Center Cluster Bezel Question
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Joined: Apr 2023
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Center Cluster Bezel Question
I am getting ready to take out dash out of my 1970 to put in LED lights for the instruments. While doing so, I wanted to correct a few other things as well. One of those being the center cluster bezel. The one I have is original and of course broken. I am trying to decide which company to get a replacement from as I like the one I have being original but do not like it that it is broken and visibly so. I came across one from Corvette Central and it states that it is "correct metal bezel" while others read "die cast". Do you know if there is a difference or if one seller has a better model than others?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,150
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From: US-PNW
I believe they are all die-cast, even the originals. None are/were machined or forged.
My replacement came from Corvette Central and I'm quite pleased with it when compared to my broken original. I'd be surprised if more than one source is out there reproducing these, meaning that it likely doesn't matter which vendor you purchase one from.
My replacement came from Corvette Central and I'm quite pleased with it when compared to my broken original. I'd be surprised if more than one source is out there reproducing these, meaning that it likely doesn't matter which vendor you purchase one from.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,041
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From: myrtle beach sc
Army
Please be aware that GM changed the left side of the mold by making one long tell-tale hole for the MY 1973 because they eliminated the push button there. As far as I know, there is only one source for these bezels using the original GM mold. The repros for the 68-72 have a plastic insert for the push button. Lou.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
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From: Marietta GA
Be extremely Careful with the new center gauge bezel. I bought a new one and of course it didn’t fit 100% correctly. So I pushed, shoved, and cussed … till I broke the new bezel at the thin side section on the side. Your new bezel won’t fit perfect, so “Let it Be.”
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
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Mine was from CC also, fairly decent fit but I too had to persuade mine into position. I also had to tap the bezel for the machine screws, they were drilled but not tapped. I also had to fill one hole with JB weld , drill and retap. It’s not a perfect world! I could have easily broke mine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,041
Likes: 505
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
I feel that the safest way to change the bezel is to remove the passenger side dash pad first. That is what I always do after snapping my original 68 unobtainable bezel.
Do you know why that it is made to break so easily? They claimed that it is to break in an accident for your safety! Really?
You have five screws and two studs holding it in there. And how do you get a body part like a knee up that high to break this thing? Lou.
Do you know why that it is made to break so easily? They claimed that it is to break in an accident for your safety! Really?
You have five screws and two studs holding it in there. And how do you get a body part like a knee up that high to break this thing? Lou.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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Be extremely Careful with the new center gauge bezel. I bought a new one and of course it didn’t fit 100% correctly. So I pushed, shoved, and cussed … till I broke the new bezel at the thin side section on the side. Your new bezel won’t fit perfect, so “Let it Be.”
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 67
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Thank you all for the advice and warnings. I am almost at a point where now I am not sure if I want to replace or just clean it up and make it look as good as I can with maybe some paint and new lenses. If I do anything I will post pics.
Thanks again!! This forum is always so helpful!!
Thanks again!! This forum is always so helpful!!
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1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
Because the wiper switch housing must be grounded to operate, this bezel creates that ground, so the broken top and bottom need to make good contact -- or you need to add a supplemental ground to the broken top section. There are folks who have added braces on the back sides between the broken parts. I don't recall if they used JB Weld or something else.
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Thank you so much for this information!! I did not even think of that! For some reason I thought that each section had its own ground. I was thinking about adding an additional ground to both the center console and the left dash anyway, but will definately check this out!