I am putting my dash pad on and noticed that the screws that secure the dash ( plastic ) to the pad only have slots for the screws but no previsions for nut clips. My question is since this is a repop pad were do the 4 screws at the top of the dash get attached to since the pad only has 4 ovals, with no kind of backing to secure nut-plates. I don't see anyway to drill the metal dash that the pad covers to attache the screws............HELP....Thanks..............Mark

The original dash pad was secured with nuts. The studs on the bottom of the dash pad drop into the holes that already exist on the upper dash. They're in the indentations.

Thanks Vikki, I have that already, I knew I wasn't able to explain it right, let me try again. I need the locations of the holes for the nut-plates that hold the 4 screws that go through the top edge that are on the plastic dash that hold my instruments. If I put the screws through the holes in the plastic piece (that hold my instruments), they just go through the rectangular holed in the dash pad ( soft with no backing ) with no means of being able to tighten the screws. Does that make sence...probably not................Mark

Ah, you need the plastic inserts. The screws grab them. They work like wallboard anchors.

I did not notice the back of my old dash pad, too late now I sold it, but before all I had to do was screw a 1 1/2 screw through both, there must of been a nut plate attached to the back of the old pad. The other problem with the new one is the part of the pad that has the rectangled holes is soft and can flap around, I wonder if the old one had metal backing in it.......................................Mark

Not a nut plate that you're looking for. There are oblong nylon plugs with a slot that allow you to screw the instrument cluster to the dash. They grab and hold the screw. They pop right into the steel of the dash, and when you take the screws out they usually crumble apart.

Yes, original dash pads had metal backing. The urethane dash pads sold by NPD (for '68) have a steel insert; the "premium vinyl wrapped dash pads" have a fiberglass core.

They are the same oval plastic inserts that are used on the bottom of the dash/instrument cluster.

Thanks guys/gals
So if I understand the screws go through the instrument cluster, through the oblong holes in the dash pad and into the inserts in the metal dash backing?????????.........Mark

Sounds like you bought one of the OEM pads. Also sounds like you got rid of your old one too soon. The only way I can think of that you may be able to make it work is to make a metal backer for the srews to attach to and place it behind the new pad. Sort of sandwich the new pad in between the instrument carrier and the metal. It may still never be very secure and might still flop around but it's worth a try unless you can return it and buy one of the premium one like Vikki was talking about. You may also run into a little trouble tightening the top down because they tend to distort badly. Just tighten it enough to hold it in place. Maybe use some locktight so the nuts don't fall off.
Good luck.

Robert

Mark, that's exactly it. The dash pad is in the middle of the stack.

They ship the dash pads with nylon insert locking bolts now.

I am not at all pleased with the quality of the "premium" pad. Color and grain are indeed just as original, but the backing and foam and evenness of wrap leave much to be desired.

The urethane pad almost looks better, except that it looks like a new car part painted to match an old car.

Robert Is there a dash pad that is better the OER from Classic, it was around 270. for that much I would rather get one that would work better. Vikki I looked under the pad and saw no metal that a fastener could be attached to, looks like I will have to do as Robert said and sandwich the pad with a floating piece of metal, don't know how secure that would be but I guess that's all I got........................Mark

Here are some pics that might help.

Well Mark I'll give you the short version of my dash headache.
Bought the OER pad from Ames Feb04.
Box was delivered by UPS empty.
Filled out theft report with UPS investigator.
Ames sent another pad.
Got the new pad. Not ready to install yet. Put it up in the rafters until paint was done and interior was in.
Pulled it down Mar05. Took it out of box for the first time. Thought I was gonna hurl!!! Absolutely one of THE worst replacement parts I've ever seen. No way I would even consider putting that abortion in my pride and joy.
Returned it to Ames for a 30% hit. Plus this was the second time I had to pay oversized shipping. Yay.
Sent my original(thank god I kept it) to Just Dashes in LA.
$425 + shipping both ways and I have a perfect dash pad. Only cost me about $700. Yay.

I learn the hard way.
Good luck.

Robert

Mark,

When I put my dash pad back in I didn't have the plastic inserts that fit up into the slots where the instrument panel screws in. I found a package of various sized nylon inserts at either AutoZone or Advance Auto that contained a couple of correct size, so I had to buy a couple of packages. They snap right into the metal slots and hold the phillips head screws perfectly.

Ames sells the plastic inserts. Same as for a GTO dash.

The inserts can also be purchased through auto body supply shops. I've got a part # somewhere. Also, Terry sells them I believe.