Instrument cluster question (1968)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 2
Instrument cluster question (1968)
I have finally reached the point of restoring the interior of my 1968 (late, July 69) 427/435 coupe. I pulled the instrument cluster to begin restoring it. When I went to the various catalogs, it appears I have a 1972-1976 cluster! (Part #6491171-69 stamp on the bezel. Sigh.)
Questions:
Can someone send me a pictures of a correct 1968L cluster, including the rear housing of the instrument cluster? (I realize the last one may be tough
). I'd like to know if my rear housing is compatible with a correct 1968L bezel.
Would I get dinged on points if I replace the bezel with one for a 69? (grainy vs smooth finish)?
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.
Questions:
Can someone send me a pictures of a correct 1968L cluster, including the rear housing of the instrument cluster? (I realize the last one may be tough
). I'd like to know if my rear housing is compatible with a correct 1968L bezel.Would I get dinged on points if I replace the bezel with one for a 69? (grainy vs smooth finish)?
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I'm sure that Mike Ward will inform you of the "official" word on how many points will be deducted for not having a '68 bezel; it is probably significant. But, considering the replacement cost for a 'real' '68 bezel, using one from another year makes sense to me. {Worrying about the whims of NCRS does not, IMO.}
In fact, I doubt that the deduction for having a '72 bezel would be any larger than having one from a '69...so, if it were me, I would leave it alone.
In fact, I doubt that the deduction for having a '72 bezel would be any larger than having one from a '69...so, if it were me, I would leave it alone.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 7
From: Chetwynd B.C.
I too don't care about the whims of the NCRS (unless that stands for Not Correctly Restored Stringray 
) I replaced my bezel with a 69 and it looks fine to me. Only I know it is the "wrong" one. No one around here would know the difference.
I have one that is broken at the narrow spot. Maybe I should put it in the for sale section.
shmoky
) I replaced my bezel with a 69 and it looks fine to me. Only I know it is the "wrong" one. No one around here would know the difference. I have one that is broken at the narrow spot. Maybe I should put it in the for sale section.
shmoky
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 310
Likes: 25
From: Brisbane Australia
Haven't had mine out yet, but I'm pretty sure they were interchangable. This post has a good description of the differences in some of the bezels.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...ole-bezel.html
Azza
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...ole-bezel.html
Azza
Last edited by azza2u; Jan 17, 2012 at 07:10 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 2
Excellent information. Thank you for posting the link.
As for the pan assembly that the bezel is screwed to, that contains all of the gauges within it, and that the dash lights are mounted on the back of - was this different for the different years as well? E.g., if I buy a correct 68L bezel, will this assembly mount onto it correctly? Thanks again!
As for the pan assembly that the bezel is screwed to, that contains all of the gauges within it, and that the dash lights are mounted on the back of - was this different for the different years as well? E.g., if I buy a correct 68L bezel, will this assembly mount onto it correctly? Thanks again!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I believe that the 'pan' was the same for all years of C3's. Not positive of that, as the 'pan' is not sold as a replacement part, as far as I know. You can find them at swap meets occasionally. But, the plastic 'lens' for the gauges is identical for all years, so it's likely that the pan is also.
P.S. The way to investigate questions like this is to check out some of the aftermarket vendor's parts catalogs to see if parts apply to multiple years or not. (I like Corvette America catalogs, as they seem to contain almost all parts that are available.)
P.S. The way to investigate questions like this is to check out some of the aftermarket vendor's parts catalogs to see if parts apply to multiple years or not. (I like Corvette America catalogs, as they seem to contain almost all parts that are available.)
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jan 17, 2012 at 10:22 AM.
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,330
Likes: 359
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
I think the 72 and up bezel is different. Other than the smooth finish that is 68 only, doesn't the 72 bezel not have the separation for the seatbelt button?? I could be wrong. I do know a 69, 70 (and 71?) will fit, it's just not the correct one as the finish is different. They do make a correct 68 reproduction. I have heard of folks buying a 69 bezel and sanding it smooth like a 68.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
If you're talking about NCRS Flight Judging, the score sheets are available for free download from the NCRS website:
http://www.ncrs.org/membership/scoresheets.html
The centre cluster as a whole is worth 6 points for originality and 5 for condition. The smooth vs. shiny is one aspect that differs, as does the physical configuration. Assuming what you've got is in good condition, you might get maybe a 2 point deduction at most for having a later service replacement piece.
Total points available for a car is 4510, so 2 points out of that is not worth even thinking of spending big bucks to get a correct '68 piece. For reference, a burnt out lamp would be a 25 point deduct. You'll notice also that the prediction way above of a 'significant deduct' is way way off.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
I dont know how much variation there was between early and late "pans" but here's mine, which I am pretty certain is original to the car. Its from a late October build though. The smooth cluster housing its mounted in is for a 68 but didnt come with the car. There's 2 sets of numbers above the radio *****, 69 on left, 68 on right. Overlook the wiring please, it was on the bench at the time, and I swapped out the oil gauge to electric. Hope it helps.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,682
Likes: 3,135
From: Shamong, NJ
Don't worry to much about the part number on the back of your cluster. If you buy a repro 68 cluster, it will have the 72-76 part number cast in it also!
The repros are made buy taking the 72-76 cluster, grinding the grain off, adding the housing for the seat belt button, and then blocking the wiper override hole (if it's to be an early 68 cluster). Because of this, both the early and late 68 repro clusters, as well as 69-71 repro clusters, all have the 72-76 part number cast into the back of them.
The gauge pod should be interchangeable within all 68-76 center gauge clusters. 68-71 gauges will have digits with a green tint to them, while later ones are white, and the font style does change in later years. Also later oil gauges are electric, not mechanical.
The repros are made buy taking the 72-76 cluster, grinding the grain off, adding the housing for the seat belt button, and then blocking the wiper override hole (if it's to be an early 68 cluster). Because of this, both the early and late 68 repro clusters, as well as 69-71 repro clusters, all have the 72-76 part number cast into the back of them.
The gauge pod should be interchangeable within all 68-76 center gauge clusters. 68-71 gauges will have digits with a green tint to them, while later ones are white, and the font style does change in later years. Also later oil gauges are electric, not mechanical.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 2
John 65 - thank you for posting the picture, it is a big help. It looks like my only problem is in the upper right of the picture, which is where the seat belt warning push button is mounted. I don't have this on mine. What exactly is mounted on the bezel pan there? Is it a circuit board or something? Thanks!
John
John
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
Yes thats what it is, and the gray plastic peice in the center is a twist in light. It has nothing to actually do with the seat belts, meaning its not wired to them or anything. It just reminds you when the car is started.
Last edited by John 65; Jan 18, 2012 at 11:18 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 2
Any suggestions on how to make that part of this correct? This assembly isn't available new. I have a call into a couple of corvette recyclers to see if I can get the correct parts that way. Or if the circuit is simple, perhaps it is something I can fabricate?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
Tell ya the truth I went to a few websites and havent been able to find one also. Am sure you can find a used one on ebay or right here in the c3 parts forum. Do you have the rest of the it? Ya may just have to get hold of a beat up center cluster and take parts from it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
55Trucker: order the 68 assembly instruction manual (AIM). It will list the part number for the 68 bezel. I am not certain there is an early or late bezel; only the placement of the Tell Tales varied. IF there was an actual running change for the bezel, the AIM might show a drawing revision date.
Order the 68 NCRS Technical Information and Judging Guide. It will list an appproximate date and/or consecutive unit number for the change in Tell Tales.
Dr. Dobbins' book is a pretty good reference.
The 68 center bezel is smooth finished and one year only. Any other year will swap but will not be correct. If you have a 435hp car and are considering having it judged, why use anything other than a 68 cluster?
SHMOKY: Several of us around here would know your bezel is wrong.
Order the 68 NCRS Technical Information and Judging Guide. It will list an appproximate date and/or consecutive unit number for the change in Tell Tales.
Dr. Dobbins' book is a pretty good reference.
The 68 center bezel is smooth finished and one year only. Any other year will swap but will not be correct. If you have a 435hp car and are considering having it judged, why use anything other than a 68 cluster?
SHMOKY: Several of us around here would know your bezel is wrong.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jan 18, 2012 at 01:33 PM.
CF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,330
Likes: 359
From: Delaware
St. Jude Donor '25
There is an Early and Late bezel. The early ones have one (I think top right) warning light blocked off. Early 68 bezels also only have a 68 part number on the back. Late 68 (still smooth but no block off) have 68 and 69 part numbers.
As I mentioned earlier, bezels made for a 72? and Up are NOT the same. You could though get a 69 or 70 bezel for a cheaper price and sand it smooth.
Otherwise, REPRO early and late 68 only bezels are available.
As I mentioned earlier, bezels made for a 72? and Up are NOT the same. You could though get a 69 or 70 bezel for a cheaper price and sand it smooth.
Otherwise, REPRO early and late 68 only bezels are available.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 2
What is that cylindrical thing on your board? A relay or something?
And a stupid Forum-Novice question: how did you paste those pictures in your response? The Insert Picture button did not work for me when I said the picture URL was "c:\bezel.jpg"
And a stupid Forum-Novice question: how did you paste those pictures in your response? The Insert Picture button did not work for me when I said the picture URL was "c:\bezel.jpg"
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas