New dash available through NPD

[tinpusher]

PAD, Dash / Instrument Panel, Urethane, *NPD Exclusive*, BEST-GRADE, made with new tooling and features correct grain, sheen and construction, plus the weight and sturdiness of the original pad, reproduction

Since these pads are so difficult and sensitive to produce, there are slight quality variations within the production runs. Some pads arrive from the manufacture with very tiny/subtle bubbles around the perimeter of the instrument cluster, and some arrive with the character line/ridge around the perimeter of the instrument cluster not as crisp in certain areas. We hand-inspect every pad, and sort into three categories/grades, BEST-GRADE, MID-GRADE, and LOWER-GRADE. See part number C-14655-214AB for MID-GRADE, and part number C-14655-214AC for LOWER-GRADE, priced accordingly.

Please rest assured that the MID and LOWER GRADE pads are beautifully built, fit perfectly, and the extent of the flaws is quite minor. This is a perfect opportunity for those with driver-quality cars to save significant money on a brand-new pad.

A long overdue part is finally available for 1970-81 Firebird or Trans Am owners: this brand new NPD exclusive dash pad. Starting with original GM dash pads, new tooling was created to mold original-style urethane with correct grain, sheen and construction, plus the weight and sturdiness of the original dash pad. Over FOUR YEARS was invested into the development of these dash pads, in the effort to achieve proper fit and original appearance. This pad surpasses any other modern reproduction on the market, and certainly surpasses your cracked/used/warped original.

Restoration Note:

Can be dyed to match other interior colors (we recommend our NPD line of flexible SEM restoration paints and preps).

Note:

This pad is a correct reproduction for 1970-1976 and 1977 first design models, but will fit 1978-1981 models as well. 1978-1981 models originally used a 2 1/2 inch height measurement on the radio opening (this pad uses a 2 inch radio height correct for 1970-1976 and 1977 first design models).

Pontiac Firebird / Trans Am Years:

1970 (70), 1971 (71), 1972 (72), 1973 (73), 1974 (74), 1975 (75), 1976 (76), 1977 (77)

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

... SOLD OUT!!!!!! 

[roadking77]

Do you suppose the supply was that limited, or did one or two people make a mass buy, only to be found on ebay within a few weeks?

[Wallington]

Same as before, they just dribble a few here and there but no real supply, and many are deemed seconds.

[roadking77]

I havent looked at them or the prices, but I am sure with the engineering and production cost they are not making a lot of money on each unit, therefore they probably cant reduce the cost of the '2nds' and '3rds' by that much. If my dash was crapped out I would just as soon as have one with a slight blemish than nothing at all, but would not expect top tier money for one.

[rkellerjr]

Wish they would have been available when I had mine out I would have picked one up.

[tinpusher]

So.. I called NPD this morning to voice my disappointment that such a reputable company would advertise a much needed and in demand product only to say that it’s not available. I spoke with Ramone and he said that they have 4 left at $1060 each with free shipping.  I’m grabbing one because of need, so if anyone else need one speak with Ramone 1-800-874-7595.

[brentco]

Eager to hear a review of the quality/fit/finish once the new dash arrives.

[tinpusher]

New dash arrived, very nice piece.. I rate it a 9.6 out of 10. The detail around the main gauge area is not as defined as I think it should be. The graining is spot on, matches the stock console very well and the dash is a softer than my original stock one… probably because of age. $1060 shipped. Comes with the slots for the grab handle.

[silver78]

Nice find. That'll save ya a lot of headaches. Considering current state of economy the price isn't that bad either.

[Wallington]

Bad luck if you didn't want the handle, or had ordered and paid for one without being told it would have the holes.

[FormTA]

Who cares at this point. There hasn't been many options to replace or fix your dash. Even if I didn't have the grab bar, I'd just add it and be happy I have a new dash.

The real question is, does it fit?

[Wallington]

I'd say many may care, especially at that price and the fact the holes can be added by anyone should they want them. The guy who doesn't care, also doesn't have an opinion and can't speak for those who do.

[FormTA]

Really?  That being the only real option for a new dash, you wouldn't use it or complain because they produced one that fits the majority of 2nd gens out there? Interesting. I'm just glad someone is making and effort to reproduce a much needed part.

[b_hill_86]

Is it 78-81 radio opening or the earlier style?

[Wallington]

No, you misread what I said and missed the whole point. And yes, I made my own dash instead. There was no reason for them to add the extra holes and split their potential market in half. It matters to many, just because it doesn't matter to you doesn't mean they are all wrong as a result.

70-77.

[FormTA]

I'll agree with the that point. One could add the pull strap.

[Wallington]

That was all I was saying.

[roadking77]

I have to agree with Walli.... on the strap cuttouts. I would rather have to add than be forced to. Kinda like the guy I bought door handle tape from years ago. When I got the stuff it was for the short handles    No good as my car had long handles. Figured how hard would it be to make them all long, a pair of scissors and you can have a custom fit.

[TA301]

The NPD dash has been out of stock for at least 3 months. They also have quality caveats that are yellow highlighted. Reminds me of Classic Industries who first advertised their 1970-1981 dash reproduction back in the year 2001. Yes, 2001. Since then, it has been available a couple of times in spurts of less than 50. Don't waste time. Spend a few hundred dollars and have your original restored by Just Dashes or similar. I went that route and have zero regrets.

[tinpusher]

Update:
NPD mailed me  a letter stating that some of their dashes cannot withstand high temperatures without warping.  They (NPD) recommended that I put the dash in the sun to see if it will warp.. challenge accepted, the temperatures here in Texas have been 100+ for numerous days. Well, the dash warped and I sent a pic to them.
I was informed that I will get a full refund and they were apologetic about the issue. They also said the dash was mine to do whatever with….Hmmmm
A+++ to NPD in handling this issue, I would have never known that my dash would possibly warp for another four more months before I could get around to installing and the temperatures will be much cooler.. just wishing the outcome would have been different.

[Wallington]

Well that sucks, and likely the end of their production too. A bit late to be doing product quality testing.

[Warren Seale]

Keep in mind that the original dashes warped as well (some cracked) pretty quickly.  Mine started warping within a couple of years from new.  T top cars had it worse.  The interior temperature shot up there in the summer.

[TA301]

The NPD dash has been out of stock for at least 3 months. They also have quality caveats that are yellow highlighted. Reminds me of Classic Industries who first advertised their 1970-1981 dash reproduction back in the year 2001. Yes, 2001. Since then, it has been available a couple of times in spurts of less than 50. Don't waste time. Spend a few hundred dollars and have your original restored by Just Dashes or similar. I went that route and have zero regrets.

That is why I posted this regarding reproduction dashes. As for the originals warping, yet to see one that is warped, even beaten down 45 year old cores, t-top or not.

[rkellerjr]

The NPD dash has been out of stock for at least 3 months. They also have quality caveats that are yellow highlighted. Reminds me of Classic Industries who first advertised their 1970-1981 dash reproduction back in the year 2001. Yes, 2001. Since then, it has been available a couple of times in spurts of less than 50. Don't waste time. Spend a few hundred dollars and have your original restored by Just Dashes or similar. I went that route and have zero regrets.

That is why I posted this regarding reproduction dashes. As for the originals warping, yet to see one that is warped, even beaten down 45 year old cores, t-top or not.

Well, mine warped (original) and no matter how much industrial strength glue I used, it warped again. I ended up just buying a dash mat which covers the warp, looks good, and keeps the heat temp down on the dash.

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

The NPD dash has been out of stock for at least 3 months. They also have quality caveats that are yellow highlighted. Reminds me of Classic Industries who first advertised their 1970-1981 dash reproduction back in the year 2001. Yes, 2001. Since then, it has been available a couple of times in spurts of less than 50. Don't waste time. Spend a few hundred dollars and have your original restored by Just Dashes or similar. I went that route and have zero regrets.

That is why I posted this regarding reproduction dashes. As for the originals warping, yet to see one that is warped, even beaten down 45 year old cores, t-top or not.

My '79's is original and is warped, almost always where it meets the metal part of the cowl.

Farming your dash out for a proper resto has always been an option, like JustDashes or something... and it costs around as much.