was $375. Still a little pricey but its not cheap making your own mold to duplicate this. Appears to be good quality and he promises to stand by his work. My car is at the paint shop so I can't test the fit but I don't anticipate any issues. The only concern I see is that the frame is some type of abs plastic so you wont want to crank down the nuts too hard as the studs might break free. Shouldn't have to do that anyway. I have the guys info but I'm not sure on the rules for posting that. I have no affiliation with this person and will not receive any compensation from him for posting this. Just merely passing the info along.

early A dashpad front.jpg


early A dashpad back.jpeg
 
So the basic underlying frame is ABS plastic with a vinyl cover like original?
 
It is plastic. Not sure what type. He told me that they didn't think they could get enough cores . That's why they made it from plastic. The plastic even has the same lines and markings as the steel cores. Outside has a grain type of vinyl covering with padding like the original. Looks way better than the one I had and upholstery shop recover for me.
 
What if my dash didn't come with one? Is this something I could add?
 
Only difference is you will have to drill 5 holes on the front edge of your dash for the studs to fit through. The original also had a rubber type of material that folded around the edges on both sides at each end. 1 of my cars has them, the other does not. I don't think anyone is remaking those.
 
Yes, its just a few (drilled) holes that this bolts into and covers the bullnose steel dash edge.
 
the dash pad factory out of El Paso TX also uses abs cores or steel for extra $$ shoot me a company name/address the First pad was footballed by UPS ( these delivery companies need to be investigated for the prices their charging just beat your stuff up) and its replacement sucks bad QC and am currently wanting a refund and I am looking for alternatives

22.jpg


33.jpg


d1.jpg
 
Last edited:
If its from the dashpadfactory......I wish you luck. I got tired legs from that runaround.
 
Can one of yall post some pictures of an early A with a dash pad? I'd like to see how they look and fit. Thank you drive through.
 
It is from the dashpadfactory in El Paso. I never heard of them before this weekend. There really aren't any other affordable alternatives for the early A's so I hope it holds up.
 
65 had a section in the middle that was inset...i found some old remodel pics of the factory (?) dashpad on my 65. this car was very original when i bought it. Rob. for what they cost, i'd pass. Everything else in the car is hard painted metal. OP's repo looks correct except the very exaggerated grain.
20210816_072257.jpg
20210816_072235.jpg
20210816_072151.jpg
 
Last edited:
Im glad you are having good results for your project. I ordered a pad from 'thedashpadfactory' on Jan 29th 2021. After I hadnt received it and poor communication (not responding to emails and only getting on the phone after I disputed charge with my credit card company) they mysteriously initiated a UPS tracking ticket the same day I disputed the charge (for the second time). Then after sending the box (so they claim) they re routed the package back to them. I told them if I receive the product I would pay, but with the situation that was presented to me I am glad to not do business with them. With saying all that, I am glad the early A's have a source for parts. Buyer beware. Maybe they are good for some, just not for me. Thanks a bunch 'Alan Fox' or 'Allanah Foxx' or whomever you are. BTW this transpired just last week so I waited 7 months. supply chain or not, you take my money, you better let me know whats going on.

$o.02
 
This is a great option. While not a perfect match, most would never notice it anyway and this looks really sharp! I have some decent ones thank goodness but great to know! Thanks for sharing this with us
 
And I believe Dodge and Plymouth early A Body dash pads were different in the detaill.
 
Im glad you are having good results for your project. I ordered a pad from 'thedashpadfactory' on Jan 29th 2021. After I hadnt received it and poor communication (not responding to emails and only getting on the phone after I disputed charge with my credit card company) they mysteriously initiated a UPS tracking ticket the same day I disputed the charge (for the second time). Then after sending the box (so they claim) they re routed the package back to them. I told them if I receive the product I would pay, but with the situation that was presented to me I am glad to not do business with them. With saying all that, I am glad the early A's have a source for parts. Buyer beware. Maybe they are good for some, just not for me. Thanks a bunch 'Alan Fox' or 'Allanah Foxx' or whomever you are. BTW this transpired just last week so I waited 7 months. supply chain or not, you take my money, you better let me know whats going on.

$o.02
Same story here
 
Old thread but a quick update. I'm finally putting my dash back together . Wanted to add some pics of the dash pad installed. Fits pretty well. I had to file the holes in the dash a little as the studs were off just a little. Pretty happy with it. I hope it holds up.

20220628_090930.jpg


20220628_090943.jpg


20220628_090958.jpg


20220628_091012.jpg
 
Stay away from Fox, bad news. ABCMoparts is making dash pads for the early A’s. They are fiberglass. If you want a steel frame you need to provide a core.
 
-
Back
Top