'68 instrument cluster bezel

[Blair K.]

In regards to the instrument cluster bezel for a '68 - I know the early model '68s' had a smooth finish with no wiper override button. What did the late model '68 have??? Wiper override button with a smooth or pebble grain finish??? Approx. what s/n did this change occur??? My early model '68 (s/n 5338) has the smooth finish bezel - no wiper override button. Thanks in advance. BK

[Paul O.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

Blair

The wiper override did not appear till around 13,700 S/N ran till end of production. Before that the 2 squares on the passenger side were Door Ajar and Fuel Low or Blank till around 12,800 S/N. I do not know if we have a firm transition from smooth to a grain texture bezel.

[Dale C.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

The AIM (page 12 B7) lists this change adding the wiper override lite as a date of Jan 12 1968 and on that date they were producing cars around #8900. When did the change make it to production???? I don't know how you can even narrow it down to what the JM says. With this implementation and other examples of production timing it comes down to stock remaining and car safety, I guess.
Dale

[Blair K.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

Thanks gentlemen - appreciate the info. I guess my only question that remains: Did the late model '68 bezel with the wiper override button also have a smooth finish??? Did all '68 bezels have the smooth finish??? Was the textured finish started on the '69 models and later??? I noticed that in the CC parts catalogue it lists the early '68 as smooth finish with no wiper override and the late model '68 with wiper override as grained texture. I do have an OEM smooth late model bezel (undamaged) with wiper override that I am going to list for sale in Driveline. Just want to get the facts straight. Thanks BK

[Dale C.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

BK
I think that would be correct late 68 with override and smooth. My car is smooth and override, # 13417, March 8th. Don't know if it came that way though as alot of work was done on it before I got it.
Dale

[Dennis O.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

I have a May built '68 with a smooth bezel with the wiper override.

[Jack C.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

Jan 22 built 68 #9643 with smooth face but no Overide Button

[Michael D.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

The 68 bezels have smooth finishes. If memory serves, only the tell-tales changed.

[Steve W.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

February 21st car, smooth Bezel, no Wiper Overide button.

[Reba W.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

In the long process of revising the 1968-69 JG, we found no suggestion from anyone that the 1968 bezel was not smooth the entire model year.

[Blair K.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

Thanks for all the help. Much appreciated.

[Jim T.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

February 21st car, smooth Bezel, no Wiper Overide button.

Steve my original owner 1968 convertible built in Feb is the same as yours.

[Paul O.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

Having a friend look at his July 1968 car he will advise when he gets a chance he thinks it has a grain finish.

[Jim T.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

A grain finish in a 1968 could be a replacement. The bezels break sometimes when removing and installing them.

[Reba W.]

Re: '68 instrument cluster bezel

I agree, Jim. There are so few that are truly original. I have put two in my car since I bought it in 1985. And who knows how old was the one I replaced.