HT1663WB

Anybody know the trick to getting the center gauge bezel to meet the upper dash pad? I've replaced all the brackets everything, I can still put my finger between the bezel and the dash pad. Thanks,Bill

toobroketoretire

Bill, there's a good chance the steel "U" bracket under the front of your console has been trashed before you bought your car. That steel bracket holds the front of the console up which then holds the gauge bezel up. The bracket I'm referring to is readily available from Corvette Central but other vendors certainly stock them. Maybe someone can chime in with a part number from one of the vendors.

HT1663WB

I replaced that bracket. I pretty much replaced everything. When I removed the dash and console most of the brackets were missing. I replaced the dash pad,center gauge bezel, complete console and all the brackets. I tried pushing everything forward..no good.

Mooser

Any chance the upper pad (and the ds/ps pads of course) is sitting too high in the center?
And I'm guessing it's a manual trans?
M

0Willcox Corvette

So.. you have a new console too? Place the center dash bezel in the console where the two studs pass through the bracket in the front, get it as close as you can with your hands. Then take a cloth wrapped 2x4 block about 5 inches wide and pace it on the back edge of the shift console... Using the parking brake handle as leverage, push forward on the console and it will draw up the center bezel where it needs to be... You might get a buddy there with you to put the screws in the forward console while you pry it too... once you get the two forward side screws in place it'll stay there.

This is a common issue when all the items are new and once you get it in place, when/if you go back inside the second time it will fall in place.

Willcox

Alan 71

Hi HT,
Are all the forward clips in place across the dash pad and are they properly engaged to the cowl below the windshield?
Is the small cowl bracket in place?
Are the 3 screws per side properly installed in each lower pad?
Are the bottom 'wings' on each dash in the right position relative to the shifter console?
How did you set the forward end of the console's height?
Regards,
Alan

HT1663WB

I have tried everything. Does anybody have a picture of how close it should be? Should it be tight to the dash?

Alan 71

Hi HT,
Yes it should extend up under the roll of the dash pad SLIGHTLY.
Regards,
Alan

Here's one that's very level and even but I'd like it to be 'up' and 'in' about 1/4".


Here's one that's nice and high but is 'twisted a bit... which is a typical problem.


Another, in a nice position but with a 'twist'. (Trying to 'correct' this twist is how many bezels get their 'tops' cracked off.

0Willcox Corvette

The picture on the left is from my personal car and it has the original dash pads with the original dash bezel. It also shows how the lower pads fit to the shifter console when new.

0Willcox Corvette

If you use the method I posted above... you have to push pretty darn hard but it'll force the console and dash forward.

Willcox

HT1663WB

Bezel snapped. ..brand frigging new.

pltmgr

In order for my console/bezel in my 68 to fit reasonably well I had to have every screw/bolt very loose from the parking brake cover to the dash and spent a lot of time wiggling everything until it somewhat fit. Not a fun job.

Alan 71

Hi HT,
Damn!
Both sides or one?
Regards,
Alan

HT1663WB

Passenger side...man I'm sick to my stomach. .I should have just left well enough alone.

wabco40

Mooser

Mine was broken when I bought the car. I repaired it years ago but every time I put it in or take it out I'm afraid of that spot letting go (or the other side)
M

HT1663WB

I just ordered a new one from Willcox. I will give it another try..hopefully it gets here quick.

Alan 71

Hi,
Has anyone thought about coming up with a reinforcement for the 2 points that are designed to break in a crash? (Done to unbroken bezels)
When I repaired my bezel, (right side), I found there's plenty of room there for a thin but deep 'fillet' to be bonded in place.
Depending on just what happened to the visible chrome during the 'break' sometimes the finished appearance can be pretty good.
Regards,
Alan

This is one I repaired.

1974ta

It can be difficult to get in correctly. When installing the bezel on my 70, it was critical to have the center console in the proper location as far forward as possible. Leave the majority of the screws loose so you can move the pads around as someone else mentioned.

It was a two weekend job to get everything lined up but it finally lined up very nicely. Also note that not all the screws will be REALLY tightened up. They should be snug enough to stay in but not so tight that things start to go out of alignment if that makes sense. This will also keep from stripping out the screws that go into plastic.

My original was broken when I bought it and finally found a really nice original. The repros are made pretty well except that the seat belt button on 69-71 are not correct.

Bill

Mooser

When mine broke (also on the passenger side) I drilled the ends of each piece (what a treat that was, had to make a tiny drill guide) and inserted a 1/16 piece of drill rod then roughened the outside where Alan mentioned and JB welded on a piece off copper screen material to try to add some more strength.
That's about 15 years ago, still together and it's been in and out numerous times but I'm pretty careful
M