71 Instrument Bezel

[Paul C.]

My instrument is broken in 2 places--has anyone tried to fix one? If so what did you use? Anyone know where I can find a 71 bezel if I can't fix mine?

[Warren F.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

Paul,

I saw a nice used example at last years Corvettes @ Carlisle event. I believe that individual will be back this year and will bring it.

[Jim T.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

I don't know if JB Weld would work or not. I have thought about using it on my 70. I broke mine accidently one day with the dash top out of the car and the windshield out of the car. I knew it could happen and was careful, I was working on windshield frame removal and accidently dropped a tool and hit it. The two breaks are not really noticable, have to be looking for them to find the breaks. If I ever have to take it apart again I might try the JB Weld.

[Steven G.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

I am trying muggy weld, I ordered for cast alum. grille repair and looks like same metal. Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

My instrument is broken in 2 places--has anyone tried to fix one? If so what did you use? Anyone know where I can find a 71 bezel if I can't fix mine?

Paul----


From what I've seen, the reproductions are pretty much perfect. I think they are manufactured off the original tooling.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

Paul----


From what I've seen, the reproductions are pretty much perfect. I think they are manufactured off the original tooling.

The easiest way to spot a repro is the "U" in the word "TUNING." The tooling has developed a defect, and the "U" has a bit of fill in the bottom of it. Once you see an original and then a repro, you can see the difference - especially since the extra fill often has silver paint on it.

FYI, my 72 has the infamous two cracks where the top portion connects. When I've had it judged I'm sure to align it as best possible. It's essentially undetectable and I've never lost a point for it.

Patrick

[Ken A.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

I will have them correct the tooling. Thanks for the information!

[Paul O.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

Paul the repair is very difficult I have heard of some people saying they did it but have never seen one so can't comment on that. You can still find used late 68 to 71 bezels at swap meets prices vary some higher some lower. As far as the reproduction go for a 71 Patrick is right on about the "U" but for a 71 they use a 72 bezel then the install a plastic block or some other material to hold the seat belt reset switch then glue that in place. They then glue a bar on the front side to make it look like a real 71 but a quick look and you can see the it was glued in place. Does not look like one cast piece like the other side door warn and headlight warn lights. Someone may have started a new reproduction that is better but I have not seen it yet. Hope this helps. Paul

[Dick W.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

Paul, about two minutes with JB Weld and the cross bar looks like it was cast in place Oops! Just gave away another secret. Just a little time spend with a Dremel tool corrects the U

[Paul C.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

I contacted someone who welds aluminum to see the cost of getting it fixed. They said it is pot metal so just throw it away and buy another one.
Someone offered me a GM reproduction--has anyone seen these and how do they look? Thanks

[Dick W.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

Paul, the GM reproduction is the one that we have been talking about

[James W.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

Paul,

I repaired mine (cracked on the left side) using JB Weld. I took a Dremel tool and cut a depression where the two pieces joined, then took a thin piece of stock and used it to reinforce the crack. I tried using just JB Weld, but it needs support (which is why they break to begin with). I found a used one on ebay and bought it and wound up using it instead.

Jim

[Paul C.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

If I get a used one (I have a line on a 69 used one) and repaint it what color is that--flat black?? Where would I get a can of that paint--is that the color that someone discontinued? Or would I be better off just buying a new one that is already painted--I guess I prefer original but if there isn't much difference and it looks great maybe that's the way to go? Thoughts--I know this involves opinion. Thanks Paul

[Ken A.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

Paul, the GM reproduction is the one that we have been talking about

Actually there are at least 2 bezels. One or more is made in China. The 6497604 part is still produced by the OEM supplier. Look for the original to have the number 6497585 cast on the backside. It also fits better.

[Jack H.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

Plus, on the earlier Shark cars (with a 'push' to reset seat belt warning indicator system), the reproductions I've seen are of 'one fits all' construction. This means the center bar separating the 'push' button from the indicator light is 'tacked on' and NOT molded into the adjacent surround of the bezel leaving tell tale parting lines...