Small guage bezel

[Brad S.]

Are the 69 to 71 small guage bezels ( center dash cluster ) the same for A/C cars and non A/C cars with the exception of the vent insert or CORVETTE insert? thanks Brad

[Joe L.]

Re: Small guage bezel

Brad------

I guess you could put it that way. However, the difference you described is quite a substantial difference. So, saying they are "the same except..." is a bit like saying that a Corvette and a Cadillac are the same except...

[Brad S.]

Re: Small guage bezel

Joe, I guess I am asking if they will interchange if you change the upper insertwith the vent and wiper switch? thanks Brad

[Joe L.]

Re: Small guage bezel

Brad------

They will physically interchange as far as being able to install them. However, There's no way that I can conceive of to convert one to the other as far as finished appearance goes.

[Jack H.]

Guess, I'm missing the point...

My copy of the '71 AIM pretty clearly shows the only change to center instrument cluster for AC cars versus non-AC equipped cars (Option Section, C60) is the insertion of the center duct assy, 3963792, and the air deflector bezel, 3946943, which replaces the base car's block-off plate. There's no mention of any other changes to the basic center instrument cluster. What am I missing in this thread?

[Sal C.]

Re: Guess, I'm missing the point...

The gauge housing (or bezel) itself is the same for those years whether or not car has A/C. The difference is in the wiper switch housing inserts. The A/C version has vent deflectors, the non-A/C does not, but they both fit in the same bezel.

[Brad S.]

Re: Guess, I'm missing the point...

Thanks guys, Sorry if post was confusing. I have found a factory unbroken ( a rarity in itself) guage bezel out of an A/C car. My car is non A/C. Can I take the vent panel out and install my original block off panel in its place? I think Jack and Sal answered my question. Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: Guess, I'm missing the point...

Sal and Jack------

Yes, you're both correct. For some reason, I was basing my previous response on my incorrect recollection of the configuration of the bezel. Some of the parts which I thought were part of the bezel are actually separate parts. The bezels for A/C and non-A/C are exactly the same.