Opinion / Poll On Super Bezel

[Rich72C10]

I got this Super Dash Cluster off eBay, just came in from Canada. I have been thinking perhaps of sending it in for restoration because the chrome isn't all that good but the woodgrain is in pretty darn good shape.

However, the restoration shop says they cannot save the original woodgrain and would have to be replaced. Their source send me 3 possible choices. So I'd like to hear from you guys what you think.

Here is a high-res link to my photo
https://1drv.ms/i/s!Aj3EEcJ-9P75wHQI...AUKvU?e=OGLFiY

[Rich72C10]

I am stuck between "leave it alone" and "Restore Chrome, Use 2nd Middle Woodgrain Option"...

[1970cstblazer]

It's a damn shame the original woodgrain can't be retained. Of the choices, the far right seems closest, but not 100%.

Since there is now little to no advantage to rechroming the original, Counterpart sells a new bezel with an incorrect woodgrain. You could get a closer woodgrain decal and put it on the repro and save some money.

The repro:

[Rich72C10]

I should have posted what I have now, which is a repo with woodgrain. I was really hoping the restore place had a way to save the woodgrain (or work around it). They offered up their source for the woodgrain and then they sent me those samples.

The one I lean towards is the middle one, for the record.

Also a link to High-Res from my OneDrive
https://1drv.ms/i/s!Aj3EEcJ-9P75wHVN...nLOzT?e=D5Xq3V

[cericd]

I agree that, according to your high-res image and my monitor, the middle woodgrain swatch matches the original woodgrain the best. What differences are you seeing between the repop chrome bezel and the oem one, other than wear, that makes you want to have the oem one rechromed?

[Rich72C10]

I been wanting a original bezel with original woodgrain, so it would match the rest of the original woodgrain trim in my truck (door panels & glovebox). So a sane person wouldn't have this OEM bezel woodgrain ripped off so it could be re-chromed, and then a non-original woodgrain put back on.

I was just thinking the OEM chrome was just a hair to far gone (its only going to get worse) and so I should look into a restore job.

Perhaps all the votes will be "Leave it Alone, Looks Nice & Fits the Age of the Truck" ;-)

[Getter-Done]

I would leave it alone if you are focused on the woodgrain the most.

Have you thought about Chrome paint?

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Z8DGXK?th=1

[Rich72C10]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

I would leave it alone if you are focused on the woodgrain the most.

Have you thought about Chrome paint?

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Z8DGXK?th=1

I would say the woodgrain is my focus.

I've looked at some YouTubes and thought about something like chrome paint but I can't paint for crap - seriously, I can't. It's kind of like selecting the wrong woodgrain (or not having a good match) I don't want to end up being worse off. For me, some task should be left to professionals (or better skilled at least) - I know my limits. Not to mention I am a bit (okay a LOT) OCD...

Which leaving the thing alone seems to be the right approach and stop worrying about it not being "perfect".

[Rich72C10]

Here is another photo, I removed the LH one - I seriously doubt anyone would pick that option. Also, different lighting.



High Res Link
https://1drv.ms/i/s!Aj3EEcJ-9P75wHZ2...Mo3Kc?e=Nq1fI8

[cericd]

Gotcha, I was just wondering if there were subtle differences about the design of the repop bezel, other than the woodgrain, that made you want OEM. I totally get wanting the woodgrain to match what you have on the glovebox. Nothing will probably match as well as what’s currently on your recently purchased OEM bezel.

Who were you going to use to rechrome your OEM bezel?

[Rich72C10]

I reached out to Instrument-Specialties, which then sent me to check with REM Automotive for a possible woodgrain match.

I haven't even asked about cost yet but I am sure it isn't cheap. I told myself if they couldn't save the OEM Woodgrain or have some kind of magical Old OEM Stock I wouldn't entertain going forward....

[pjmoreland]

If that original has no cracks at the two mounting holes on the sides, then it's a keeper in my opinion. Just barely snug down the six mounting screws though so you don't crack it! I have a nice unrestored factory bezel on my truck, and I like the character it adds.

[Rich72C10]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

If that original has no cracks at the two mounting holes on the sides, then it's a keeper in my opinion. Just barely snug down the six mounting screws though so you don't crack it! I have a nice unrestored factory bezel on my truck, and I like the character it adds.

Here is the backside, nearly 100%. There is a bit of plastic cracked off on the side top hole on the right, where you screw from the outside into the truck's dash but it isn't spilt or looking like it will split. But the standoffs for the back tin appear to be in perfect shape.

High-res link on my OneDrive:
https://1drv.ms/i/s!Aj3EEcJ-9P75wHc1...W2imF?e=ENcwUj

[pjmoreland]

Is this a hairline crack that's visible from the front next to the screw hole?

[Rich72C10]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

Is this a hairline crack that's visible from the front next to the screw hole?

Way to make me a liar pjmoreland! Yep, that is a hairline crack, likely need to put something behind it to shore it up. The de-chroming kind of hid it from me I think.

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by Rich72C10

Way to make me a liar pjmoreland! Yep, that is a hairline crack, likely need to put something behind it to shore it up. The de-chroming kind of hid it from me I think.

Not my intention

I'd say that 19 out of 20 bezels have cracks like that in them from the screws being overtightened. Definitely detracts from the appearance, but not enough to reject it.

[Rich72C10]

It put it under my magnifying glass and it doesn't seem to have made it into the shaft. Looks like the top pad sheared off a bit and there is a surface crack. Perhaps just some superglue applied to the crack with a toothpick from that top pad - just to try and hold off more cracking.

Then of course, don't try to get the screws gorilla tight to the truck's dash - that isn't needed at all.

[dmjlambert]

If they can give you replacement matching glove box lid woodgrain, then I would say restore and pick #2. Otherwise leave it as is.

[Rich72C10]

Oh, I worked to hard to get the woodgrain glovebox from a donor lid - that's a keeper. Plus there are enough votes to confirm my gut feeling - its a keeper as is, so stop f*$king around ;-)

One way or the other I am mounting the bezel to get a feel for it on the truck, likely a Saturday morning task - if not Sunday.

I have a feeling, once I get it on I'll not want to take it off LOL

[72c20customcamper]

If you’re not going for absolute show quality I would use Alsa chrome . Tape off the original wood grain and have at it . What have ya got to loose ? If it comes out bad which I doubt you could always send it out

https://www.google.com/search?client...tdU10PIcE,st:0

I would leave it alone

[Rich72C10]

Food for thought, though then you say "leave it alone" LOL ;-)

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by Rich72C10

Food for thought, though then you say "leave it alone" LOL ;-)

I was just giving options . I retired my 68 bezel because I did the rest of the truck . My 72 the original bezel is in the truck because it matches it .

[Rich72C10]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

I was just giving options . I retired my 68 bezel because I did the rest of the truck . My 72 the original bezel is in the truck because it matches it .

I was just poking, its all good and I had a good chuckle ;-)

@halfstep - not a bad idea on coating/protecting what is left. I'd think satin would be best if I went that route.

[halfstep]

Might consider satin or gloss clear coat over the chrome to protect it and extend its life and stay original. Just mask off the wood grain. All plastic chrome deteriorates and if you see one of our trucks with flawless chrome interior it is most likely reproduction. Save your money - like someone else said, the woodgrain seems to be the focus for me. The chrome is obstructed to a fair degree anyway by the steering wheel and focus out the windshield when driving....

[dmjlambert]

Alsa seems very expensive. I thought this youtube video about the options was interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ninpBuzNSxQ
The youtuber was looking for something not crazy expensive, yet good. The winner of the things he tried was a chrome fingernail powder for $10. Try it on your fingernails, and if you like it put it on the bezel.