73-74 bezel vs 75 and newer

[Robzkombi]

Hello all,

Im currently looking to buy for my 1974 c10 an instrument bezel. Can't seem to find a used one anywhere. Plenty of '75 and up on online retailers but no 1973 - 1974. I did find a couple of 1973 - 1974 on eBay but before spending that kind of money what I want to know is, what sets these bezels apart from the post 1975 c10's and why wont they work for my 74?

Thank you.

[RotaryRocketeer]

Most likely the differences are in texture and finish. My '76 had a mismatched bezel when I bought it and it fit fine, just didn't match.

Call these people and ask them.

https://www.cheyennepickup.com/

The old man will know. He claims to make the dashes and bezels and may be able to whip something up. Dude made the dash and bezel I have and they are tits.

[Robzkombi]

I will definitely be giving them a call, Thank you for the info and link.

I did take a look at their website and it appears they make a quality product, I'll have to see for myself. Funny how these 73-74 have unique parts on them, guess that's the reason I was drawn to these years....love the grilles on them

Thanks again!

[MJN]

'73-'74 bezels were specific to those two years and the biggest difference is the wiper switch and headlight switch area. Here is a picture of my '74 bezel. The wiper switch is also specific to those years, the bezel has a backlit window for the Wiper/Washer words where newer bezels do not. The '73/74 bezel has a cone shaped raised area around the headlight switch to conceal the nut that holds the switch in place. Later models used a different nut for the headlight switch and an open hole in the bezel. I'll try and dig up a picture of the later bezels for a better comparison. A '75 and up bezel will technically work it just isn't correct for the 73/74 model years.

[MJN]

Here is a good picture of a '75 and up bezel, you can see the differences in the headlight/wiper switch area.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=574811

[Robzkombi]

Yup, now I see it! I did get in touch with the people over at Cheyenne pickup parts and they set me straight. Got me a 1974 bezel. Thanks for all the information regarding the 73-74 bezels, much appreciated

[RotaryRocketeer]

Those people are great. Used to live about 20 minutes from there and the older guy actually drove some parts over for me a couple times. Good folks.

[Robzkombi]

Oh for sure, Heather was great to deal with and very helpful locating what I needed. WNow I'm just waiting for them to stock up on dash pads.

[Robzkombi]

I received the bezel last week and it looks great! Now the issue at hand is that it appears that the headlight knob is too short to engage with the light switch. The "nipple" on the bezel prevents the knob from latching on to the switch.

I ordered a new 1973 - 1977 knob from Truck Shop and it is the same length as the one I have now, giving me the same issue.

Is there a difference in length of the headlight knob between pre 72, 73- 74 and 75 and up?

I don't want to have to cut into the bezel just to find out that I have
1. the wrong knob or
2. Im just not pushing hard enough to engage.

Help is appreciated, thanks.

[MJN]

Please post a picture of your switch and bezel- need to know what you're working with first. '72 and older knobs were different. The nut that holds the switch to the dash is different on '73/74- another reason the bezel is different in that area.

[Robzkombi]

I'll snap a picture in a few and hope I can get it to upload here.

[Robzkombi]

I don't have a picture of the bezel now but it is like the one posted above.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/showphoto.php?

and the actual switch is aftermarket.