C3 Instrument cluster bezel

[Tony 38901]

Would I get points taken away if I install a bezel from one of the major Corvette Parts dealers out there? Does GM still carry these? I couldn't seem to find one on either gmgoodwrench.com or gmpartsdirect.com. This would be going on a '72.
Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Instrument cluster bezel

Tony-----

The bezel for your car is GM-discontinued and has been for quite some time. However, the reproductions are excellent. I don't think that they can be discerned from originals. If there are any differences, they are very minor.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Instrument cluster bezel

Due to the fact that the original molds for this part have worn, the lettering for "Volume" and "Tuning" appears thicker than it did on your original. I can often spot this just looking at a picture on ebay. The original molds are being used to produce today's reproductions.

Of course, originals that do not have the top portion of the bezel broken off are rare, so you either lose on condition or on originality.

My all-original 72 has this bezel broken. As I will be trying for a Bowtie Award, I have decided to leave the cracked original there. Good used ones go for $200, and for 1-2 points it isn't worth it.

Patrick

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 Instrument cluster bezel

Plus, last time I looked at a repro center cluster bezel, it had visible differences between the early Shark version and later era castings. The horizontal bar separating the upper/lower warning lamp functions on the LH side (seat belt) was 'tacked' on instead of being molded in like factory originals and the abrupt change in surface flushness was readily noticeable!