Numbers on 1968 Radio Bezel

[Bob S.]

Removed the Radio Bezel recently. Just go to removing the paint, and as I turned it over, there are two sets of numbers on the back. One over each "Knob" hole.

Over one hole, 7 or 8 numbers, followed by a - 68

The other, same thing, 7 or 8 numbers followed by a -69

I was under the impression that this was an original piece. Is it? Or, is it a repro?

Sorry, I don't have the numbers handy as the piece is soaking as I type this. Seems like a Repro to me as most "Dates" I've seen are by letter.

Thanks,

Bob DeSimone
(9944)

[Terry M.]

Re: Numbers on 1968 Radio Bezel

Removed the Radio Bezel recently. Just go to removing the paint, and as I turned it over, there are two sets of numbers on the back. One over each "Knob" hole.

Over one hole, 7 or 8 numbers, followed by a - 68

The other, same thing, 7 or 8 numbers followed by a -69

I was under the impression that this was an original piece. Is it? Or, is it a repro?

Sorry, I don't have the numbers handy as the piece is soaking as I type this. Seems like a Repro to me as most "Dates" I've seen are by letter.

Thanks,

Bob DeSimone
(9944)

Bob,

That is casting or mold information. It may be date as well, but it is more likely the date the mold was last worked on/altered. Of course in that case the 1969 date would rule it out as original to your Corvette. We have no data on that because, obviously, it is not a feature we can judge; and the number of people asking that question here on the board has been miniscule.

[Henry J.]

Re: Numbers on 1968 Radio Bezel

Bob:

On my 68 bezel, which I believe to be original, there are the following embossed numbers above the on/off-volume hole: 6480851. There is nothing at all above the other hole.

[Dale C.]

Re: Numbers on 1968 Radio Bezel

Interesting in that the two, 68 and 69, were totally different as far as texture so they were not interchangeable.

[Bob S.]

Re: Numbers on 1968 Radio Bezel

Bob:

On my 68 bezel, which I believe to be original, there are the following embossed numbers above the on/off-volume hole: 6480851. There is nothing at all above the other hole.

Henry,

Looking at mine now. Over the Right hole...(Which would be the Volume..) I have the same as you....Over the other (Tuning ) 6483385-69 Now THIS is strange. I would thinkk a Repro wouldn't be using OEM numbers. That said, the "69" numbers are smaller in size than the "68"

I'm wondering if they intended to use the Bezel on the 69's....but decided to go with the grain? I don't know. Just a guess.

Regards,

Bob DeSimone
(9944)

[Bob S.]

Re: Numbers on 1968 Radio Bezel

Interesting in that the two, 68 and 69, were totally different as far as texture so they were not interchangeable.

Dale,

Please see my response to Henry. Interested to know what you think

Regards,

Bob DeSimone
(9944)

[Reba W.]

Re: Numbers on 1968 Radio Bezel

I believe that the markings are to designate service replacement parts that would fit several years. I have seen 1970-76 GM console tops marked on the back with two or more part numbers and scored to cut for power window switches, fiber optic panels, and vent controls. I have an NOS for my 1972 that has two PNs on the reverse side and is marked for the vent cutouts.

[Dale C.]

Re: Numbers on 1968 Radio Bezel

Bob
The AIM and service parts books all depict different numbers, indicating actual different parts, as they should for the differences in 68 to 69. Here are the numbers; 68 AIM shows UPC 12 B3, item#1 is 6483356 and for 69 it's 6491003. Then in the 72 parts book the 68 (only)is 6483386 but it changes to 6491074 for 69 through 71. It then changed again to 6497819 for 69 to 73 in the 76 parts book. I don't see the number 6483385-69 in the AIM or Parts book, nor did I see that 6480851 number Henry listed. The 6483385-69 you showed is a close number to the 68 only 6383386 of the 72 parts book. Was that 6383386 the number listed on the back with the - 68? Like Reba said, it's probably an aftermarket part that fits both and they gave little concern as to the texture. That really dosen't make sense either as there had to be two different versions for the different years. Good luck keeping all these numbers straight.
Dale

[Henry J.]

Re: Numbers on 1968 Radio Bezel

Dale:

My bezel does not have the opening to accept the wiper over-ride light. Some 68's had the wiper over-ride light and, therefore, the bezels in these cars would have had the opening. Perhaps the bezel with the opening had a different number.

[Bob S.]

Re: Numbers on 1968 Radio Bezel

Bob
The AIM and service parts books all depict different numbers, indicating actual different parts, as they should for the differences in 68 to 69. Here are the numbers; 68 AIM shows UPC 12 B3, item#1 is 6483356 and for 69 it's 6491003. Then in the 72 parts book the 68 (only)is 6483386 but it changes to 6491074 for 69 through 71. It then changed again to 6497819 for 69 to 73 in the 76 parts book. I don't see the number 6483385-69 in the AIM or Parts book, nor did I see that 6480851 number Henry listed. The 6483385-69 you showed is a close number to the 68 only 6383386 of the 72 parts book. Was that 6383386 the number listed on the back with the - 68? Like Reba said, it's probably an aftermarket part that fits both and they gave little concern as to the texture. That really dosen't make sense either as there had to be two different versions for the different years. Good luck keeping all these numbers straight.
Dale

Dale...

Thanks so much!!! Getting ready to turn in, but will get on this tomorrow!

Regards,

Bob DeSimone
(9944)

[Dale C.]

Re: Numbers on 1968 Radio Bezel

That slot below the Door Adjar Lite is interesting. The old JM, page 8, leaves it up in the air on that slot below the Door Ajar for cars between 12830 to 13723. It says up to 12830 below the Door Adjar it can be the Low Fuel or a blank, which is actually just a plug as I have removed them before. Then after 13723 it's a Door Adjar lite over a Wiper O'ride. So what was it from 12830 to 13723? I had a blank in my 13417 but put in a Wiper O'ride as I think that is what was on my car originally.
Dale

[Terry M.]

Re: Numbers on 1968 Radio Bezel

That slot below the Door Adjar Lite is interesting. The old JM, page 8, leaves it up in the air on that slot below the Door Ajar for cars between 12830 to 13723. It says up to 12830 below the Door Adjar it can be the Low Fuel or a blank, which is actually just a plug as I have removed them before. Then after 13723 it's a Door Adjar lite over a Wiper O'ride. So what was it from 12830 to 13723? I had a blank in my 13417 but put in a Wiper O'ride as I think that is what was on my car originally.
Dale

Dale,

That wording in the TIM&JG simply means we do not know exactly when one style changes to the other. It does NOT mean that there was a third style -- although that is a remote possibility. There is also the possibility that the style did not change at exactly one point, but rather was mixed during that period. We have printed the serial numbers of known original cars with the given style, and that data is usually backed up with another known car of near serial number.

Clear, eh? If the car you are restoring started without any instrument bezel, or you suspect the one in the car is not original to that car, you are very safe in taking a guess and moving on.