[Pershing]

For a 1967 GTO: where the steering column goes through the instrument panel, I have a rectangular indentation on either side of the panel and there is a hole in each indentation. Is there some sort of closure part that should go there to cover up the column? I have looked in the Ames catalog and I can't find a piece that would be in that place. It seems odd not to have something there. I hope my description is clear enough.

[Jeff Hamlin]

Not sure but I think you are referring to the opening around the column where it meets the Bezel.
There is no Collar used in '67 like in '66.
If I had to guess I would say it was due to the annoying creaking sounds you get in a '66 with OE abs plastic, so they just did away with it.

First pic '67. 2nd is '66.

[242177P]

They used the panel in 66, it wrapped around the column and closed that opening as well. It seems that they just couldn't be bothered with them in 67 with the advent of the energy absorbing steering column. Whether it was by design, or cost cutting measures, that "missing" piece is intentional. HTH.

Edit- treed by a whole 15 minutes. That'll teach me to stop for food.

[Pershing]

Thanks to both of you. yes, that is it. My '67 looks like the photo on the left. There's a space between the panel and the column. I can see that there is no space on the '66. For '66 they put that trim piece in there to hide the gap and it is secured underneath the panel in the two indentations I mentioned along with some sort of bolt/washer, etc. For '67 they deleted it. Good to know as I thought maybe the restoration shop forgot a part. Looks like they did it correctly for a '67. Thanks again. One less thing to think about.

[GT182]

The bezel on my 66 doesn't make any noise.