70 Gauge Cluster Bezel/ Seat Belt Push Button Remo

[Gregory G.]

How can the plasic push button,which is worn, be removed and replaced?

It appears to be a 1 piece unit of molded plasic on the reverse side with no clear way of seperating it from the cluster.

Greg

[Jack H.]

Re: 70 Gauge Cluster Bezel/ Seat Belt Push Button

It's a major PITA, but it's not 'rocket science'. First, you have to pull the instrument center cluster (yuk) and be sure to follow the steps given in the Chassis Service Manual because the center cluster bezel has designed-in weak points intended to 'give' in a crash. If you don't handle the center cluster removal process correctly, you'll wind up breaking the bezel at the weak points and then you're in a pickle (pick between a current reproduction bezel that's detectably different from factory original or bend over and fork out something like $300+ for a Last of the Mochicans NOS bezel!).

Once the center cluster is free, you'll see the seat belt warning assy is simply screwed onto the back of the cluster bezel. Remove it and the push button is easy to remove, clean up and re-detail the debossed legend using a small artist's brush, white paint, and a wipe-down with a shop towel dipped in paint thinner....

[Gregory G.]

Re: 70 Gauge Cluster Bezel/ Seat Belt Push Button

I did not meantion it was already out of the car.The piece is dated '69 on the rear with the part number,but there are no screws to remove it.That is my question on how to remove.It looks like it was cast in upon manufacturing of the bezel.The button on the reverse has a plastic stem or plunger attached with a plastic circular portion attached to it that acts as a stop on the backside as when you lift your finger off the button the switch is now reset.

Greg

[D S.]

Re: 70 Gauge Cluster Bezel/ Seat Belt Push Button

Greg, that round plastic thing is supposed to be a thin metal retainer and with care it can be "walked" up the pushbutton shaft by pressing it inward near the shaft. Sort of like reversing an umbrella. After it is removed you should discover a spring under it. Before removing the button note or mark its current position so that when you replace the button and gradually push on the round retainer it will set as the original one did. I think that the replacement buttons have a retainer that comes with it.

Scott

[Gregory G.]

Re: 70 Gauge Cluster Bezel/ Seat Belt Push Button

Thanks Scott.

Who sells the replacement buttons?

Greg

[D S.]

Re: 70 Gauge Cluster Bezel/ Seat Belt Push Button

Mid-America Motorworks (602-545), Willcox Corvette (in Corvette Trader), Ecklers (***91) to name three. They all come with the button, spring, and clip.

Scott

[Gregory G.]

Re: 70 Gauge Cluster Bezel/ Seat Belt Push Button

Thanks.
I forgot to ask if you think the letters,size and shape are stamped in like the originals?

Greg

[D S.]

Re: 70 Gauge Cluster Bezel/ Seat Belt Push Button

Joe Lucia can tell you that. I cannot tell any visual difference from the face.

Scott

[Tony H.]

Re: 70 Gauge Cluster Bezel/ Seat Belt Push Button

Greg,
Years ago I performed a similar swap that you are attempting. I did notice a difference in the repro button vs. the original button. I chose to use my original button instead of the repro to preserve the same feel (spring) and look. Right now, I cannot recall whether or not there was a font or size difference. But, I do know that my button is the original. So, if your original button is in good shape, you can easily restore it like Jack describes above and use it in the repro bezel.