| Dash/Defroster panel [message #105866] |
Sun, 14 November 2010 01:02  |
PETEinLongBeach
Messages: 90
Registered: June 2007
Location: Long Beach, CA
Karma: 0
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I had to remove the instrument binnacle cover to finish removing some retrofitted wiring from some old accessory installations. This was the first time I took a close look at the dash panels up next to the windshield, as the previous owner had installed a nice dashboard cover. I was surprised to find some significant cracks in the panel which houses the driver's side defroster duct and supports the entire dash binnacle. A closer look after the dash cover panel was removed revealed most of the support struts which stabilize the instrument panel area were cracked or broken, and various other areas of the support panel warped or cracked. I'm guessing this isn't too unusual in many of the coaches, but I was a bit surprised to find so much degradation of this panel on my coach since it has seen very little sun or mileage (the original windshields, interior, dash pad, paint, and decals are very close to new condition).
Are there any sources of replacements for this dash support panel? I did a lot of searching tonight, but about the only relevant resource I could find was Frank Jenkins, and it appears he only reproduces certain dash panels, not the support panel I would want.
If a replacement is not available, what other methods have been used to stabilize / repair this plastic support panel?
Thanks for any advice,
Pete.
Pete Smay
Long Beach, CA
1977 Kingsley
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| Re: [GMCnet] Dash/Defroster panel [message #105870 is a reply to message #105866] |
Sun, 14 November 2010 06:47  |
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Check out Emery Stora's photos of the braces he put on.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4883
Others have done similar things.
All but one on my coach was broken in two. I was able to splint them and
glue them back together.
That plastic wasn't made to last. Heat and age seem to treat them all the
same. That greenhouse windshield is a heat magnet.
--
Byron Songer
1978 Royale
Louisville, KY
Pete wrote:
>
>
> I had to remove the instrument binnacle cover to finish removing some
> retrofitted wiring from some old accessory installations. This was the first
> time I took a close look at the dash panels up next to the windshield, as the
> previous owner had installed a nice dashboard cover. I was surprised to find
> some significant cracks in the panel which houses the driver's side defroster
> duct and supports the entire dash binnacle. A closer look after the dash
> cover panel was removed revealed most of the support struts which stabilize
> the instrument panel area were cracked or broken, and various other areas of
> the support panel warped or cracked. I'm guessing this isn't too unusual in
> many of the coaches, but I was a bit surprised to find so much degradation of
> this panel on my coach since it has seen very little sun or mileage (the
> original windshields, interior, dash pad, paint, and decals are very close to
> new condition).
>
> Are there any sources of replacements for this dash support panel? I did a
> lot of searching tonight, but about the only relevant resource I could find
> was Frank Jenkins, and it appears he only reproduces certain dash panels, not
> the support panel I would want.
>
> If a replacement is not available, what other methods have been used to
> stabilize / repair this plastic support panel?
>
> Thanks for any advice,
> Pete.
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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