71 Instrument Bezel

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

Paul you are exactly right. I had taken the bezel out before and decided to just finger tighten the nuts because it took my forever to get them out the first time. This time it was a 10 minute job versus a 2 days job. Great point for everyone to remember when reinstalling the bezel.

Paul-----


Years ago I replaced those hex nuts with wing nuts. That way, you can get your hand in there to tighten them fairly well. Of course, you want to start the nuts on the studs BEFORE you install the bezel into the dash; the "horseshoe" bracket has SLOTS for the studs rather than holes.

[Steven G.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

The guage bezel is almost nearly impossible to install and not crack when trying to get a good fit. I broke my 2nd bezel over the years and was being most cafeful, if I left screws loose it would have been ok at least for a while, but that is not ok with me, so I have decided to re-check dash fit, adjust, reinforce+weld bezel (rear+ side), and trim where/what ever to increace clearance, there must be shrinkage from dash vynal after nearly 40 years causing this problem. Steve

[Roberto L.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

Paul-----


Years ago I replaced those hex nuts with wing nuts. That way, you can get your hand in there to tighten them fairly well. Of course, you want to start the nuts on the studs BEFORE you install the bezel into the dash; the "horseshoe" bracket has SLOTS for the studs rather than holes.

Good idea Joe!! Those nuts are always a problem.

Now all the jugdes will start to finger check the central consoles...

Best regards

[Jack H.]

Re: 71 Instrument Bezel

Urban legend? Yep, it's an urban legend all right that was started by GM/Chevrolet!

Quoting from the 1971 Chassis Service Manual under its advice for R&R of the center instrument cluster:

"CAUTION: The center instrument cluster trim plate is designed to collapse under impact. Consequently, do not try to deflect the cluster plate forward to gain more access to back of gauges."

It never ceases to amaze me on how MANY of the cars from this era have broken factory original center cluster bezels because 'Billy Bob' REFUSED to purchase and read the GM service literature then went about the task of maintaining his/her car using the BIG HAMMER approach!