1970 Center Instrument Cluster

[Tony H.]

I am going to try to tackle the radio problem in my 1970 car som time soon and now would be the best time to replace my "modified" center instrument cluster that was cut years ago by a previous owner to install a CB radio. Does anyone have any leads as to where I can get an original or exact reproduction center instrument cluster bezel for my 1970 interior? I think the radio has a simple ground problem but I will post that topic later when I am ready. I have a radio schematic diagram booklet for all 1969 Delco radios to help me out.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1970 Center Instrument Cluster

Hi Tony. I replaced mine on the 69 this winter. They are either reproduced or reissued by GM, I'm not sure. I bought one at Corvette Carlisle from "Corvette Paramedics", but now I see them in many catalogs. I had to slightly modify my "seat belt" warning light and button internally to make them fit, but everything else was OK as far as fit and finish externally. There are several different "models" for different years. I think that I paid about $115.00 for it. Hope this helps. Chuck

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1970 Center Instrument Cluster

Hi Tony. I replaced mine on the 69 this winter. They are either reproduced or reissued by GM, I'm not sure. I bought one at Corvette Carlisle from "Corvette Paramedics", but now I see them in many catalogs. I had to slightly modify my "seat belt" warning light and button internally to make them fit, but everything else was OK as far as fit and finish externally. There are several different "models" for different years. I think that I paid about $115.00 for it. Hope this helps. Chuck

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 Center Instrument Cluster

Tony-----

As Chuck mentions, these center console bezels are being reproduced, and are avilable in all original 69-76 configurations. 1968 is not being reproduced, but the 69 style can be substituted as a functional, if not exactly correct, replacement. The quality of the reproductions that I have seen is excellent. I have an NOS example of the 1969 bezel in my "private stock". Setting it side-by-side with a reproduction revealed no discernable differences.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 Center Instrument Cluster

Tony-----

As Chuck mentions, these center console bezels are being reproduced, and are avilable in all original 69-76 configurations. 1968 is not being reproduced, but the 69 style can be substituted as a functional, if not exactly correct, replacement. The quality of the reproductions that I have seen is excellent. I have an NOS example of the 1969 bezel in my "private stock". Setting it side-by-side with a reproduction revealed no discernable differences.

[Roberto L.]

Re: 1970 Center Instrument Cluster

Perhaps there is some hope to your console. I had the same problem, a previous owner cut it to enlarge the radio opening to install another radio. I filled both sides with plastic (polyestherine) building layers. Then sculpted it to follow the opening border curvature, tons of sanding and finally blended the black paint with the rest of the console paint. It is very difficult to note the repair and you will have the original console still alive... Just an idea. All my best from Argentina Roberto NCRS #30019 RMC

[Roberto L.]

Re: 1970 Center Instrument Cluster

Perhaps there is some hope to your console. I had the same problem, a previous owner cut it to enlarge the radio opening to install another radio. I filled both sides with plastic (polyestherine) building layers. Then sculpted it to follow the opening border curvature, tons of sanding and finally blended the black paint with the rest of the console paint. It is very difficult to note the repair and you will have the original console still alive... Just an idea. All my best from Argentina Roberto NCRS #30019 RMC

[GDaina]

Vette Grave Yard.....

888-318-3883, Tony or Mike, have everything you will ever need. These guys are great to deal with. Mention George Daina, they know me, as I have purchased tons of original used stuff for my 68. I'd rather buy used original than repo.

[GDaina]

Vette Grave Yard.....

888-318-3883, Tony or Mike, have everything you will ever need. These guys are great to deal with. Mention George Daina, they know me, as I have purchased tons of original used stuff for my 68. I'd rather buy used original than repo.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Vette Grave Yard.....

George,

The only problem with used original of these is:

1) Most of them have been broken near the top above the gauge cluster at the designed-in break point, and this cannot be repaired, and

2) Painting this part, with taping off the chrome trim edges (or even gently scraping wiht a razor blade), and then painting the words VOLUME and TUNING in silver without having it look like your 3 year old did it is a major pain.

For the $115 I just paid The Last Detail for my new one, I'll avoid the hassles, especially as I don't think I have ever seen a used one of these that passed muster.

Patrick Hulst

[Patrick H.]

Re: Vette Grave Yard.....

George,

The only problem with used original of these is:

1) Most of them have been broken near the top above the gauge cluster at the designed-in break point, and this cannot be repaired, and

2) Painting this part, with taping off the chrome trim edges (or even gently scraping wiht a razor blade), and then painting the words VOLUME and TUNING in silver without having it look like your 3 year old did it is a major pain.

For the $115 I just paid The Last Detail for my new one, I'll avoid the hassles, especially as I don't think I have ever seen a used one of these that passed muster.

Patrick Hulst

[GDaina]

Pat, you're lucky you can buy the repo....

and you're right, for that price, why mess with brazing, etc. My 68's piece is busted, and because they don't make one for the 68, I'm toying w/the idea of getting a 69-72, priming the daylights out of it to make it smooth, or using Duraglass (body filler), but then, if I mess up, there goes the bucks.

[GDaina]

Pat, you're lucky you can buy the repo....

and you're right, for that price, why mess with brazing, etc. My 68's piece is busted, and because they don't make one for the 68, I'm toying w/the idea of getting a 69-72, priming the daylights out of it to make it smooth, or using Duraglass (body filler), but then, if I mess up, there goes the bucks.

[Patrick H.]

You're Right...

If you need one to practice on, I can send you a broken 69-76 one from my car to play with. That way you haven't spent the big bucks on a repro first.

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

You're Right...

If you need one to practice on, I can send you a broken 69-76 one from my car to play with. That way you haven't spent the big bucks on a repro first.

Patrick