53-57 speedometer chrome bezel

[Charles C.]

On the 53-57 speedometer chrome bezel that goes around the front face of the speedometer, there are several arced grooves just below the opening showing the speedometer face. The reproduction bezel comes with these grooves painted black, but my original does not seem to have any black paint in the grooves. Were these grooves painted black on the originals or were they unpainted showing the chrome.

Thanks
Charles

[Gary C.]

Re: 53-57 speedometer chrome bezel

Charles, originals were painted black. Paint came/wore off easily. Gary....

[Dan D.]

Re: 53-57 speedometer chrome bezel

I just took my 57 apart yesterday. There is evidence of some remaining black paint in the groves. I was wondering the same thing - is it suppose to be black, and the answer for sure is - yes. Paint just doesn't stick to shiny chrome very well. I am trying to use my original bezel, at least for now with some minor pitting. So now the question becomes one of how am I going to paint these groves so it looks good. -Dan-

[Roy B.]

Re: 53-57 speedometer chrome bezel

A good question because few restored Corvettes are painted because people may for get that , Yes three lines are painted black originally.

[Troy P.]

Re: 53-57 speedometer chrome bezel

Find a good pinstriper. He can freehand it in easily.