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I need help understanding how the bottom of the center instrument bezel attaches to the brace/console. I failed to take adequate notes when I took everything apart and I thought it would be easier then it is. Live and learn! I have a 71 convertible. The bottom of the instrument bezel has 2 studs. Are these 2 studs supposed to attach to the console brace (the bracket that bolts to the top of the tranny tunnel)? The brace has 2 holes in it that appear to be for this purpose. I do know that there were no nuts on the studs when I took it apart. I also seem to have a big gap (about 1") between bottom of bezel and brace. Do the studs rest on top of the brace, or do they fit down into the holes and flush with top of brace. I have looked at the assembly manual and it is unclear. Thanks. John
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Re: Center Instrument Bezel To Console Mount on a
John-----
The console studs fit down into the brace which you describe; there should be no "gap". Also, the studs are supposed to have nuts on them. What happened here was that some earlier "technician" or owner that worked on the car removed the bezel to access the radio or some other component. When that person was done, they decided that re-installing the nuts was too much trouble. They were right, too, it IS a lot of trouble and a real pain. The GM service manual says to do this by "inserting a flexible drive socket" through the opening created by removal of the console forward side covers. Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. My recommendation: replace the standard hex nuts with wing nuts. If you have small enough hands you can get your hand in there and remove or install the wing nuts a lot easier than with the "flex drive socket". I made this switch years ago. Don't tell any judge, though. If you don't tell them, they'll never know what you've done.
Also, be extremely careful when working with the center bezel. The uppermost part of it will break off VERY easily if it's "mistreated". If that happens, you'll need a new one and reproductions are about $175 these days.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Center Instrument Bezel To Console Mount on a
Joe,
Thanks for the info. I will go with the wing nuts. Unfortunately, the previous owner already broke the upper part of the bezel. I couldn't tell until I took it out and it came out in 2 pieces. So far, I am hoping it will mate back and look ok since I couldn't tell in the first place. Should work don't you think? On the other hand, I will spring the $175 for a new one if it doesn't. Who has the best repo's? I have read stories about getting bad ones. BTW, I am fixing to head out to the NCRS Mardi Gras regional. Maybe I will find one at the swap meet.
JohnComment
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Re: Center Instrument Bezel To Console Mount on a
John,
I went through the process you're describing repeatedly on a '71 I used to have.
By the time you get the whole thing (cluster bezel, side panels, center console, etc.) together, it should be tight enough you don't have to torque the wing nuts down very much. In fact, you'll probably be able to eyeball it well enough before you put the center console in that when you slide the center console in between the bezel and bracket, it'll pull the wing nuts up against the bracket tight enough they won't come loose with normal car vibrations. May take a little adjustment before you get it right, but it's not that difficult.
Regards, WendellComment
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Re: Center Instrument Bezel To Console Mount on a
Wendell,
Finally got the console and center bezel together last night. Thanks for the tips. I used wing nuts with no problem. The hardest thing turned out to be the screws holding the fiber optic harness to the top plate. Took about 2 hours of fooling around with it.
JohnComment
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