Upper chrome bezel around the rear exhaust

[Joe Weise]

Greetings,

Can someone tell me the correct style screw (standard or phillips) and
size that holds upper chrome bezel around the rear exhaust openings?

Thanks.

Joe

[Chuck S.]

Re: Upper chrome bezel around the rear exhaust

You can purchase exhaust bezel screw kits from various Corvette vendors, and depending on the vendor, they may be more or less correct.

The screws will have cross-recess (Phillips) heads...AFAIK there are no slotted head screws on the body. I'm thinking the bezel screws are #8, chrome-plated, crown-head, countersinking, coarse-thread, sheet metal screws about 3/4" long for use with U nuts that slip over the exhaust panel fiberglass.

[Joe L.]

Re: Upper chrome bezel around the rear exhaust

Joe-----

The screws described by Chuck are the ones to use, as original.

However, one thing to keep in mind depends upon whether your primary intention is to DRIVE the car or enter the car in NCRS or other judged events.

The original bezels used for 68-69 as well as those used for 70-73 were chrome plated, zinc-diecast. The retaining screws were plated steel. Neither one of these holds up very well for very long exposed to exhaust heat. The bezels will "blister" and discolor. The screws will have the plating deteriorate and corrode.

If you're going to drive the car and you want the bezels and screws to look good for a long time, I recommend using the stainless steel "reproduction" bezels and stainless steel screws. These will maintain a good appearance for as long as you need them to. I absolutely HATE the "blistered" appearance that inevitably occurs with the original type bezels.

Of course, if your primary intention is judged events and you intend to drive the car very little, the original style bezels and screws are the way to go.

[Joe Weise]

Re: Upper chrome bezel around the rear exhaust

Now these are the kind of answers to questions I like.
I was vague in my question, yet I got the kind of answers
that not only covered what I didn't, but were detailed and helpful.

Thank you very much.

I knew I re-joined NCRS for a reason.

Joe

[Chuck S.]

Re: Upper chrome bezel around the rear exhaust

Good thing you said what model year and/or year class you owned in your profile. Otherwise, you mightna' got nuttin' but cranky bitchin', and it could've hurt your feelings. (Yuk, yuk, only kidding.)

Welcome back home, Joe. BTW, that's a nice informative profile.