7/22/14 I wondering if there is any difference in the new cowl panel measurements compared to the original panel? I replaced mine do to rust at the bottom of the A pillars. Im trying to eliminate any and all possible reasons why my dash pad doesn't sit back far enough to align with gauge holes. Could somebody measure the driver side cowl panel that is originally installed by GM and then I will measure my re-pop panel. Thank you in advance.
7/23/14 update I am 100% confident I figured out why my dash holes by the gauge isn't lining up with the tabs. The attached photo has a blue circle highlighting where the problem is. Inside this circle the dash edge is beveled and the angle of the bevel prevents it from sitting flush or close enough for the tabs and holes to align.
That looks just like mine, I don't care for the fit. I think I remember reading a thread long ago in which they said the NOS pad they used for the mold had that same bevel and that is how they are suppose to look..... Not sure I'm buying that. Btw my car has original dash sheet metal.
That edge shouldn't have two different angles of being beveled. Outside the circle you can see the difference.
I agree, mine is exactly the same. I'll look for a link where Npd talks about that, I think it was in a thread titled "OER dash pad hell"
From Post #72 of "OER dash pad hell....." by Rick@NPD "My NOS pad spent its life inside it's original box in an air conditioned building. It appears that the way GM was molding them, they had a slight angle on the passenger side, that ran consistant up until you approached the instrument housing, at which point the angle opened up quite a bit more."
I'll just figure out a way to make mine fit and look better on final assy. I already fabbed a brace that goes from the column support to the lower pad, it helps a lot to get rid of flex. If you can get some good fasteners on the driver side it will snug up pretty good.