The Unknown Facts About the 1963 to 1983 Avanti Safety Dash Pad
Authenticating the Avanti "Safety Dash": NOS vs. Reproductions
Is your Avanti dash pad a genuine factory original or a hardened aftermarket reproduction? In this technical deep-dive, Avanti specialist Dan Booth shares his "squeeze and twist" test to help owners evaluate the true condition and authenticity of their interior.
Drawing on nearly 50 years of experience and original Studebaker blueprints, Dan reveals the engineering secrets behind the 1963–1983 "Safety Pad." Discover why original tooling produced flexible pads designed for easy windshield installation, and learn how to identify inferior rebuilds that use hard black vinyl instead of the authentic factory-dyed fawn vinyl. Whether you are prepping for a concours show or a restoration, learn why an authentic NOS replacement can increase your Avanti’s value by thousands of dollars.
Key Highlights:
The Squeeze & Twist Test: A simple way to calibrate your hands to feel the difference between soft factory foam and hard aftermarket material.
The "Pudding Proof" Glove Box Test: Why the glove box door is the secret key to knowing how your dash should feel.
Tooling Truths: Why the "steps" at the windshield are an engineered necessity, not a manufacturing error.
Market Impact: How a correct NOS dash pad installation can add an estimated $5,000 to your car’s resale value.