1969 gauge bezel question

[Paul S.]

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone can help with this...

I have seen two slightly different styles of '69 gauge bezels that both have GM parts numbers on them. The first, which I know to be correct, has the horizontal divider between the seat belts warning light and the push button molded right into the bezel, like so:

Molded.jpg

The second, has the horizontal divider as a separate piece:

Seperate.jpg

I know that the reproduction bezels have this second style of divider, but as mentioned above, I have seen this on bezels with GM part numbers on the back that appear to be original as well. (Perhaps these are later GM service replacements?)

I guess my main question is, would only the first style be acceptable for judging purposes on a '69, or would the second style be OK as well?


Thanks,
Paul

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 gauge bezel question

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone can help with this...

I have seen two slightly different styles of '69 gauge bezels that both have GM parts numbers on them. The first, which I know to be correct, has the horizontal divider between the seat belts warning light and the push button molded right into the bezel, like so:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]66124[/ATTACH]

The second, has the horizontal divider as a separate piece:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]66125[/ATTACH]

I know that the reproduction bezels have this second style of divider, but as mentioned above, I have seen this on bezels with GM part numbers on the back that appear to be original as well.

Is only the first style acceptable for judging purposes on a '69, or would the second style be OK as well?


Thanks,
Paul

To receive full credit in NCRS and NCCB Judging your 1969 needs to have style 1.

[Paul S.]

Re: 1969 gauge bezel question

To receive full credit in NCRS and NCCB Judging your 1969 needs to have style 1.

Thanks! I figured that was the case, but I am still curious as to where the bezels with GM part number stampings on the back and style #2 are coming from.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 gauge bezel question

Thanks! I figured that was the case, but I am still curious as to where the bezels with GM part number stampings on the back and style #2 are coming from.

Reproduction parts companies. The GM part number is no assurance of OEM parts.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 gauge bezel question

Thanks! I figured that was the case, but I am still curious as to where the bezels with GM part number stampings on the back and style #2 are coming from.

Paul------


I believe this was also a post 69 bezel that became SERVICE for 1969.

[Paul S.]

Re: 1969 gauge bezel question

I believe this was also a post 69 bezel that became SERVICE for 1969.

Thanks, Joe -- that is what I suspected as well!

If anyone has a non-broken and restorable '69 bezel in the correct style (style #1 above), please let me know, as I am in the market for one!

- Paul

[Alan S.]

Re: 1969 gauge bezel question

Hi Paul,
I've been seeing some of the later style service and reproduction bezels that have been 'modified' with a material like JB Weld or something similar and then paint.
The repair can be quite convincing.
The reproduction bezel does have at least one other 'tell' that I'm aware of…. the lettering of the word TUNING runs slightly up-hill from left to right.
Once you've seen the two together it's quite easy to spot…. but I'm not sure if it's enough of an issue for a deduction of any points. I like to look just to see if the bezel appears to be an original since so many of them have been broken over the years it's nice to see a car with an original.
Regards,
Alan

Added: I just saw your last post about your broken bezel; is it broken on one side or two?

Here's an example of how straight/level the lettering is on an original.

[Paul O.]

Re: 1969 gauge bezel question

What you are seeing in the 2nd type is a 1972 and later bezel design. It is then modified with an insert to accommodate the push button and lens.

Here is one on the bay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-1971-Corvette-Center-Gauge-Radio-and-Clock-Surround-Bezel-/172003222377?hash=item280c30e369:g:JYkAAOSwFGNWTN3t&vxp=mtr