There is not much difference in early dash pads IMO.

 

I just bought an original Ford tooling dash pad but haven't installed it yet. It appears to be of high quality but the grain is noticeable less than the original when compared side by side. It's much smoother so maybe the tooling stamp is getting worn out.

 

There are only two options out there to my knowledge, and both are produced by the same manufacturer. There's the Original Ford Tooling manufactured by Dashes Direct (also known as Universal Urethane, in Las Vegas). And Dashes Direct also makes a reproduction pad, from tooling that they created themselves.

The Ford Tooling pads are almost double the cost of the reproductions, but close scrutiny reveals a slightly-crisper-contours and overall nicer pad with the Ford Tooling. So you've gotta choose based upon the priorities of your car and your wallet. Once in, most people won't know the difference, but you will.

Scott Drake is just re-selling the Dashes Direct pads. You can find these same Dashes-Direct/Universal-Urethane dash pads at most any Mustang parts supplier (at a lower price hint-hint).

To clear up any confusion, Universal Urethane adopted the Dashes Direct name year ago, ostensibly because it's a better marketing-name for their line of dash pads.

Rick
NPD

 

I have the Ford tooling one in my 66" that Rick mentions above. And, I can attest it really is a very nice piece. In particular I really like the fit of it, in fact a little confession. I lost my hardware for it, I got it about 2 years earlier than I needed because I was using it to mock up my custom dash vents. Anyways... after all that time the hardware sprouted legs and ran off. But, it fits so well that all I needed was the two center nuts anyways. Iv'e run it like that for 5,000 miles and it never squeaks or rattles and you would never know. It's a nice snug fit.


The way I figure it, spend some money on your steering wheel and your dash and Gauges since you are looking at them all the time while driving.

 

Rick thanks for that explanation of the Dashes Direct Dash Pads. I've always wondered what the big difference was between their two Dashpad offerings. It does get confusing especially when they are marketed from/by the same company.

Thanks,

Tony K.

)

 

maybe NPD has some NOS pads left

.

 

LOL, the last of my NOS 65-66 Ford pads flew out of here in August 2012...

I'm still sitting on a small stash of NOS (service-replacement, not hyper-early NOS) 69-70 pads, but I intend to sit on those for a good long time.

Sitting on them, metaphorically of course..

 

Yeah, we used to buy pads by the semi-truck-load from Goodyear (Ford's O.E. supplier) via Ford Component Sales. And we used to be able to buy 1969 grilles from Ford's supplier in Canada for $10/each, and $8 67-69 small-block fan shrouds, and and and...

Those were the days!!

 

Thanks for all the info guys! Rick I'll look into what you have on your site, and order over the phone! California two day aww yea!

 

Forgot to ask is it easier to do the windshield before this pad off? I've got some extra money to spend and wanted to order the more expensive stuff now.

 

My experience (positive) is also with the Ford Tooling dash pad. ASAIK, it's the best option when quality and long life is considered.

Z

 

I have a Dashes Direct pad which fit everywhere perfectly, except the holes punched for the defroster duct retainers were off by 1/2".

 

What's 1/2" between friends?

 

I've been having issues with a Ford tooling '66 red dash from Dashes Direct. The first one was bubbled on the top. The vendor sent a replacement that was rippled & not glued very well (lifting away) on the contour around the instrument bezel. A third one should be sent soon & hopefully it is perfect. If so, we'll see about the fit...