WARNING: LMC selling gauge cluster bezels with known issue

[SoCoC10]

I ordered part #38-8018 the black and chrome instrument cluster/gauge bezel from LMC truck in early March and recently got around to needing it. I disassembled the working original cluster. Cleaned all the parts and when I went to reassemble the cluster I found the problem with the new bezel. There are two studs in the mould that should have been removed. They are just above the cut out for the steering column and on either side of the center tachometer location.

After calling LMC and telling them of the issue, they asked that I send pictures. I sent the two pictures and called today to follow up. I spoke to someone in customer service and they said "the issue has been documented back as far as February" and the manufacturer recommends "cutting the studs off with a sharp pair of side cutters."

Needless to say, I wasn't happy with the solution. Don't know about you, but I don't like modifying brand new parts to make them work when they should work/fit right out of the box! Also, the same black and chrome bezel ordered through another vendor that came in a "Counter Parts" box did not have the same issue.

Hope this helps.

[Rooster73]

I have had a few similar issues with Lmc. Called for help and was told to call manufacturers. INDIA. 0 help. Kinda a Walmart thing. If you sell it, at least pretend you care.

[palallin]

All I can say is, if this were the biggest problem I ever ran into with my truck, I would be the most fortunate (and happiest!) owner in the world. The only reason I would be upset about this would be if removing the studs caused structural or cosmetic damage to the face of the bezel (and I am pretty sure I could manage it without any damage).

Not trying to be too critical of you here, but this falls 'way down on the list of "Known Issues" to Fret About. Cut 'em off and get 'er done!

[Sloonz]

Yeah, it's not perfect but a pretty minor issue on a cheap part. Thanks for the heads-up though!

[GASoline71]

I never expect aftermarket parts to fit without some sort of modification or slight fitment issue. It's all part of the game of rebuilding old rigs with parts made from moulds and stampings overseas that are really close to original but aren't perfect.

Gary

[davepl]

I don't have a big problem with this, but if LMC knows, why not sit down in the warehouse with pair of side cutters and fix the batch?

[71gmcC15]

I try not to order anything from lmc. It's a good referince tool. they are expansive and for what you get form China or what ever i can normaly find it cheaper els were. Ebay ,amazon ,brothers are good plases to start. And you get the same quality some times better. Unless they only have it.

[GASoline71]

Unless LMC has an exclusive on an item, they are probably all the same parts that you will get from other vendors as well.

Gary

[cypressbog]

So cut off the studs and pour a beer. Lot more things in life to be worried about.

[kenr74]

Originally Posted by davepl

I don't have a big problem with this, but if LMC knows, why not sit down in the warehouse with pair of side cutters and fix the batch?

+1. They are just pushing the problem down the road. Are they going to replace it if you screw up removing the extra parts?

[toolboxchev]

Originally Posted by kenr74

+1. They are just pushing the problem down the road. Are they going to replace it if you screw up removing the extra parts?

It would be too easy for them to do that! It would however, and most likely void the manufactures warranty!

Go figure! That would be why I would be more likely to trust a paying vendor from this site like Gmc Pauls whom does pick and chose whom he sells parts for.

Wonder Why? Say no more!

[GMCPaul]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Unless LMC has an exclusive on an item, they are probably all the same parts that you will get from other vendors as well.

Gary

There are a minimum of 7 dash bezel manufacturers we are aware of. We hear regularly how all of these parts come from same manufacturer and that's the case on Newly Released items never produced before. But as a example high hump trans cover available less than 1 year now and already 2 different manufacturers making it and we've heard a 3rd has begun producing it. Front fenders there are almost a dozen companies stamping them in different factories using different tooling. Very few items only have 1 manufacturer. A 1 manufacturer part is Suburban large rear quarter window seals, check the pricing and you can tell there's no competition from another manufacturer so they charge the retailers a inflated price because they can.
Paul Jr @ GMCPauls

[GASoline71]

Thank you for that info Paul. It's always great to hear from a major vendor in the aftermarket parts biz.

Gary

[ElKotze]

At the time I rebuilt my '68 a few years back I was told by AAW that there is only one Manufacturer for the head light switch and the quality was lousy!! So after it finally quit on me, I went to NAPA to get a new one. I was surprised to see that the new one looked quite different, sturdier and heavier. I'm glad that there is at least one other Manufacturer now.

[siggyfreud]

Always a shame when a vendor won't back a product they sell. I've had companies try and pass the buck, but if they're selling it, they need to own it. It's legitimate if they want to say that to keep costs down they're going with a more generic part that might need some modification, but they need to stipulate that in the ad.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Say, OT, ask me why you shouldn't spend hours painting a GMB water pump with a brush before trying it on. Yeah, doesn't clear the factory timing chain cover on my BBC. I figured the castings must be straight forward, and after all, "it's an OE" fit. I guess they figure you can just bend the cover, but they can KMA.

Should have gotten an AC Delco to begin with. I'm painting the bottom of it today.

[MySons68C20]

I finally realized when buying a part that is "supposed" to fit that some modification would be in order.......it's just part of the process. I now expect a certain amount of fabrication to get things to work. It's not really right but just how it is.

[cardude]

A Dremmell tool with a cut-off wheel should do the trick if you're careful; won't stress the casting or finish as long as you don't get it too hot.

Then you'll end up with a part that's better than "new"!!

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by davepl

I don't have a big problem with this, but if LMC knows, why not sit down in the warehouse with pair of side cutters and fix the batch?

I have had these bezels before and yes easy enough to cut the studs off.

I use mainly Counterpart and Woodall bezels. None of them are as nice as OE but we are limited.

Again, I will say, LMC does not design or make parts, they just sell them. I doubt they even open the box to check quality.

LMC = you get whatever they make the most money on.