When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
This original 1970E gauge cluster bezel, it is unbroken. However, the T-tops leaked dripped water on the gauge cluster for years.
The result is pits, corrosion, missing metal in the face.
Perhaps it can be fixed but I'm betting it would never be the same. Anyone face this before?
There is a reproduction, but its really a 72+ bezel, with the seat belts button section glued in.
So I have just been waiting for a good used one to show up.
Hello,
You're wise to look for an unbroken original.
There's an easy to spot difference between an original bezel and a reproduction bezel.
Try to find one that has good chrome plating on it...the black paint finish can be restored.
Regards....
The 'bar' is part of the casting.
After 71 the switch was deleted so the bar went away.
It's added to the reproduction bezel and the 'seams' can be seen.
Hello,
You're wise to look for an unbroken original.
There's an easy to spot difference between an original bezel and a reproduction bezel.
Try to find one that has good chrome plating on it...the black paint finish can be restored.
Regards....
The 'bar' is part of the casting.
After 71 the switch was deleted so the bar went away.
It's added to the reproduction bezel and the 'seams' can be seen.
Yep, the reproduction is from a '72 mold. They just glue in the seat belt warning lower section and the divider to create the '69-'71.
As far as I know there is only one reproduction available
So far no luck finding a good used. Its amazing the broken trash that some are trying so sell. I saw one today where the radio section was cut off and of course the upper section was broken off...
Hello,
Yes.
Because of the difficulty in getting the top of the bezel to line up well with the the upper dash pad restorers push on the top of the bezel while tightening the screws on the sides of the bezel.
It takes VERY little pressure to break the bezel.
The 2 threaded studs below the radio opening and the upper screws just put too much twisting pressure on it.
Hope you're able to find a good used bezel.
Regards...
In the past I remember hearing that the bezel was DESIGNED to break at that point in a collision!!! .....To help protect the driver's or passenger's forehead!!!
Good originals can be rare and pricey these days I would expect. Ignoring condition for the moment - you have a rare bird in that it's original AND unbroken. Just a suggestion: maybe clean it up, shoot it w/ little high build primer (if necessary but I'm not sure it is...?) and some semi-gloss black - it might turn out good enough?
In any case - be careful working with it or installing it or another one - they are super delicate in the middle and break easily.
I've heard that claim before that these consoles were designed to break easily. as some sort of safety feature. But I lean towards that being more urban legend excuse for poor engineering and sloppy execution.
Gauge cluster bezel.....its a goner?
