77 Dash Bezel vs 78 Dash Bezel?

[THE "10" SILVERADO]

Was curios to the different types of bezels because I'd like to get the 5 peice 78 brushed aluminum inserts and just put them on a 78 bezel and stick it on my 77...but will the 78 bezel fit? And what's the difference? All of the switches seem in the same place
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[sixshooter798]

I can't think of a difference

[USSkoval]

The wiper hole is off slightly, maybe a 1/4 inch.

[THE "10" SILVERADO]

Originally Posted by USSkoval

The wiper hole is off slightly, maybe a 1/4 inch.

I emailed Classic Parts just to get exactly the difference and modifications I would need to change out a 77 for a 78. Here is the reply

The openings in the instrument bezel are smaller on the 1978-80.

1973-77 has 4 1/2" large and 2 1/2" small gauge openings.
1978-80 has 4 1/4" large and 1 7/8" small gauge openings.

They didn't answer my question on the modifications needed to swap them out.....so does anyone know if I would be able to just screw them in the same? or will I need to replace all of the gauges so they fit the bezels?
Thanks

[sixshooter798]

I suggest taking your original one with you to a local pic-n-pull or junkyard to see if they match up. If the headlight switch needs to be moved, its quite easy. Just drill a new hole in the metal part of the dash where you want it to go and you're done. I don't know about the wiper switch...

[USSkoval]

That doesn't sound right at all... the gauges are the same size for all the years.

[THE "10" SILVERADO]

Originally Posted by USSkoval

That doesn't sound right at all... the gauges are the same size for all the years.

I know that's what I wa thinking...I think the guages are the same just the bezel opening is smaller...I just want to know if I can screw the 78 on without having to change anything else
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[sixshooter798]

Originally Posted by THE "10" SILVERADO

I know that's what I wa thinking...I think the guages are the same just the bezel opening is smaller...I just want to know if I can screw the 78 on without having to change anything else
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If both the wiper and the headlight switches are on the dash, I don't know why you couldn't.

[THE "10" SILVERADO]

Also another question...I want to get a 81-87 quartz clock for my truck (it has the 73-80 version all crapped out though) and if I were to get a lens could I just cut a hole out for the knob? Because mine has the knob in the 12 o clock and the newer ones have it at 8 o clock...so could I just get a regular lens and cut a hole out of the lens for the knob to stick through?

[71blksuper4x4]

Yes you could use a normal lens. A quick way to make that hole is mark it and heat a nail up and push it through the acrylic. Trevor

[78 Chevyrado]

I had a 78 year bezel on my 77 after somebody broke in and destroyed it stealing the radio. It worked just fine. They're just different styles as far as I know.

[THE "10" SILVERADO]

Originally Posted by 78 Chevyrado

I had a 78 year bezel on my 77 after somebody broke in and destroyed it stealing the radio. It worked just fine. They're just different styles as far as I know.

Thanks, you answered in one sentence better than one of the technicians from classic parts in a few more......I don't think I have seen any pics of your 77 before....I've seen your 78 and your 81-87 yellow truck but not that one...

[78 Chevyrado]

I sold the 77 back in about 2001 or 2002. it was my first one. dads "bought new" truck.

[USSkoval]

^Is that the one that was originally a Sport model? Maybe I'm thinking of something else.

[78 Chevyrado]

Yep it was a chevy sport till somebody keyed all the stripes and even if my dad could have afforded the new stripes at the time, half of them were unavailabe anyway o he peeled em all off. I remember the one lower stripe under the gas filler being like $70 or something and this was in the late 80's. so no telling what a new set would have been..

[THE "10" SILVERADO]

Originally Posted by 78 Chevyrado

I sold the 77 back in about 2001 or 2002. it was my first one. dads "bought new" truck.

That's nice, I remember my stepdad getting a 78 (I think) that looked exactly like that....I think the only difference was his had like a 6" lift or so...he sold it a long time ago so I barley remember anything besides pictures....

[THE "10" SILVERADO]

You can put the later 78 bezel on there but it will obstruct part of the
gauges. If they are drilled out it wont look right.


I emailed them back and that was my response...I'm really getting confused because they used the same gauges from 73-80 but somehow the new bezel will make it to where I can't see the full gauge on the 77? Do they have different gauge mounts or something? I'm thinking that it will be just fine because of all of the people here vs the one technician at Classic Parts..