How do I Tighten Chrome Ignition Bezel? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72c5 · 04-27-2005, 09:19 AM

I finger tightened the chrome ignition bezel in the dash and it seems seated all the way, but if i reach around, the ignition switch housing is loose.

Without the special tool, how do i tighten that bezel more...........screwdrivers would scratch both the bezel and dash if i slipped........any other thoughts?

Gordon

Putter · 04-27-2005, 09:28 AM

I think you just answered your own question. I had to order the 'special' tool.

**Yukon Jack** · 04-27-2005, 09:41 AM

I just tightened mine by hand - Putter, what is the special tool?

70c10 · 04-27-2005, 12:21 PM

To give you an idea, here is a pic showing how the 3 studs in the tool would line up with the indentations in the bezel allowing you to tighten. I just grabbed this off the net:http://www.impalaparts.com/customer/...cat=472&page=1

72c5 · 04-27-2005, 12:30 PM

Thx for the pic, i think a taped up big screwdriver might do the trick, for $10 plus shipping there are a lot more useful tools! Mine got 80% tight by hand and just stopped tightening......i'll fiddle..........thx for the responses!

chickenwing · 04-27-2005, 01:06 PM

Eric, you have a link for that bezel tool? Dunno if that Impala one will fit our trucks.

70c10 · 04-27-2005, 01:10 PM

I was just showing what it looks like. Our board vendors probably sell the ones for our trucks. I did what 72c5 said about the screwdriver!

chickenwing · 04-27-2005, 01:14 PM

That's how I installed mine. ...I just have a thing for tools.

Edit: And old tech manuals and old parts books and old owners manuals and...

Terry Peerson · 04-27-2005, 01:37 PM

I have a "Special" tool for this purpose. I took my old bezel to work and had my machinist make me an installation tool. I thought he would get the lathe and milling machine going for this. But, he just took a piece of pipe and cut three notches around it and inserted some roll pins (in the right locations) and then "Electrical-Taped" the pins in place. It works like a charm! I'll look for it tonight and take some pictures of it (if I can find it). If someone can help me post them, I'll e-mail them. It really is a simple solution and it was free!

T

bouncytruck · 04-27-2005, 01:50 PM

LMC lists the tool for $8. I used a piece of wood cut to a point on the end and tapped the other end with a hammer. Worked ok. I didn't want to wait to get the tool.

71-longbed · 04-27-2005, 02:09 PM

you can also use a pair of needle nose pliars pryed open into those slots ... then turn carefully ..if your not care you'll slip and scratch your dash ..like i did

Putter · 04-27-2005, 02:17 PM

Yep, that is the tool I am talking about. Only gave 8 bucks for mine also, but got it from a different dealer....(Thetrucksandcarshop). Would be pretty easy to duplicate it once you have the correct measurements.

grebus1 · 04-28-2005, 05:41 PM

Definitely try the needle nose pliers. I have used them a number of times, and as long as you go slowly and keep the pliers in place it will work as good as any specialty tool.

72c5 · 04-28-2005, 10:50 PM

thanks, great idea, needle nose clamped in a vice grip! with a very firm hand!

04-27-2005, 09:19 AM	#1
72c5 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Boston Posts: 311	How do I Tighten Chrome Ignition Bezel? I finger tightened the chrome ignition bezel in the dash and it seems seated all the way, but if i reach around, the ignition switch housing is loose. Without the special tool, how do i tighten that bezel more...........screwdrivers would scratch both the bezel and dash if i slipped........any other thoughts? Gordon

04-27-2005, 09:28 AM	#2
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	I think you just answered your own question. I had to order the 'special' tool. __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket**

04-27-2005, 09:41 AM	#3
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	I just tightened mine by hand - Putter, what is the special tool? __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

04-27-2005, 12:21 PM	#4
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	To give you an idea, here is a pic showing how the 3 studs in the tool would line up with the indentations in the bezel allowing you to tighten. I just grabbed this off the net:http://www.impalaparts.com/customer/...cat=472&page=1 __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

04-27-2005, 01:06 PM	#6
chickenwing Lovin' Life in Miss.! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, Mississippi Posts: 1,937	Eric, you have a link for that bezel tool? Dunno if that Impala one will fit our trucks. __________________ The truck... you hear that? No really, you did hear that?!!!

04-27-2005, 12:30 PM	#5
72c5 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Boston Posts: 311	Thx for the pic, i think a taped up big screwdriver might do the trick, for $10 plus shipping there are a lot more useful tools! Mine got 80% tight by hand and just stopped tightening......i'll fiddle..........thx for the responses!

04-27-2005, 01:10 PM	#7
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	I was just showing what it looks like. Our board vendors probably sell the ones for our trucks. I did what 72c5 said about the screwdriver! __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

04-27-2005, 01:14 PM	#8
chickenwing Lovin' Life in Miss.! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, Mississippi Posts: 1,937	That's how I installed mine. ...I just have a thing for tools. Edit: And old tech manuals and old parts books and old owners manuals and... __________________ The truck... you hear that? No really, you did hear that?!!! Last edited by chickenwing; 04-27-2005 at 01:16 PM.

04-27-2005, 01:37 PM	#9
Terry Peerson Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bonner Springs, KS Posts: 307	I have a "Special" tool for this purpose. I took my old bezel to work and had my machinist make me an installation tool. I thought he would get the lathe and milling machine going for this. But, he just took a piece of pipe and cut three notches around it and inserted some roll pins (in the right locations) and then "Electrical-Taped" the pins in place. It works like a charm! I'll look for it tonight and take some pictures of it (if I can find it). If someone can help me post them, I'll e-mail them. It really is a simple solution and it was free! T

04-27-2005, 01:50 PM	#10
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	LMC lists the tool for $8. I used a piece of wood cut to a point on the end and tapped the other end with a hammer. Worked ok. I didn't want to wait to get the tool. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

04-27-2005, 02:09 PM	#11
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	you can also use a pair of needle nose pliars pryed open into those slots ... then turn carefully ..if your not care you'll slip and scratch your dash ..like i did __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.

04-27-2005, 02:17 PM	#12
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Yep, that is the tool I am talking about. Only gave 8 bucks for mine also, but got it from a different dealer....(Thetrucksandcarshop). Would be pretty easy to duplicate it once you have the correct measurements. __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket**

04-28-2005, 05:41 PM	#13
grebus1 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 322	Definitely try the needle nose pliers. I have used them a number of times, and as long as you go slowly and keep the pliers in place it will work as good as any specialty tool. __________________ '72 Chevy Suburban Custom Deluxe 10, 402/TH400

04-28-2005, 10:50 PM	#14
72c5 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Boston Posts: 311	thanks, great idea, needle nose clamped in a vice grip! with a very firm hand!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.