SC center vent fit and finish

Bigx80s · 09-28-2009, 10:18 AM

I recently replaced the center vent on my 83' SC. The dash is leather and suffers from common warping around the defrost vents etc.

Where the top of the center vent meets the dash pad, there is an elliptical shaped gap that had been caulked with what appears to be RTV Black or something similar. I can see where the leather is stapled to the dash pad etc.

I've seen pictures of 'some' other cars that appear to be the same.

Is this the factory look?

What material would have been used to fill the gap?

Do you think the dash is just badly warped in this area and a PO performed this fix as a compromise?

80-911SC · 80-911SC's Garage

could you post a picture ??

Bigx80s · 09-28-2009, 05:37 PM

Sure

I should have done it earlier but I was at work.

thanks for the interest.......................

sc_rufctr · 09-28-2009, 05:46 PM

This is not a factory look... This sort of damage is caused by exposure to the sun.

You could try using a heat gun to soften and re shape this area.
Ideally with the dash out of the car and on a workbench.
You have to remove the wind shield to get it out so it's not a small job.

It's also too easy to mar the dash and vent while using a heat gun...
If you don't feel confident you could get a professional dash repair shop to look at it.

chocolatelab · chocolatelab's Garage

i agree with Peter

Thats gonna be a job

I wonder if buying one from the classifieds would be cheaper than getting that fixed

interested to find out

80-911SC · 80-911SC's Garage

ouch , the only way to fix that would be to remove the dash and roll the leather off and try to reposition it . I.E factory recover at home ... not recommending it , i think this is the first spot the factory attaches then up and around ... id find a new/old one or a cap ... but it may be worth raking to an upholstery shop and see what they may be able to do ... Steve

Bigx80s · 09-28-2009, 06:10 PM

Alright........

thanks for the feedback.

I'll have to see what 'pre-owned' options are available

80-911SC · 80-911SC's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigx80s

Alright........

thanks for the feedback.

I'll have to see what 'pre-owned' options are available

BE CAREFUL and try to get a look at it before they remove it and ask that they leave the center vent in place if you purchase it .........

by the way were are the pics of the rest of the car and the intro ,

Bigx80s · 09-28-2009, 06:29 PM

I'll post an intro shortly.........not very friendly of me