Redwing01

I snapped my stereo/gauge cluster bezel on my 73 ,of course at the narrowest point on both sides.
Thankfully I have another one, but I am experimenting on repairing the original one.
Does anyone have any advise on the proper black paint to use when I go to re paint it?
Thank you.

bhk2

I used satin black on my entire 69 center gauge cluster and am very pleased with the finish...

7T1vette

Satin black or semi-flat black. Semi-gloss black is too shiny for it.

Redwing01

Hey, thanks for the reply and that really does look great!
Thanks again.

grumman41

I am getting ready to refinish mine and wondered if you have to "rub" some of the finish off. My 71 has a pebbled finish with some of the paint exposed on the high points.

I'm not sure if it came from the factory like this or just wear.

Kevin

Mashman

John Deere Blitz Black

7T1vette

You need to chemically strip all of the old paint off, first. Then clean and rinse well and let dry completely.

Spray a couple of coats of satin (or semi-flat) black paint; wait 5-7 minutes, then use an Xacto-knife blade to shave the soft paint from the raised surfaces. Be careful not to touch the other freshly painted areas; and don't wipe or brush off any of the trimmings. You can blow them off (mouth, not compressed air). If they won't blow off, just leave them until the paint is hard...then brush them off.

Others have used lacquer thinner on cloth to wipe off the top surface, but it's easier to shave off the soft paint, IMO.

AutoFast

Did you figure out a way to repair the snapped one? My 71 snapped. Tried metal epoxy, etc and no luck. Can it be welded? If you have an answer could you PM me?

AkrHack

I don't think that these bezels can be welded as they are made from pot metal. This material does not lend itself to welding. Most all of the large Corvette parts vendors offer repops however.

For what it worth, my bezel was broken when I got my car earlier this year. I recently removed the gauge cluster in order to repair the oil pressure gauge, repair the ammeter, install a new aftermarket radio and repaint the bezel. Since my car is of driver quality, I opted to reinstall the broken bezel. In my opinion the break isn't all that noticeable.

tpfarm

Maybe J B Weld ? I've had good luck on certain things. I have my original bezel that snapped like yours, thinking of trying the JB weld just to see.

CVO2FIXUP

Speaking of the center console, I am noticing that the center consoles/bezels on a lot of vetts seems to hang down on the left upper corner just above the air vents where it meets the facing lip of the dash. Looks like there is a missing screw on one side and the top edge of the bezel is drooping. Is there a fix for that, is it as simple as replacing a screw? I see this even on top end, fully restored, perfect and very expensive cars.

Bluebuyu

Check out post # 2 of this link to fix it. It worked for me.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...guage-pod.html

tpfarm

Looked at my '73's new bezel and it appears to droop as you state, but just a little, maybe a 1/16th I don't see a place for a screw, probably just one of the quirks of these cars , they weren't perfect when new. Now that they are 40+ years old things just don't fit right.
Just my .02

nwav8tor

I have the same situation. Thanks for the link!!

Paul

Easy Mike

Wear.