guggie

Has anyone had to replace the center clock/gauge bezel ? If so what reproduction vendor, Ecklers, Mid America, Corvette central etc. , did you use for the best match to original? I pulled a little bit to hard the second time I have had to do some work and mine broke. Also has anyone ever had or knows of someone that can fix the original that I have broken. Thanks for your help and comments.

SwampeastMike

What year? The ABS plastic replacement I got for my '79 (to use a DIN radio) fit perfectly and seems identical to OEM. I do not know about the zinc (pot metal) castings used in earlier (before '76) years.

Alan 71

Hi g,
I don't see a clue to the year of the car you're working on.
There are 3 reproduction metal 68-76 bezels:
68
69-71 Modified from the 72-76 bezel
72 76
They're all as easy to break as the originals.
Some folks have had some success repairing broken bezels using 'splints' and materials like epoxy and JB Weld.
Is yours broken on one side or on both?
Regards,
Alan

Rescue Rogers

i've repaired metal ones 2 using washers, a dremel and JB weld 2 part epoxy. It came out nice.

heres the repair procedure I used
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1594385345

guggie

1974

guggie

1974, both

guggie

Thanks for your help. That was a great job but unfortunately my skills are not at that pay level. About the only thing I could do would be to hold the tube of epoxy for someone! I guess, I'm just going to purchase a reproduction at this point. Hopefully, finding that reproduction that looks good will be the key. I just hope they are metal or a thicker plastic but prefer metal.

Alan 71

Hi g,
There is only one supplier for the 72-76 center gauge cluster bezel, so all the vendors offer the same part.
It's made of metal and breaks every bit as easily as the original part.
Regards,
Alan

DONT push on the top of it while the bezel in place. It WILL break!
Honest!

guggie

I found that corvette central has one and I'm assuming it is some type of metal because they say it is "chrome plated and painted black" and the owner of CC is a tool and die cast maker by trade. Also there is a place corvette specialties but I don't know if they are metal. ecklers is not just "high impact plastic".

Alan 71

Hi g,
I think you're confusing 68-76 center gauge cluster bezels with later plastic bezels.
There are no plastic 68-76 bezels and only one manufacturer of the reproduction bezel.
Regards,
Alan