Dash Pad Covers - Anyone use one?

[John_Heard]

I need to replace the dash pad in my Nova and have been looking around at these Dash Pad Covers people sell. Any of you guys use one? Would it be something you could install without the original dash pad under it to save some weight? The OEM ones have steel underneath, I'm looking to see if I can save a couple lbs, and a few bucks with one of these things. Pictures would be great if anybody has some?

[dms2871]

Hey speaking of that i know what your talking about but i dont think its that much weight really. but it might make a diffrence, i took mine out this past week i need one too, i did recover an old 1979 chevy pickup once in red vinal was green, used contact cement, it looked ok not too shabby. sorry no pic of it, it was long ago. but id like to have a better made one. i thought that they sell a blow mold ones somewhere i saw you paint it like the car.

[68 chevelle]

The one I installed in my chevelle did need the old pad on it. I don't think it would work without it.

[mytmouz]

The one I installed in my chevelle did need the old pad on it. I don't think it would work without it.

Got one in my LUV, and it needs the factory pad under it for support...

[John_Heard]

Hmm, not sounding good. I was hoping to get rid of that metal.

[HPDRIFTER]

Doesn't anyone supply a fiberglass or carbon fiber dash for that Nova?

[supernova]

Mine is a plastic cap thats goes over the beat up stock pad and looks good...

[John_Heard]

Chris is there any way to use that cap without the heavy steel padded part underneath? Was looking to get rid of a few lbs there. What did you use for your dash panel?

They do make a fiberglass dash for Nova's, but the ones I've seen I just didn't like how they looked.

[supernova]

My dash is all metal and the stock pad is under the cap. I don't think that you can use the plastic cap without the stock one.... Also sometimes you just have to use the stock stuff so it looks right. I know your trying to save weight but I think you have to stop somewhere and the dash is a spot that people will look at.....

Just my 2 cents

[John_Heard]

I agree - I wonder if the replacement pads, the padded ones that replace the OEM ones totally - if they are steel or plastic underneath?

[supernova]

Steel..
I did the plastic cause it cost less than $100.00 and the oen replacement was $200.00+...... I saved some $$$$$$$

[John_Heard]

Drat - doesn't appear to be a way to get rid of that chunk of weight easily.

[supernova]

I wanted it to look right.

[sc racing]

I agree - I wonder if the replacement pads, the padded ones that replace the OEM ones totally - if they are steel or plastic underneath?

The full replacements Ive used are urethane there is no metal, at least on 68-69 Chevelles,71 Chevelle,67-72 Chevy trucks,74 E body Mopars and early Camaro's anyway. I never weighed them but they dont seem to be really "lightweight" but maybe less than an original.

[John_Heard]

That sounds promising, what brand?