74 Gauge Bezel question
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From: Magnolia TX
74 Gauge Bezel question
I am replacing my console from the parking brake all the way to the gauge bezel. My old bezel was cracked and I am finding that where the screw holes SHOULD be on the left dash piece doesn't line up with the new bezel. Is it OK to drill some pilot holes in that dash piece so that the screws have a place to go? Or does that dash piece (where the speedo and tach are) have prefit holes that I must find and use. Appreciate any help.
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From: Southbound
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Both dash pads should have these little widgets in them where the trim screws go.
You may be able to gently lift the vinyl on the side of the pad and see them.
The mounting holes in your new bezel should be reasonably close to the old existing holes, but as long as you get your trim screws into the widgets, you should be okay.
You may be able to gently lift the vinyl on the side of the pad and see them.
The mounting holes in your new bezel should be reasonably close to the old existing holes, but as long as you get your trim screws into the widgets, you should be okay.
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From: Magnolia TX
OK, sounds like I'll need to pull the bezel off the dash and determine where these are at then on the left side. As hard as it was to locate the holes, I was trying to avoid having to pull the ones from the right hand side back off. Wll give it another try tonight.
My other issue with putting this back together is the A/C controller right hand temperature wheel is rubbing the shifter housing/cable. I saw on the forum where another person had this same issue and was not able to resolve it I may try to bend the bracket that the controller sits on slightly upwards in the middle to see if that will help any. Otherwise, it will just have to rub.
Thank for the response!
My other issue with putting this back together is the A/C controller right hand temperature wheel is rubbing the shifter housing/cable. I saw on the forum where another person had this same issue and was not able to resolve it I may try to bend the bracket that the controller sits on slightly upwards in the middle to see if that will help any. Otherwise, it will just have to rub.
Thank for the response!
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From: Crossville TN
If the control head thumbwheel is rubbing the plate, it is likely not seated properly in the controller. It would be best for you to remove that top-plate and investigate a bit more, before you start cutting stuff. And, if you want to remove the gauge bezel, you will have to remove the two nuts on the bottom-studs coming off the bottom rail of the bezel. They go through two slotted holes on the tranny tunnel front-bracket. Be careful with them, the bezel is pot-metal and it has almost NO strength; a good 'twist' will snap them off. It is best to have an AIM to reference how that area is assembled.
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From: Magnolia TX
I've got a new front console and new console reinforcement bracket and new console plate. About the only thing I didn't replace is the bracket that the A/C controller fits onto. I am painfully familiar with the two bottom studs of the gauge bezel and nuts that you referred to. I didn't break anything on the new one (thankfully), but they certainly add complexity to the removal and reinstall. I have an assembly manual and instructions for replacing the gauge bezel I got front another site. I didn't see where you can buy another A/C controller bracket, and frankly mine isn't mutilated in any way. So I would hope with some gentle bending in the middle, it will raise it up enough to no longer rub.
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From: Magnolia TX
I managed to get everying back together last night. I had to remove the bezel to find all 4 of the the dash padholes and then put it back together. On the a/c controller, I had to shim up the left side of the bracket that it sits on and bend it slightly. Net result is that the console plate is back on and and nothing rubs! Turned on the A/C for he first time on this car and found that it actually blows cold! Nice bonus after major console and dash surgery.
Thank you Mike and 7T1vette for your help!
Thank you Mike and 7T1vette for your help!
