63 and 64-65 Tail Pipe Bezels

[Michael H.]

In a previous string of posts, there was some confusion on the different design of 63 and 64-65 tail pipe bezels. It was suggested that the only difference between the two was the size. The JG agrees with this. However, it was also suggested by others that the 63 bezel was unique in the fact that it was made entirely different than 64-65. The 63 style was rolled and welded only at the surface of the outer flange section, leaving a split the length of the tubular section. In the new 64-65 design, the bezel started life as a SS tube with a flange formed at the end. Below are pic's from jorjorian of both 63 and 64-65. Obviously, the 63 on the left shows the very typical broken weld but we can clearly see that the flange section was welded originally and also that the tubular section shows the obvious split or seam.

[Rick A.]

Re: 63 and 64-65 Tail Pipe Bezels

Michael,

once again, thank you to Bob and yourself! so, based on these pictures, we can deduce the JG for 1963 is wrong then and needs to be corrected to reflect the fact that the 1963 bezel was split and then tack welded. The JG is correct for 1964 in that it was one solid piece, and larger in diameter than the 1963.

FYI - that was what I was trying to determine with my initial post - which was correct for 1963 - now, where would I go about finding one!?

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 and 64-65 Tail Pipe Bezels

Rick,

Love the fact that we are able to post pic's on this site. Certainly makes it easier than trying to describe things.

I don't know of any NOS 63 bezels but I suppose they turn up on ebay from time to time. Problem is, even NOS is prone to weld failure. I wonder if anyone welds and polishes broken originals?

[Rick A.]

Re: 63 and 64-65 Tail Pipe Bezels

Understood - wonder if a skilled metal-man would be able to cut and shape and weld? not saying I would do........

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 and 64-65 Tail Pipe Bezels

I would probably first look for NOS. They're out there. If not, good used ones should be available. Might try searching the part number on ebay. I only remember the last three digits, 941 and 942?? I'll look it up.

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 and 64-65 Tail Pipe Bezels

Here are the part numbers Rick. 3826941 LH and 3826942 RH.

[Mike McKown]

Re: 63 and 64-65 Tail Pipe Bezels

This is a surprise to me that it would be a surprise to anyone that the '63 was split and tacked! '64 solid.

[Sydney G.]

Re: 63 and 64-65 Tail Pipe Bezels

Hi Rick,
You will find NOS sets or used sets at times on eBay. I've seen quite a few that I wish I would have bought but the price went up pretty high to justify for my ride, however.....for lady!
They are on my shopping list as well.

Aside from the seam, I've found that original '63 bezels usually are not a perfect round, or oval, as they often have imperfections like crimped corners or visual folds along their edge. You can see a slight example of what I mean in one of Eric's pictures.

The 2nd edition 63-4 JM states the same as mentioned before, to my surprise no indication of the '63 seam on the bezels. While perhaps the best starting reference for restoration or learning, the manual is just not specific enough in many areas.
Syd

[Robert Jorjorian]

Rick in your hunt

for bezels pay close attention to the inside area on 63 bezels closest to the pipe.
Those smaller diameter 63 pieces are real prone to having the tail pipe rub the inside bezel surface from improper pipe adjustment or rear muffler hanger fatigue.
When that happens the rub mark is extremely difficult to fix through polishing / buffing.
The broken flange weld is very common on used 63 bezels and easy work for a good welder to repair.
The prep and polishing on the flange after welding is straight forward work for any competent metal refisher / or plater.
Are you planning to go to Old Town in Jan.?

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 and 64-65 Tail Pipe Bezels

I had to repair the ones for my car. I found someone to weld them back together and then ground the weld smooth and buffed them myself.

No biggie..

tc

[Eric J.]

Repost of my picture *NM*

[Kent K.]

63 -64 JG proposed corrections & filing

Who is retaining all these corrections posted herein for the 63-64 Judging Guide? Is it MH, BJ, some combination, or who? Certainly, several members with passion for those years should be ready for the future moment when corrections will be accepted for serious consideration. Perhaps the information should be prepared proper format for insertion when the update committee is formed for serious work in JG updating.

Judging Guide updates should be of more dynamic than static nature. If the current system is not working, approach the national group who can change it.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Kent #6201

[Rick A.]

Re: Rick in your hunt

Bob,

thanks for all the good words of wisdom! yes, will be at Olde Towne - think I'm staying at the Motel 8 or something like that right on the corner from the "Days Inn Suite" - get in on the morning of the 18th and fly home on the morning of the 21st

[John D.]

Re: 63 and 64-65 Tail Pipe Bezels

Michael, I found one NOS here for my 63. Bought it at Carlisle many years ago. Just one. Jorjorian should have provided a better example of the original 63 bezel though. Bet he is sandbagging again. Likes to be called Robert to show respect he told me. Well if my little white car had the 63 bezel that Sr gave you to post I bet BG would have had a heart attack while judging my car. What a POC. Anyhow the pics were and are really nice. Should unravel a lot of confusion with the 63's and 64's. Wish you and RJ would write an article for the "Restorer" with some nice pics about the mid year bezels. I am sure we all would appreciate it. We have the same problem with the Pittsburgh Chapter. Trying to get people to write articles is tough. But get Sr. to come out with a NOS example instead of one that was buried in the FL swamp. Merry Christmas, John Looks like SW corner of PA won't have a white Christmas this year. Going to be around 50 degrees.

[John D.]

Re: 63 and 64-65 Tail Pipe Bezels

Oh Oh Mikey, I forgot there are left and rights of those bezels. I need a nice right one or pass. side one. But on the other hand being that those babies are stainless it shouldn't be too difficult to have them welded and blended. John