Those damn bezel bolts. Help.

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Apr 3, 2013 | 02:45 PM

Invader Sandstone

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Those damn bezel bolts. Help.

I removed my bezel to install the Retro Sound stereo and to replace the broken bezel itself. Everything was a breeze save for those two nightmare bolts at the bottom of the bezel that have nuts on them, which are in a nightmarish location. After some serious knuckle busting I got the passenger side one out but it took an embarrassingly long amount of time, and forcefully pulling up the front console support, to get the driver side nut off. Now its time to replace the bezel and I'm dreading getting those nuts back on and ever taking them off again.

How do you guys remove those without spending half a week in the process? No socket fits in that small a space, nor do wrenches.

Apr 3, 2013 | 03:24 PM

Alan 71

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi I S,
I use a 1/4" drive socket with 2 long extensions on it and reach up inside the front/sides of the shifter console.
The socket driver is actually on the floor in the foot well, and the extensions are tight against the transmission tunnel.
Regards,
Alan

Apr 3, 2013 | 03:59 PM

Billem

Racer

Joined: Nov 2011

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From: Charleston SC

It's been suggested (I'm sure to get flamed here) to leave the nuts off. Sure makes it easier to remove in the future. Have a great day, Bill

Apr 3, 2013 | 04:11 PM

early shark

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2004

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From: Nevada City California

As Alan said.

Apr 3, 2013 | 04:18 PM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

A swivel headed socket helped me with mine. You must also make the requisite offerings to the Corvette gods before you begin.

Apr 4, 2013 | 08:09 AM

pltmgr

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From: Chapel Hill NC

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Bubba eliminated mine in the past. Someone on the forum suggested using wing nuts as replacements. Tried it and it seems to work for me.

Apr 4, 2013 | 06:43 PM

loup68

Melting Slicks

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From: myrtle beach sc

Army

I left mine off about 39 years ago. The bezel side screws hold it firmly in place. Lou

Apr 4, 2013 | 07:38 PM

7T1vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Crossville TN

My 'recollection' tells me that the trans console is slotted for accepting those studs. So, once those nuts are loose, the e-brake housing is removed, and the retaining screws for the trans tunnel are removed, you should be able to slide the trans tunnel rearward to disengage those studs/nuts from the console.

Likewise you can put the nuts on those studs loosely, then slide the trans tunnel in place. Once the other stuff is in place [properly], you merely need to just snug those nuts up. This eliminates the need for actually removing and/or installing those nuts by themselves.