1969 Center Dash Bezel
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Edgewater Maryland
1969 Center Dash Bezel
I need to change a center dash bezel in a non a/c convertible. A good friend of mine has a 69 bb vert that needs it changed the one that is in there is cracked in 2 places. Any tips or is it just a matter of taking the phillips screws out, radio nuts and the wiper switch up top?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,278
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi bz,
I feel a little different than BB!
I find removing and replacing the center gauge bezel to be one of the most difficult things to do on 68-72 cars.
First getting the radio out of position is a job.
Second there may or may not be 2 nuts on the bottom of those 2 threaded studs on the bottom of the bezel. If they're there, they're difficult to reach. you have to reach up from the lower sides of the shifter console.
Next all the connections on the gauges make it difficult to get the bezel back out of the dash enough to get it up and out. Those studs need to clear the shifter console.
As you know the top of the bezel is very fragile and it's VERY easy to break it while putting it back in.
As you can tell, not my favorite job.
Begin by removing the passenger's side lower dash pad so you have access to the side of the bezel, radio, and gauge cluster. I find remover the lower pad gives better access than removing the upper pad.
Plan on spending the better part of a day.
Sorry!
Regards,
Alan
I feel a little different than BB!
I find removing and replacing the center gauge bezel to be one of the most difficult things to do on 68-72 cars.
First getting the radio out of position is a job.
Second there may or may not be 2 nuts on the bottom of those 2 threaded studs on the bottom of the bezel. If they're there, they're difficult to reach. you have to reach up from the lower sides of the shifter console.
Next all the connections on the gauges make it difficult to get the bezel back out of the dash enough to get it up and out. Those studs need to clear the shifter console.
As you know the top of the bezel is very fragile and it's VERY easy to break it while putting it back in.
As you can tell, not my favorite job.
Begin by removing the passenger's side lower dash pad so you have access to the side of the bezel, radio, and gauge cluster. I find remover the lower pad gives better access than removing the upper pad.
Plan on spending the better part of a day.
Sorry!
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Feb 19, 2014 at 09:11 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 413
Likes: 22
From: Justin TX
I need to change a center dash bezel in a non a/c convertible. A good friend of mine has a 69 bb vert that needs it changed the one that is in there is cracked in 2 places. Any tips or is it just a matter of taking the phillips screws out, radio nuts and the wiper switch up top?
Another option would be to pull the E brake cover and slide the console back to access the nuts on the studs. In either case be very careful going back together or you will end up with another broken bezel. The bezel is cast and is very easy to brake especially in the thinner areas of the casting. I have had mine out a couple of times, most recently to put in a new EFI system and LED bulbs a couple of weeks ago. I had the dash pad and pulled the console both times.
Good luck,
Kenneth
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 413
Likes: 22
From: Justin TX
Hi bz,
I feel a little different than BB!
I find removing and replacing the center gauge bezel to be one of the most difficult things to do on 68-72 cars.
First getting the radio out of position is a job.
Second there may or may not be 2 nuts on the bottom of those 2 threaded studs on the bottom of the bezel. If they're there, they're difficult to reach. you have to reach up from the lower sides of the shifter console.
Next all the connections on the gauges make it difficult to get the bezel back out of the dash enough to get it up and out. Those studs need to clear the shifter console.
As you know the top of the bezel is very fragile and it's VERY easy to break it while putting it back in.
As you can tell, not my favorite job.
Begin by removing the passenger's side lower dash pad so you have access to the side of the bezel, radio, and gauge cluster.
Plan on spending the better part of a day.
Sorry!
Regards,
Alan
I feel a little different than BB!
I find removing and replacing the center gauge bezel to be one of the most difficult things to do on 68-72 cars.
First getting the radio out of position is a job.
Second there may or may not be 2 nuts on the bottom of those 2 threaded studs on the bottom of the bezel. If they're there, they're difficult to reach. you have to reach up from the lower sides of the shifter console.
Next all the connections on the gauges make it difficult to get the bezel back out of the dash enough to get it up and out. Those studs need to clear the shifter console.
As you know the top of the bezel is very fragile and it's VERY easy to break it while putting it back in.
As you can tell, not my favorite job.
Begin by removing the passenger's side lower dash pad so you have access to the side of the bezel, radio, and gauge cluster.
Plan on spending the better part of a day.
Sorry!
Regards,
Alan
Sounds like you have experienced this too. Not a fun job, but if you pull the E Brake cover and take the console loose, it gives you room to slide everything back so you can work, I agree the passenger dash really needs to come out too.
Kenneth
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
This may give you some pointers too... once there, click on supporting document.
Corvette Center Gauge Bezel Install 68-76
Corvette Center Gauge Bezel Install 68-76
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 83
Likes: 1
From: So Cal California
Following all the tips above and you will be alright. One more tip... Wear mechanic gloves or some hand protection. Threading those little nuts onto the studs at the bottom of the bezel to the console will tear up your hands... I use wing nuts and tighten them as much as I can with my fingers. Buy a couple extra wingnuts. You will lose one or two in the process. Good luck...