72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

[Michael C.]

Today my new gauge bezel arrived from one of the acclaimed suppliers of "correct" restoration parts. I ordered it to replace the original that had been hacked up by a previous owner during a stereo installation. When I opened the box I found it had been painted flat black and not a very good paint job at that. The original is semi-gloss and that is what is called for in the judging manual for 75-77's. Needless to say I was disappointed. When I called and questioned them they said "most people don't care about it not being correct and, frankly, its easier and cheaper to do it in flat paint". He encouraged me to strip the paint with lacquer thinner and repaint it myself. Is this reasonable? Where can I go to get a properly painted "correct" bezel?

[george romano]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

Look for a good used original part from a Corvette recycler.

George

[Reba Whittington]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

There is a correct reproduction, but I cannot remember who makes it. Hopefully someone with a better memory than mine will know who the supplier is.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

Pasta,

Good luck. I tried, and most have the top portion broken off. Those on eBay that are unbroken often go for $100+. I ended up re-using my original on my 72. I think Corvette junkyards wanted far more.

Mike, I got your note.
Realize that the original color was more of a "medium" gloss. Semi gloss would be too bright. I find SEM Trim Black 39143 (www.semproducts.com) to be an exact match, and I much prefer it to Krylon semi-flat.

You have two options: paint over the black on there now, or strip and repaint. If you think the current paint is of good quality, then you can reasonably easily tape along the chromed edges and over the Volume and Tuning words. In fact, use a generous piece of tape over the words, edges turned up, to allow no "edge" to build up. I would think that relatively easily you could "fog" the console with paint to change it from flat to medium gloss black using the SEM, and be happy.

If you decide to strip and repaint, it gets a little more involved but you can get excellent results. I'd try to add a little SEM first, as you'll need the spray bomb of it anyway should you decide to strip and repaint.

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

Reba,

I may be incorrect, but given the complexity of the part and the fact that the current reproducer uses the original molds, I'd be very surpised if there is more than one company manufacturing these.

Then again, I can't believe that 3 companies reproduce rocker panel moldings for 70-77s - and none have the correct tab on the bottom.

Patrick

[george romano]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

"Those on eBay that are unbroken often go for $100+. "

Well, I'd rather pay $100+ for a good used part that I can install upon arrival, than spend $100+ for a repro part that I have to rework before I can use it.

If it were me, I'd call Gary Gruhala and check with him.

George

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

Most of the used ones I've seen still needed paint, FWIW.

Gary's business is....?

Patrick

[Ron Viestenz]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

The GM Restoration part is available from Paragon www.corvette-paragon.com or by calling 1-800-882-4688. They are located near Flint, MI.

[Michael C.]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

Unfortunately Paragon was the source of the "correct" reproduction part that started this thread. The part was cast correctly and, in fact, based on the mold markings, the exact same mold my original was cast from. However, the paint was dead flat black and not correct. It should be more of a satin or as one person termed it, "semi-flat". Also, the tuning and volume markings had been painted over with silver: not correct again. They should be natural base metal unpainted. So, while the casting itself was perfect, the painting was not correct. This would have required considerable work to strip and properly refinish. I wanted one that was totally correct right out of the box.

[Ron Viestenz]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

The Bezel is listed in Catalogs from Corvette America 800-458-3475 and Mid America 800-500-8388. Is the quality any better from either of these sources?

[Michael C.]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

Ron,
I don't know about the bezels from CA or MA. My understanding is that there is but one company actually casting these. The key thing here is the way they are finished. The Last Detail down in Georgia claims to have them finished in the proper sheen but I have not ordered one to see for myself.

[Ron Viestenz]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

Mike-
Do you have a phone number or city in Georgia or any information for The Last Detail so that I can contact them directly? The Last Detail that came up on the www was in North Chicago.

[Bill E.]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

Ron:
Try www.CorvettePartsDepot.com
Telepone: 770-414-0077, Orders 1-888LastDetail
Address: 2101 Northlake Parkway, Atlanta, Ga. 30084

Bill

[Gary S.]

Re: 72-76 instrument/gauge bezel dilemma

http://www.tld-corvette.com