headlight bezels

[dennis]

before I ruin a perfectly good set of metal bezels, I figured I'd ask the experts(joe) for advice.


I have a set with no sqirter holes, 1 with squirter holes, and 1 with squirter holes in a slightly different location than the other 1.Total of 4. They're all metal.


I thought about making a hole in one to make a set for my 70. Problem is I don't know which hole location is correct for a 70. Plus I figure I could trade or sell for a set that's correct.

[Joe L.]

Re: headlight bezels

dennis-----


As you may know, the headlamp washer system was used for only 3 model years---1969, 1970, 1971. No washer system was used for 1968 and for model year 1972, Chevrolet, mercifully, dropped this idiotic system. Beginning, with model year 1973, the headlight bezels were changed to plastic material in contrast to the zinc-die-cast material used for 1968-72. There are actually only 6 different part number bezels that were ever used. These are as follows:


1968------------GM #3911143-LH and GM #3911144-RH


1969-1971-------GM #3957045-LH and GM #3957046-RH


1972------------GM #3911143-LH and GM #3911144-RH (BOTH ARE SAME AS 1968)


1973-82---------GM #331817-LH and GM #331818-RH


The 69-71 bezels are, of course, the ones which include the holes for the headlamp washer nozzles. These holes are NOT round but are "D" shaped. This configuration of the holes allows for positive indexing of the washer nozzle so that it is oriented "correctly" regardless of the degree of skill of the assembly line worker performing the installation. I am totally unaware of any repositioning of the nozzle holes that occurred during the short life of the 3957045 and 3957046 bezels. Certainly, there was no part number change which could be a clue to a possible change in configuration. But, that does not mean that a change could not have occurred.


There are at least several ways that this could have happened. First, there could have been a change to the original drawings for the part. That change could have occurred AT ANY TIME during the 69-71 time period, and not necessarily coincident with a model year change. The only positive evidence of it would be a peek at the original drawings, themselves. You could check the rear of the bezels. There may be embossed part numbers of those I mentioned above. Check to see if there is a suffix to the part number like an "A", "B", or a "-1" or "-2". That might indicate a revised part.


Another way that the parts could have changed is if there was some manufacturing variation in the manner or position that the hole was "cut" or molded. You mention that the difference in location is slight, so such a possibility exists. It is also possible that there was some difference in position of the holes from side-to-side. You mention that you have one of each of the bezels that have the differently positioned holes. Does that mean that they are of different sides as I would expect? Also, since the difference in position of the holes is apparently slight, how would one define or describe the difference? My recollection is that the holes are about centered between the headlights.


In any event, if I were you, I would use the bezels with the holes already present. I strongly suspect that they are the correct ones for your 1970. I would not attempt to install holes in the "clean" bezels. First of all, the holes being "D" shaped will be difficult to accurately cut. Second, if you use these bezels, they will be the incorrect part number for your car. Adding holes would not make them otherwise "correct".


I'll be interested in learning what you find out about part numbers embossed on the rear of the bezels and, also, about how the location of the nozzle holes differ. Also, I'd be interested in hearing from some well-informed 69-71 aficionados on this subject if there is something that I am unaware of here.

[Terry M.]

Re: headlight bezels

Dennis & Joe,


I don't know about the part/casting numbers, and that would be interesting information - BUT Dennis may have bezels with "D" shaped holes in very different locations.


1) For 1970 the holes are located in the upper and lower horizontal (when the headlights are up) surfaces. That is the style Dennis should install.


2) Early 1971 (first 1500 or so cars had functioning headlight washer system) SOME had lower nozzle hole in the vertical surface. I have seen more of these after the system was discontinued than in the functioning systems. The first part of the system that was deleted was the nozzles. Bezels with holes continued to be installed with no nozzles. Washer hoses were cut in the harness and 5 port pump had 2 outlets "jumpered."


The change in the lower nozzle hole location made removal and installation of the bezels much easier. Unfortunately the change came just as the system was dying.


BTW: I agree with Joe regarding its usefulness. Maybe, if they could have kept it going, we would have got wipers for the headlamps too. Consider how complicated and expensive that would have been.


Hope this helps.


Terry

[dennis]

joe & terry

joe & tery


in 25+ years of getting no responds to many problems and questions, I'm amazed at the information you guys have. And right on the money every time.


anyway, think I'll search for the other piece for my 70,( now that Ihave the # and hole location) and not ruin an otherwise good set without washer provisions. Thanks, Dennis

[Joe L.]

Re: joe & terry

dennis----


I'd still be very interested in finding out what the part numbers are, if any are found, on the rear side of the 4 bezels that you have.

[Joe L.]

Re: headlight bezels

Terry----


Interesting information. The fact that the hole location was changed pretty much verifies that there was a revision to the GM #3957045, 46 specifications.


Upon a little further research, I found that the 68-style bezels, GM #3911143 and 3911144, were available in SERVICE only until 1969. After mid 1969 or so, and until 1974, the 69+ style bezels, GM #3957045 and 3957046, were the only bezels available to service ALL 68 through 1972 applications. For model year 1972, GM apparently brought back the 68-style 3911144 and 3911145 bezels for PRODUCTION, but they were never again made available for SERVICE. In 1973, of course, the bezels were changed to the plastic construction. After 1974, these bezels, GM #331817 and 331818, were the only bezels available to service ALL 68+ applications.


Apparently, from the information which you provided, sometime during the early 1971 model year, the hole location in the 3957045 and 3957046 bezels was changed. After that time and to the conclusion of production of these bezels, I presume that all had the revised hole location.


I'll have to make a point of examing these bezels that I find at Bloomington and elsewhere this year. It's hard to examine them on the car since most folks don't have their headlamps in the "up" position. But, I'll scrounge around for those available in the swap meet and I'll plan on "mosying" around when you judges make the owners operate their headlights on the judging field.


One other question that I would have for you, Terry, is if you could confirm that 72 models did, indeed, use the bezels without holes (or plugs). I'm sure you've run across more than a few of these in your judging capacity.

[Terry M.]

Re: headlight bezels (correction)

Joe & Dennis,


There is a long paragraph in the TIM&JG on this, and now that I look at it I may have been a little off in the serial number range I posted above (Shooting from the hip again guys, sorry). Order of events are right, just serial number change point is off a bit.


After about 1971 s/n 14,000 or so there were no holes in the headlight bezels. So Joe I would NOT expect 1972 to have holes. Before 1971 s/n 14,000 back to about 3600 or so they jumped around - some with holes and no nozzles, some without holes, some one side holes one side not holes. Before 3600 the headlamp washers functioned as in 1970. Bezels had holes filled with nozzles.


The manual says "some very late 1970 and very early 1971 have BOTH nozzels on vertical surface."


Sorry for the errors guys.


Terry