1970 headlight bezels

[Stephen B.]

Is the back of the metal bezel coated with zinc chromate or some other paint? I am preparing to paint a bezel that I purchased at a swap meet. It does not appear to be coated on the back.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1970 headlight bezels

I don't know if mine are original, but the backsides are unfinished pot metal (with body paint over spray).

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 headlight bezels

Thanks Mark

[Edward J.]

Re: 1970 headlight bezels

Steve, I seem to remember that my 72 had the green zinc chromate primer, most of the aluminum parts uses that primer.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1970 headlight bezels

Are they aluminum?

[John V.]

Re: 1970 headlight bezels

Stephen,
I'm new to the NCRS forum...but as I was searching for a post that a friend was going to do regarding a likely original coolant shut-off valve on my January (early build) 1970 350/300 w/A/C; Auto; 37,000mile NCRS TopFlight / Bloomington Gold Survivor...I stumbled across your post. I may be able to give you what you seek by examining the same headlight bezels on my original paint car. Are you concerned about what is behind the colored bezel (not visible side) surrounding the low/high beams?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 headlight bezels

Are they aluminum?

Mark------


No, the bezels are zinc diecast material. At least, they were through 1972. After that year, they were plastic.

[Stephen B.]

Re: 1970 headlight bezels

I appreciate everyone's input.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1970 headlight bezels

Mark------


No, the bezels are zinc diecast material. At least, they were through 1972. After that year, they were plastic.

This made me wonder about Chevy's choice of materials. Diecast metal/ potmetal seems like an odd material to specify for this part. Fiberglass or plastic makes more sense. Lighter, less expensive and just as durable for this function.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 headlight bezels

This made me wonder about Chevy's choice of materials. Diecast metal/ potmetal seems like an odd material to specify for this part. Fiberglass or plastic makes more sense. Lighter, less expensive and just as durable for this function.

Mark------


As I previously mentioned, GM came to that conclusion for 1973 and later. But, for 1968-72, it was zinc diecast.