73-80 LMC Dash Pad

[Randy and Easton]

@CalSgt , all this wasted time on Truck shop. Looks like we are going with LMC. Just concerned the dash insert will not fit correctly. The TWO dashes from truck shop (dashes direct) the holes do not line up and it is all bowed out. Can’t get vent on pins and the clutch back nuts attached. They were no help, they are picking everything up tomorrow and refunding us all our money. Waste of a month!

 

[ChuckN]

@CalSgt , all this wasted time on Truck shop. Looks like we are going with LMC. Just concerned the dash insert will not fit correctly. The TWO dashes from truck shop (dashes direct) the holes do not line up and it is all bowed out. Can’t get vent on pins and the clutch back nuts attached. They were no help, they are picking everything up tomorrow and refunding us all our money. Waste of a month!

Wow, that’s too bad. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us. Sounds like they’ve had some kind of a downturn.

 

[Randy and Easton]

@CalSgt , Got LMC pad today (dashesdirect). Bezel fit‘s better but the A/C vent once installed on the back, there is not enough of the pin left for the speed nut to grab the post. I also noticed my vents seem to be sitting deeper than yours. I know different Years and maybe different vents. What are we doing wrong?

 

[CalSgt]

@CalSgt , Got LMC pad today (dashesdirect). Bezel fit‘s better but the A/C vent once installed on the back, there is not enough of the pin left for the speed nut to grab the post. I also noticed my vents seem to be sitting deeper than yours. I know different Years and maybe different vents. What are we doing wrong?

My bezel is the vintage air one for non A/C so totally different there.

If everything else is acceptable and it fits in the truck nice, I wouldn't hesitate trimming the foam down a little so the vents can get close enough for the nuts to grab. Looks like it was molded pretty thick through that area.

Mine only needed a little foam cleared away from the mounting clip holes at the top of the dash

ETA: Man, your factory type dash trim is nice looking. I kind of wish I would have thought about going that way with mine. The trim looks like it is fitting the shape of this new dash much better.

 

[Randy and Easton]

Waiting for your reply I talked to Damian at dashes direct. A true customer service pro. He said exactly what you said. Trim it down and went as far as saying if I jack dash up, he will make it right!
Said it was too thick in that area after I gave the measurements. Anyway, we have a plan so I’m glad we went LMC, pad is vinyl and not urethane and Damien said the LMC dash is the best.

Thanks for the reply! Onward we go..

 

[Randy and Easton]

Started working the area slowly, we are getting close.

 

[Corvette Ed]

Dont overlook that 73 to 80
Are not all the same.
79 and 80 have a window cut out for the vin number
That is on the lower left under the windsheild.
If you put a 73 to 78 dash on a 79 or 80 it will cover the vin number.

Hard to prove ownership with no vin showing

Other than that is the fit okay?

 

[Randy and Easton]

Yes. Test fit in truck before we started working on it. Will need zero trimming

 

[CalSgt]

Waiting for your reply I talked to Damian at dashes direct. A true customer service pro. He said exactly what you said. Trim it down and went as far as saying if I jack dash up, he will make it right!
Said it was too thick in that area after I gave the measurements. Anyway, we have a plan so I’m glad we went LMC, pad is vinyl and not urethane and Damien said the LMC dash is the best.

Thanks for the reply! Onward we go..

Let me get on my dash trimming outfit… and I’ll be right over to assist. Lol, I’m probably a little to quick to start cutting on stuff whenever it doesn’t fit the way I want.

You must be registered for see images attach

Good luck Sir!

 

[Randy and Easton]

 

[Randy and Easton]

Finally all in. Have to say, the LMC pad was superior to the truck shop one. Guess the difference in vinyl versus urethane. Easton is very happy with the outcome..

Randy and E

 

[FireTruck1984]

Finally all in. Have to say, the LMC pad was superior to the truck shop one. Guess the difference in vinyl versus urethane. Easton is very happy with the outcome..

Randy and E

Really looks great!

 

[Randy and Easton]

He’s one proud 16 year old.. “dad, I love my truck”

#wortheverystruggle

 

[dhartman]

This might have been asked already and forgive me if it has. I have and 80 non-ac I cannot seem to find a insert for any 76-80 dash pads with out the dash vents.

My 1st question is "will a 81-89 insert fit in the 80 dash pad?

We are in need a new Dash pad anyways.

Next 2nd question " if not, will a 81-89 dash pad fit correctly in the 80 so we can use the non-ac insert.

 

[Rick76]

I installed the LMC dash (38-8122-SD) last week in my 76 as part of an interior restoration. Good experience. Good fit. The notorious left side stuck up/out a little, but there was clearly enough room for it. More of a shaping issue. Running a screw from the inside sucked it right in as I held it tight where I wanted it. (Before and after pics of this adjustment are attached) I didn’t look to see if the sheet metal backer comes down that far on the new one, but if it’s like the OEM, that probably explains why the screw held as good as it did. Might not even be necessary long term once it gets held in that position through some heating cycles. I would buy another of these dashes with no fear. I think this is as good as it can get. Ignore the cracked bezel. That was preexisting damage I repaired with epoxy rather than buy a new one.