I am working on my radio replacement (Thanks so far DB!). I looked at a lot of C3's yesterday in Carlisle looking inside to see if anyone had aftermarket radio replacements. I didn't find many so I didn't get a lot of ideas. But that's okay, I have you guys.

I am in a little bit of a quandry on what to do about the gauge bezel. I ran into my seller yesterday and he said don't cut that bezel. But he also said a new bezel with the wider cut out for aftermarket would be tough to install. He said on the few he has done they have not fit well. If it was up to him - retro radio. But I'm past that point, I have most of my equipment here already, plus I believe it is the better system (It's a DB spec system after all!)

So do I:

Option A - cut existing bezel - although to me it does not look in great shape, but maybe can be cleaned up?

Option B - pull out existing bezel, buy new, cut

Option C - pull out exisitng bezel, buy new already wider model for aftemarket - hope it goes in

My wife (and consultant on interior design applications) thinks that it would be really cool to have the area of the bezel around the gauges be chrome. I agree. Has anyone seen this or done it? Could it be done? Is this my possible option D?

So many questions, so much to do.

Here is my existing bezel, judge for yourself. As always, thanks for the input

 

You have a few options, and really it comes down to what you want. First off, replacement bezels never fit as good as the originals. I have installed a few of the older metal type and they are usually bent right out of the box and trying to correct them results in a brown bezel. just a poor design for pot metal.

Anyway, the stock bezel CAN be cleaned up. It's just painted metal. If you take your time with sand paper, maybe a Dremel, you can clean up any pits or scratches, and re-paint it to your liking. Also, once you cut the bezel for the DIN opening you'll need this adapter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...214299103&rd=1

The head unit cage goes through both this adapter, and the bezel, and locks to both for a snug union.

You can buy the pre-cut bezels...you'll still need this adapter plate, but they tend to cost a lot of money. If it's worth it, and you can afford it, that would allow you to keep your bezel safe and in stock form if you ever wanted to go back to stock form.

Oh, and a few tips. The metal around the ***** is very thick. Use the head unit cage to mark the DIN opening. Cut smaller then the opening at first, and file the opening out a bit until the cage fits snug. I used an angle grinder to cut the bezel, but a Dremel will work too...or drill holes and use a scroll saw.

Just start small...because if you go too big you can't replace the material. Go slow...and remember it's thick and it'll take some time.

Then, use the adapter plate and cage and bend the little tabs of the cage so it all fits together tight and snug. You'll see what I mean when you get all the parts in your hand.

If you need any other help just let me know.

 

My bezel is not in perfect shape for sure.
But thanks for the input.

Any ideas on how the area around the gauges could be chromed? Or would the whole bezel have to be plated? I haven't done much research yet on chrome process, but I would guess it goes to a professional to get done. Just wasn't sure you could do part of piece.

I did search around the forum a bit and found some photos of some interiors. redcruz1120 has a nice interior, looks like painted bezel?

 

If your radio is in working order, just pull it and the convector/amplifier [mounted under the passenger side dash panel] out of the car; clean them up and sell them on eBay. You should be able to clear about $200-250 for an original '69 radio {complete}; then you can buy the new gauge panel with the DIN cutout.

 

Buy new, cut- Dremmel and hack saw- install faceplate, install stereo (pics show 1din installed for fit check only), You would install the faceplate and then the stereo 1din case. The stereo area is plenty wide for a modern stereo. Watch the oil pressure line as you remove the gauge bezel. C.








http://www.millionbuy.com/aifp306.html

 

I see I can get a standard bezel:

http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=1447

or I can get one with the opening size for stereo CD player (item 49810):

http://www.corvetteamerica.com/cf/di...0gauge%20bezel

Am I correct in thinking that all of these are plastic vs my existing one which is metal? Pros/cons?

And going along with the "while your at it" theory. Should the clock be replaced as well? Or should I just wait and do it later? I would likely get a newer quartz clock. Easy to put in?

 

I just bought the small gague bezel with the CD cutout from WILCOX for my 73. It's metal, also it's listed under "FORUM SPECIALS", good deal...TM

 

Thanks I found it there also. Your right, price is good.

Thanks.