Corvette Restoration Tip: Aluminum Dash Insert
Early Corvette Interiors featured a rich tapestry of different materials, textures, and surface finishes. One of the more outstanding features is the aluminum dash insert found in 1958-1962 Corvettes. Replacing the dash insert is not complicated but does require attention to detail and patience.
Aluminum Dash Insert
Begin by removing the screws holding the chrome escutcheons at each end of the passenger side grab bar. Slide the escutcheons toward the center of the bar to expose the screws hidden beneath them. Remove these screws and lift the bar out. Unscrew the nuts that retain the insert assembly to the dash by reaching behind the insert. Once the nuts are removed separate the insert assembly from the dash. Once the insert assembly is out you will see how it is put together. The delicate aluminum insert sits on a heavy steel backing and is held by thin stainless steel trim that clips over the edges of the aluminum and steel around the perimeter. The stainless trim is tack welded to the steel backing and you must cut the welds, a task best accomplished with a small grinder or rotary cutting tool. Take care not to cut beyond the weld or you risk damaging a part of the stainless trim that is visible. After the welds are ground pull the stainless off and separate the aluminum from the backing. Glass bead and paint the normally rusty backing and polish the stainless trim. Lay the new insert onto the backing and carefully clip the stainless back into position. Avoid touching the insert as it scratches easily and even the oil from your fingers can blemish it. Gently clamp the assembly so that both pieces of stainless fully seat. Apply a thin layer of two-part epoxy to the area where the stainless meets the steel backing on the reverse side. After the epoxy dries remove the clamps and reinstall your newly restored assembly.
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