[SD421]

Hi,

Wanted some advice on this Instrument Housing Bezel.
Long story short, received my first one a couple of weeks ago and then sent it back.

Trash in the “chrome” as well as noticeable discoloration in the corners.

Just received the 2nd bezel and while it’s better there is still discoloration in the corners.

For $380, would you send it back again for another one??

FYI, The Parts Place and Ames sell the same one.

In the pics, I’ve circled it in yellow.

Thanks,
Don

[RedDirtRoad]

Where did you buy the bezel from?

[SD421]

Originally Posted by RedDirtRoad

Where did you buy the bezel from?

The Parts Place but in talking to Ames today about another issue I asked them where they got there’s from and it’s The Parts Place

[geeteeohguy]

The ones I have seen in the past were perfect. A buddy got one for his '65 about 15 years ago (still un-installed) and it is jewel-like quality. I wonder if the manufacturing process has changed? Hopefully others will chime in. For close to $400, I would not be a happy camper.

[ZeGermanHam]

The dash bezel that I bought from Ames in 2021 for my '66 is pretty perfect in those locations. It was also a Parts Place unit purchased through Ames.

[66sprint6]

What's with the blue colour on the face of a '66 bezel?

[GtoFM]

I spoke with a vendor at the 2022 Good Guys Meet in Columbus, OH. He uses a vacuum process to restore the chrome on your parts. I haven't seen any of his work other than samples, which of course, looked better than new.
Steve Grybel
whitewallsteve@vacuumorna-metal.com
Vacuum Orna-Metal
11380 Harrison St.
Romulus, MI 48174
734-941-9100

[SD421]

Originally Posted by 66sprint6

What's with the blue colour on the face of a '66 bezel?

Supposed to be the stock color for a Tempest/LeMans

[RedDirtRoad]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but after I read your post about sub par chrome on the bezel I checked the bezel I bought last month that’s been in an unopened box since I received it.
The bezel I bought from Parts Place is perfect
Maybe it’s just a bad batch of a few

[SD421]

Originally Posted by RedDirtRoad

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but after I read your post about sub par chrome on the bezel I checked the bezel I bought last month that’s been in an unopened box since I received it.
The bezel I bought from Parts Place is perfect
Maybe it’s just a bad batch of a few

No worries. They said that they do check before shipping.
They are supposed to go out into their inventory and do a search for a nice one before sending out.
I’m glad yours is nice which lets me know they are capable of having nicer bezels.

[SD421]

Originally Posted by GtoFM

I spoke with a vendor at the 2022 Good Guys Meet in Columbus, OH. He uses a vacuum process to restore the chrome on your parts. I haven't seen any of his work other than samples, which of course, looked better than new.
Steve Grybel
whitewallsteve@vacuumorna-metal.com
Vacuum Orna-Metal
11380 Harrison St.
Romulus, MI 48174
734-941-9100

Funny you should mention them.
I got a quote for $398 just to strip it and vacuum metalize it.
I’d still have to paint it (if this 3rd bezel they send me is also bad I just might go that route)
Thanks

[Cammer-6]

what ever you do dont use the jacazzes in Tallahassee.
I sent them a very hard to find 68 Firebird round remote mirror
that they ruined and sent back with a refund and some of the worst
attitude Ive ever experienced.Hemmings wouldnt back me(where they advertised)
so they also lost me as a customer.

[RedDirtRoad]

I think I know the company you’re talking about. Do they advertise parts on eBay with ridiculously high prices?

[geeteeohguy]

Originally Posted by SD421

Supposed to be the stock color for a Tempest/LeMans

Not really. You had a LeMans. The cluster tunnels are blue/green, but the pebble grain on the dash is black. At least IIRC. The '64 and '65 have black plastic and black tunnels. The '66 and up have those classy blue/green tunnels. About the same color as the '64's have between the console ribs and dash trim ribs. Weird.

Glad to hear that they ARE capable of producing nice units still. Sounds like they need a more scrupulous Q.C. inspector.

[60sstuff]

Originally Posted by geeteeohguy

Not really. You had a LeMans. The cluster tunnels are blue/green, but the pebble grain on the dash is black. At least IIRC. The '64 and '65 have black plastic and black tunnels. The '66 and up have those classy blue/green tunnels. About the same color as the '64's have between the console ribs and dash trim ribs. Weird.

Hi Jeff,
Slight correction about the gauge tunnel color.
Only 1967 had the blue/green colored tunnels.
This color was used on the ‘67 radio face as well.

1966 still had black tunnels.
My OEM ‘66 dash below.

PS, the chrome outer lip of the tunnel openings on a ‘67 is slightly rounded.
1966 chrome lip is flat.

[geeteeohguy]

Originally Posted by 60sstuff

Hi Jeff,
Slight correction about the gauge tunnel color.
Only 1967 had the blue/green colored tunnels.
This color was used on the ‘67 radio face as well.

1966 still had black tunnels.
My OEM ‘66 dash below.

PS, the chrome outer lip of the tunnel openings on a ‘67 is slightly rounded.
1966 chrome lip is flat.

Thanks, Chris. Haven't owned a '66 in 33 years. Feel free to post more pics of that beautiful interior....it never gets old!!! And everybody, have a great long weekend.

[Kenth]

Originally Posted by 60sstuff

Hi Jeff,
Slight correction about the gauge tunnel color.
Only 1967 had the blue/green colored tunnels.
This color was used on the ‘67 radio face as well.

1966 still had black tunnels.
My OEM ‘66 dash below.

PS, the chrome outer lip of the tunnel openings on a ‘67 is slightly rounded.
1966 chrome lip is flat.

I noticed your steering wheel center cap has silver rings around the arrow head, mine doesn´t.
Has someone changed mine or was there two styles, early/late?
Thanks!

[60sstuff]

Originally Posted by Kenth

I noticed your steering wheel center cap has silver rings around the arrow head, mine doesn´t.
Has someone changed mine or was there two styles, early/late?
Thanks!

I can’t explain why there are two different styles of the ‘66 steering wheel center cap.

From reviewing the ‘66 Lemans and GTO Survivors I have on file my guess is about 25% are like yours, without the 3 chrome rings.

Also it does not seem to be early verses late production or plant build, or Lemans / GTO as I have seen both caps on each model.
Maybe a supplier for a period of time caused this?

Here is a close up of my center cap, plus a spare cap with part number on the back #9783136.

[ZeGermanHam]

The horn cap on my '66 is a little different than either of those two styles. The rings are not the same blue as the background nor are they bright silver like the arrowhead. Instead, the rings are somewhat of an iridescent blue that catches the light, but definitely not silver.