The dashboard pad is the single largest visual element of any 1970s GM interior. When the vinyl surface cracks and the foam crumbles, no amount of cleaning or detailing can disguise the deterioration. For a classic Buick Apollo restoration or maintenance project, sourcing a usable dash pad is one of the more challenging parts decisions. GM stopped making Apollo-specific parts decades ago, NOS dash pads are increasingly expensive when found, and aftermarket reproductions vary in quality and finish.
A verified used Buick Apollo dash pad restores authentic factory presentation to your classic at a fraction of NOS pricing. We inspect the vinyl surface for cracks, verify foam integrity, confirm mounting tabs are intact, and check that defrost vent openings are in correct shape. We accept dash pads from the cross-referenced Chevrolet Nova, Pontiac Ventura and Oldsmobile Omega donors of the same era since the X-body platform shared this part across GM divisions, which expands our inventory significantly.
Get your classic Apollo back to factory dashboard presentation with a tested dash pad today.
The Buick Apollo dash pad is a padded vinyl-covered cover that mounts on top of the dashboard structure. The construction is a rigid plastic or fiberboard substrate covered with a foam core covered with textured vinyl outer skin. The vinyl provides the visible finish and weather resistance, the foam provides cushioning and visual depth, and the substrate provides the rigid mounting structure.
The leading edge of the pad (toward the windshield) includes integrated defrost vent openings for the windshield demister function. Air from the heater/defrost system rises through the vent openings and onto the windshield. The pad mounts to the dashboard structure with multiple screws or clips along the front edge near the windshield and along the rear edge near the instrument cluster bezel.
The GM X-body platform was shared across four divisions during the 1970s, with each division offering a slightly differentiated version of the same fundamental car:
The dash pad is shared across all five X-body models, expanding sourcing options for Apollo restoration significantly.
Our team works with classic GM platforms regularly across the 1960s through 1980s. We will help you confirm cross-reference fitment to your specific Apollo and identify the right donor source. Call (240) 301-0095 with your Apollo year and we will share color verification photos before shipping.
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Buick Apollo (1973) | First model year, all body styles including 455 big-block production |
| Buick Apollo (1974) | Second model year, sedan, hatchback and GSX trim |
| Buick Apollo (1975) | Final model year, sedan, hatchback and GSX trim |
| Chevrolet Nova (1973 to 1979) | Cross-reference, X-body dash shared across GM divisions |
| Pontiac Ventura (1973 to 1977) | Cross-reference, X-body dash shared |
| Oldsmobile Omega (1973 to 1979) | Cross-reference, X-body dash shared |
| Buick Skylark (1976 to 1979) | Cross-reference, X-body successor to the Apollo with same dash |
| NOT Compatible | Earlier compact GMs (pre-1973 Nova used different dash design), later GM compacts (post-1979 X-body successors), any Buick beyond the X-body line |
| Part Type | Padded dashboard top cover (dash pad | dash topper) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Application | Buick Apollo (1973 to 1975) primary | X-body cross-reference |
| Construction | Rigid substrate | foam core | textured vinyl outer skin |
| Integrated Features | Defrost vent openings | mounting tabs front and rear |
| Color Options | Black | Saddle | Blue | Green |
| Mounting Style | Multiple screws or clips | hidden after install |
| Approximate Weight | 4 to 7 lbs assembled |
| Installation Difficulty | Moderate DIY | windshield molding and instrument bezel removal required |
| Tools Needed | Plastic trim tools | Phillips screwdrivers | masking tape for windshield protection |
| Coding Required | No |
| Service Life | Often 30 to 50 years on garaged cars | shorter on sun-exposed cars |
| Price | $149.00 |
Note: this is an authentic period original equipment part with age-appropriate cosmetic characteristics. Color verification photos before purchase are strongly recommended. Contact (240) 301-0095 within 15 days of delivery.
