1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

[Steven B.]

First, sorry for the sideways pic. I've looked at numerous pictures of the dash fit with other '69's where the wiper switch and chrome dash meet and they all seem to have some sort of fit like this where the console sticks out beyond the dash pad. First why is this and how is it corrected so there is a flush fit? The wiper switch hits the chrome trim and makes it tight to operate. Any help would be appreciated.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

First, sorry for the sideways pic. I've looked at numerous pictures of the dash fit with other '69's where the wiper switch and chrome dash meet and they all seem to have some sort of fit like this where the console sticks out beyond the dash pad. First why is this and how is it corrected so there is a flush fit? The wiper switch hits the chrome trim and makes it tight to operate. Any help would be appreciated.

Steven------


The alignment of the bezel with the upper dash pad is typically not perfect. However, I think that yours is much further misaligned than any would have originally been seen. I suspect one of three causes: improper installation of the bezel, a distorted bezel, or a broken bezel. Broken bezels are common although they do not break in service. They break due to aggressive installation or removal.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

Joe, thanks for the answer. I'm about to replace the dash pad, windshield and center console so I'll be able to see the damaged bezel and address it accordingly. I'll even post pics on what I uncover to help others with the same issue. Your expertise is beyond helpful. Thank you.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

It's not clear from the photo, but the instrument bezel looks like it may be broken on the passenger side. They're designed to breakaway in a collision just below the AC vents, and as Joe advised, easily break while handling.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

Joe, thanks for the answer. I'm about to replace the dash pad, windshield and center console so I'll be able to see the damaged bezel and address it accordingly. I'll even post pics on what I uncover to help others with the same issue. Your expertise is beyond helpful. Thank you.

Are you replacing the dash pad with a used original, or a reproduction?
I would not guarantee a reproduction would fit as well as an original.

Having said that, you can usually tweak the alignment of the center cluster to fit better than you show here.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

Thanks Mark, I'll take a closer look once I get it out. I appreciate the help.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

Patrick, I would use the dash pad I have, but it appears that the pad is red, based on some dye that has rubbed off and in the right sunlight, you can see the red come through. I will look and see about an original dash pad, but what are the odds of that? I always try and use original but if anyone has ideas on a source for original dash pads, I'm ready to purchase.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

Thanks Mark, I'll take a closer look once I get it out. I appreciate the help.

You don't need to take anything out to see the break. It starts on the outer edge just below the AC vents, near the mounting screw.

[Philip A.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

I bought my 69's repo dash pad from Corvette America/Top Flight. It fits perfect and looks great. Scary when you install them though. May be less scary with windshield out and go in that way.

[Philip A.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

My 69's bezel fits perfect, no A.C. Someone has something wrong there or has given way to make it sit like that.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

Hi Mark, I finally had some time and looked at the bezel and you're correct, the bezel is cracked on the right side. That will also be replaced when I take it apart or more accurately, when the interior guy does that part of it. Thanks for picking up something from a photo that I didn't catch right in front of me.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

Don't feel bad. I drove my first Corvette, a '73, for a year before I realized the two clean seams in the bezel, one on each side, were breaks. I thought it was a two-piece assembly.

[Ron G.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

Usually I see the right side not fitting tight, never the left. However, any 68 -72's I have ever seen they never fit perfect. I have no clue why. In regard to the 1969 in question, for me it is not just the left side that I don't see fitting good, it is my opinion that there is too much space.

[Brad Hillhouse (37766)]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

They're designed to breakaway in a collision just below the AC vents, and as Joe advised, easily break while handling.

Could you share where you learned that information?

Thanks
Brad Hillhouse

[Mark E.]

Re: 1969 dash console fit-are all like this?

I believe I learned it from the service manual but need to check.