68 Center Gauge Bezel

[Blair K.]

Re: 68 Center Gauge Bezel

Not to get off topic here, gentlemen - my apologies to Stephan. Are these bezels able to be repaired where they commonly break??? I have heard of places where they repair (weld) pot metal. Has anyone had this done and what where the results??? Thanks in advance.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Center Gauge Bezel

Not to get off topic here, gentlemen - my apologies to Stephan. Are these bezels able to be repaired where they commonly break??? I have heard of places where they repair (weld) pot metal. Has anyone had this done and what where the results??? Thanks in advance.

Blair------


Zinc diecast ("pot metal") can be repaired using low temperature, aluminum welding rod available from the Cecil Muggy Co. However, the area where the bezels almost invariably fracture is very thin. I don't think a repair would be practical or, if accomplished, durable.

[Paul O.]

Re: 68 Center Gauge Bezel

I have had my welder do this repair and so far on 3 center bezels the ones we have done have held up well. The welder I use has great deal of experience with aluminum welding. He is an welding artist. After he is finished it takes several hours by me to reshape the weld joint to an original configuration.

[Dennis O.]

Re: 68 Center Gauge Bezel

Paul,

What you do you do about the plating on the bezel? I have one broken on one side only that I picked up for next to nothing and would like to have it fixed if possible.

Denny

[Blair K.]

Re: 68 Center Gauge Bezel

I have had my welder do this repair and so far on 3 center bezels the ones we have done have held up well. The welder I use has great deal of experience with aluminum welding. He is an welding artist. After he is finished it takes several hours by me to reshape the weld joint to an original configuration.

Any chance of posting pics of your finished bezel??? I for one would sure like to see how it turned out. Thanks in advance. BK3

[Paul O.]

Re: 68 Center Gauge Bezel

Sorry did not think to take a photo but should have my bad. Should not say this but I do not replate the bezel after. I file the weld bead down and then polish it. The difference between the plated and the polished is small. Plus when installed in its location it does stand out. Great now all the interior judges will be looking for this repair. But I look at this way even if noticed by a judge it would be just a minor condition issue and you only have 5 condition points to work with. What would be the deduction for me it would be a notation and a dot if it was done in a craftsman manner. Even if the judge says finish or a small section of chrome plating is missing you only have 6 points to work with. With CDCIF you have 1.2 points for the entire finish of the bezel for me no deduction. I would rather have an original repaired part then a reproduction in the end. So far have done 2 68 bezels harder to find and 1 69-71 bezel.

[Stefan H.]

Re: 68 Center Gauge Bezel

Hi,Thanks for all help here.I think I can use my grained bebezel without any doubt.
Regards
Stefan

[Russ S.]

Re: 68 Center Gauge Bezel

Denny, if you ever want to get rid of the broken bezel let me know. thanks

[Dennis O.]

Re: 68 Center Gauge Bezel

Russ,

I am in Florida for the winter and will not be back to my shop in Minnesota until May. If you can wait that long, I'll check it out. What do you think it might be worth?