Has anyone successfully repaired a gauge bezel? My car is a '71 but i think the bezel was very similar all the way up to like '76 or something. It is broken in two pieces...(broken in the usual spot on each sides where it's thin near the "corvette" logo on a non-ac car).

I tried to JB Weld it, but it wasn't strong enough and cracked when i went to re-install it. A while back i bought a repro replacement, but wasn't happy with the quality compared to the original so i returned it and put the broken one back in.

I tried to solder but the solder wouldn't stick...must be aluminium or something. I was thinking maybe weld it, but I don't have the equipment or experience welding and didn't know if that was the right way to go either. Anyone successfully fix one of these? Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Paul

 

I made a template of thin sheet metal, and used that between the bezel and the side dash upostery, seems to work ok, better than plain broken.
just trace the profile on paper, then cutout a thin sheet metal patch.
to really secure eveything, glue/epoxy to the bezel and screw together.
after it set up, remove the mounting screws and install into the dash.

 

good call 69vette. must be reinforced as you say. that material is called white metal or pot metal and I haven't found anything either that seems to fix it.

 

Hey Paul....They can be welded with a special stick that welds at about 350 degrees, anything hotter than that will melt the pot metal I think. I've done it and had success, but it depends on how clean the break is. Also, I agree with the earlier post......If I were to try it again, I would JB Weld a thin sheet of metal to the outside of the bezel over the cracked area to cover well over both sides. I would then fill the inside, sand and paint. Hope this helps. Take care, john............pm sent

 

I would try a body shop supply store, since they often carry a number of products to repair various odds and ends, ranging from plastic pieces to metal parts. Not sure if Fusor has a product that would suit your needs, but it sure beats JB Weld, and HAS to be better than the worry of melting metal parts. Just a thought anyways. Good luck!

 

The bezel [like other parts on many cars] is 'pot' metal...a low melting temperature amalgum of metals which can be cast into final shape very easily. Pot-metal is very fragile, will NOT bend, and is difficult to repair. Only the very best welder can have any luck at all with it, because it melts as soon as you heat it.

If it's broken in an area that can be reinforced, JB Weld may be able to salvage it. I would use the two-part epoxy in the tubes (rather than the stick type you knead together); but you have to 'fixture' the parts so they will stay together in correct alignment for 24 hours until it is fully cured. Some thin stainless flat stock will do a decent job of reinforcement...imbed the reinforcement in epoxy (epoxy, reinforcement, more epoxy) to give it the most strength possible. Put the reinforcement on the back-side and/or outer-side of the bezel so that it doesn't show when installed. Put a bit of epoxy in the joint when you put the pieces together, also. Just so that it fills the gap and you can dress it smooth with the rest of the bezel surface. Ideally, you just want to wipe the excess from around the joint when you do the patch so it's not visible from the outside.

Trying to piece it together will take a bit of effort and time...but could save you $150. If it isn't successful, you have only lost some time and effort. If it does work, use some semi-flat black paint to redo the bezel before you put it back on.

 

The headlight frames (the horseshoe) are made of pot metal as well. I had a broken one welded here locally (Tacoma, WA) and after he was done he tried to break it and couldn't (within reason of course)...Point is, it made for a very strong repair.

Just call around and you should find somebody who can (and is willing) to weld it.

Rob

 

Thanks a lot guys