Straighten Original Dash Pad ?

[Hank70SS]

The top layer of vinyl dries out and shrinks. I have my original pad and it's like that, it had the clips and screws in it. Don't know what you can do with them. Maybe something that will soften the vinyl but I don't know what.

[71-SS350]

Probably should have tried a better explanation but really a noob to the Chevelle world. The vinyl covering on the pad is in great shape and when I got the Chevelle it DID NOT have the metal clips that hold it to the dash near the windshield. I managed to find a nice complet set on Ebay for a decent price but the actual problem is the dash pad is curled, bent or warped whichever is the best description along the edge just above the instrument panel. The front lower left corner of the pad does not meet the instrument carrier at the curved portion of the carrier. Hope that gives a better idea. The front edge never had the retaining screws mounted when I got the Chevelle. That I'm sure added to the problem. Seems the mounting holes are in rather sad shape also.

[Hank70SS]

Originally Posted by 71-SS350

Probably should have tried a better explanation but really a noob to the Chevelle world. The vinyl covering on the pad is in great shape and when I got the Chevelle it DID NOT have the metal clips that hold it to the dash near the windshield. I managed to find a nice complet set on Ebay for a decent price but the actual problem is the dash pad is curled, bent or warped whichever is the best description along the edge just above the instrument panel. The front lower left corner of the pad does not meet the instrument carrier at the curved portion of the carrier. Hope that gives a better idea. The front edge never had the retaining screws mounted when I got the Chevelle. That I'm sure added to the problem. Seems the mounting holes are in rather sad shape also.

I'm pretty sure I know what you're talking about as far as the curve. Mine was like you described. I still say it's the vinyl shrinking and pulling tight on the sub-structure that causes it to curve up. The area above the gauges is not as rigid as the area by the glove box so it curves up easier as the vinyl pulls on it.