Dash Bezel Headache - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Kixwy2 · 12-20-2007, 10:40 AM

So I have a 74 GMC with a busted dash bezel. Not normally a huge deal, except the garbage aftermarket radio fell out when I was working on the electrical. Seems the PO just tossed the radio in there without any brackets, and broke the bezel in the install process.

I found a radio that will fit the OEM radio specs, and really want a clean bezel, not cut for an aftermarket radio. Seems like 73-74 were the special dash years, and a 84 I bought on eBay doesn't fit the dash properly (wiper cut out too small, lower bezel doesn't mesh). The only ones I can find are $200 through LMC - seems like way too much for this little project.

Anyone have any good fab ideas?

BLE 'BURBAN · 12-20-2007, 10:53 AM

Checked EBAY yet?

**old Rusty C10** · 12-20-2007, 04:45 PM

ebay or go junkyarding you find all kinds of treasure there

89 crew · 12-20-2007, 05:17 PM

post a wanted on craigslist. Never know what you will find there.

**Zoomad75** · 12-21-2007, 08:13 AM

I found my bezel on Ebay. You need to remember there are differences in the openings for the wiper switch too. The difference being the early trucks 73-75 (maybe 76 too, not sure) used the wiper switch that had it's own illuminated wiper lable. Later trucks had a smaller hole that eliminated the lable and wiper was just cast into the bezel. later versions have no wiper at all since the switch got moved to the column.

You got a few options. 1. Troll ebay for an early bezel as they do come up fairly commonly. 2. Boneyard (hit or miss as the bezels are usually trashed by the time they get there or somebody rips it out to get to the cluster). 3. swap meet, but don't be suprised if sellers expect new prices. 4. Craigslist, but lots of nuts on there. 5. Buy a new one from LMC.

Kixwy2 · 12-21-2007, 08:21 AM

Yeah, I've been checking eBay for months, as well as the Pick-a-Part near me. I was kinda hoping someone would be parting out an older truck and have some interior pieces sitting around.

Unfortunately, like you said, lots of them are trashed in the junkyards or missing...

I could get one at LMC but it's kind of pricey - this truck is a sometimes driver/work truck/take the dogs to the beach. Not a resto project... yet.

Thanks guys - appreciate the ideas...

**Zoomad75** · 12-22-2007, 07:03 AM

The problem with boneyards is nobody cars what they trash to get to what they are looking for. So if someone needs a cluster or a gauges from the cluster it's easier to just rip the bezel out of the way instead of taking the 5 minutes with a screwdriver to remove it correctly. In most cases I find them in multiple chunks on the floor or in the bed or on the ground near the truck.

People just don't care what they destroy since it's in a junk truck in the first place.

The only hope at the boneyard is to be there when the fresh carcass is dropped in the yard and take the first crack at it.

One other option I forgot about is looking at the Covan's classic replacement bezel. It's not cheap either, nor is it stock but it is an alternative.

jchav62 · 12-22-2007, 08:02 AM

In the past few months I've past up some pretty decent bezels at the junkyard. I didn't grab them because I wasn't aware how expensive new one's were. If I'd have known, I would've jumped all over them. I probably would have gotten them for $5-10. Of course, now that I'm looking for one, I'll never find it...Damn Murphy!

knightlife · 12-22-2007, 02:10 PM

or you could do this....

thats as far as Ive gotten to date... and yes, those are the digital gauges I bought last february...

sorry for the thread jack, just tryin to give you an idea as to what is possible :/

Kixwy2 · 12-22-2007, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knightlife

or you could do this....

thats as far as Ive gotten to date... and yes, those are the digital gauges I bought last february...

sorry for the thread jack, just tryin to give you an idea as to what is possible :/

Well, hell, if I could figure out a way to do a fiberglass overlay and not attach myself to the workbench by accident I might have a plan!

What's your process? Looks interesting!

**Zoomad75** · 12-22-2007, 02:36 PM

I'm sorry for the hijack too. Knightlife is it just me or does it look like you are doing fiberglass work in the bathroom? Better keep the fiberglass away from the TP or you might come up a little tender down there!!!!!! Just Joking!

**N2TRUX** · 12-22-2007, 06:34 PM

Kixwy2- You must be a subscribing member to make a "For Sale" or "Wanted to Buy" post. Please consider supporting the forum by becoming a subscribing member.

12-20-2007, 10:40 AM	#1
Kixwy2 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 177	Dash Bezel Headache So I have a 74 GMC with a busted dash bezel. Not normally a huge deal, except the garbage aftermarket radio fell out when I was working on the electrical. Seems the PO just tossed the radio in there without any brackets, and broke the bezel in the install process. I found a radio that will fit the OEM radio specs, and really want a clean bezel, not cut for an aftermarket radio. Seems like 73-74 were the special dash years, and a 84 I bought on eBay doesn't fit the dash properly (wiper cut out too small, lower bezel doesn't mesh). The only ones I can find are $200 through LMC - seems like way too much for this little project. Anyone have any good fab ideas? __________________ 1974 GMC C-10; my new addiction 1998 4 Runner; daily driver Last edited by N2TRUX; 12-22-2007 at 06:24 PM. Reason: Wanted to buy for subscribers only

12-20-2007, 10:53 AM	#2
BLE 'BURBAN In the Forgotten far North. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,627	Re: Dash Bezel Headache Checked EBAY yet? __________________ 1987 R3500 CREW CAB DUALLY (BIG RED)Acquired 06/12/2015 1990 chevy suburban V2500 5.7L My cluster Mods-Nov 2007 overhead console Stereo install Round 2 Aug 2009 Heated/turn signal mirror upgrade

12-20-2007, 04:45 PM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: Dash Bezel Headache ebay or go junkyarding you find all kinds of treasure there __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-20-2007, 05:17 PM	#4
89 crew Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 865	Re: Dash Bezel Headache post a wanted on craigslist. Never know what you will find there.

12-21-2007, 08:13 AM	#5
Zoomad75 K5Camper Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Pueblo, CO Posts: 1,513	Re: Dash Bezel Headache I found my bezel on Ebay. You need to remember there are differences in the openings for the wiper switch too. The difference being the early trucks 73-75 (maybe 76 too, not sure) used the wiper switch that had it's own illuminated wiper lable. Later trucks had a smaller hole that eliminated the lable and wiper was just cast into the bezel. later versions have no wiper at all since the switch got moved to the column. You got a few options. 1. Troll ebay for an early bezel as they do come up fairly commonly. 2. Boneyard (hit or miss as the bezels are usually trashed by the time they get there or somebody rips it out to get to the cluster). 3. swap meet, but don't be suprised if sellers expect new prices. 4. Craigslist, but lots of nuts on there. 5. Buy a new one from LMC. __________________ Rob Z. 1975 K5 350/465/205/D44/12b 4" lift on 35's- RIP 1991 K5 8.1L/NV4500/241/D44/14b FWC Camper

12-21-2007, 08:21 AM	#6
Kixwy2 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 177	Re: Dash Bezel Headache Yeah, I've been checking eBay for months, as well as the Pick-a-Part near me. I was kinda hoping someone would be parting out an older truck and have some interior pieces sitting around. Unfortunately, like you said, lots of them are trashed in the junkyards or missing... I could get one at LMC but it's kind of pricey - this truck is a sometimes driver/work truck/take the dogs to the beach. Not a resto project... yet. Thanks guys - appreciate the ideas... __________________ 1974 GMC C-10; my new addiction 1998 4 Runner; daily driver

12-22-2007, 07:03 AM	#7
Zoomad75 K5Camper Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Pueblo, CO Posts: 1,513	Re: Dash Bezel Headache The problem with boneyards is nobody cars what they trash to get to what they are looking for. So if someone needs a cluster or a gauges from the cluster it's easier to just rip the bezel out of the way instead of taking the 5 minutes with a screwdriver to remove it correctly. In most cases I find them in multiple chunks on the floor or in the bed or on the ground near the truck. People just don't care what they destroy since it's in a junk truck in the first place. The only hope at the boneyard is to be there when the fresh carcass is dropped in the yard and take the first crack at it. One other option I forgot about is looking at the Covan's classic replacement bezel. It's not cheap either, nor is it stock but it is an alternative. __________________ Rob Z. 1975 K5 350/465/205/D44/12b 4" lift on 35's- RIP 1991 K5 8.1L/NV4500/241/D44/14b FWC Camper

12-22-2007, 08:02 AM	#8
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: Dash Bezel Headache In the past few months I've past up some pretty decent bezels at the junkyard. I didn't grab them because I wasn't aware how expensive new one's were. If I'd have known, I would've jumped all over them. I probably would have gotten them for $5-10. Of course, now that I'm looking for one, I'll never find it...Damn Murphy! __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

12-22-2007, 02:10 PM	#9
knightlife Dark Heart Motorsports Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 29404 DKFX Posts: 683	Re: Dash Bezel Headache or you could do this.... thats as far as Ive gotten to date... and yes, those are the digital gauges I bought last february... sorry for the thread jack, just tryin to give you an idea as to what is possible :/ __________________ How Deep Can YOU Bleed..? 1985 Chevy Blazer K5- 6.2 N/A, 400 turbo trans CUCV, 12v converted... a new chapter 2005 GMC Sierra Crew Cab 6.0 powwwaa!!! custom jumpseat install w/ captain seats, Hypertech tuner, MSD Blaster Coils, CB and twin antenna's, all electric interior, touch screen in dash. custom center console, with jump seat replacing original console. 1500 HD!

12-22-2007, 02:36 PM	#11
Zoomad75 K5Camper Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Pueblo, CO Posts: 1,513	Re: Dash Bezel Headache I'm sorry for the hijack too. Knightlife is it just me or does it look like you are doing fiberglass work in the bathroom? Better keep the fiberglass away from the TP or you might come up a little tender down there!!!!!! Just Joking! __________________ Rob Z. 1975 K5 350/465/205/D44/12b 4" lift on 35's- RIP 1991 K5 8.1L/NV4500/241/D44/14b FWC Camper

12-22-2007, 06:34 PM	#12
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Dash Bezel Headache Kixwy2- You must be a subscribing member to make a "For Sale" or "Wanted to Buy" post. Please consider supporting the forum by becoming a subscribing member. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"



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