Problem with new repro glove box bezel

[L78fanatic]

Anyone have this issue when replacing the plastic chrome bezel piece on the dash above the glove box door on either a '66 or '67? I bought mine from Ground Up and it is not correct (unless I'm missing something)...curved along the long sides which "can't be correct"! I didn't notice this before 3 days after receiving the part so of course they won't pay for the return, but they will exchange the part. I either was in the hospital or soon thereafter, but "rules are rules"....pretty shitty of them imo, but such is life. I just don't want to receive ANOTHER faulty part! Here are a few pics of the part.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

John

 

[Nashville Cat]

I have a new one that I haven't installed; I'll check it out and let you know. Thanks

 

[cheveslakr]

I've also got a new one, 66 though, and it has a bow both ways, the flat side will easily flex back to flat, the other way is bowed maybe a 1/4 inch along the bottom side. Check your original and compare, it's probably the correct curve???

 

[Nashville Cat]

I've also got a new one, 66 though, and it has a bow both ways, the flat side will easily flex back to flat, the other way is bowed maybe a 1/4 inch along the bottom side. Check your original and compare, it's probably the correct curve???

Mine has a curve to it (67) but it bolts to the dash.
So I figured the nuts would pull it flat against the dash ?
I haven't tightened it down yet. Looks like it's got a 1/8" gap on each end but it's not that rigid.

 

[JohnC]

Not sure my experience helps you because I bought mine probably at least 20 years ago so maybe they are different than the ones currently available.

I’m really happy with how mine fits. For the most part the gap (between the lower edge of the bezel and the metal above the glove box door) is very tight and you can’t even slide a piece of paper in there. On the most right hand end, there is a little gap that I can fit a penny into but of all the ill fitting parts on those cars, both OEM and reproduction, I consider this pretty good.
I bet there is supposed to be a little bow in it.

 

[JohnC]

I think if you just lay the part on there it’ll look it it not made right but I bet that amount of curve will easily flatten out when you tighten down the retainer on the back side.
My instrument cluster bezel actually fits well too (also a 20 year old part). The radio bezel however fits like crap but I’ve heard that’s just the way they are.

 

[L78fanatic]

Thanks for the input, but what about the curve on the bottom of the bezel.....I don't think merely tightening up the screws on the back will do anything to flatten that out. See my part again and a pic of the one in the car (straight).

 

[L78fanatic]

I returned the part via UPS today. I'll wait and see what the replacement part looks like. I wonder if anyone re-chromes plastic parts? Seems like a better deal to me if that's an option.

 

[Pete 67]

There used to be a few people rechroming plastic parts, but both places I used are out of business. I had all 3 of dash pieces for my first '67 redone & they all came out great....way better than the repoprs, but that was 15-20 years ago.

I'll do some research & see if I find anyone doing this currently.

 

[JohnC]

I think the caveat to that is that if plating is available it’s likely to be prohibitively expensive.
I think that’s true at least for pot metal stuff. I’ve got a pot metal pieces that are pitted but fit so much better than reproduction stuff.

 

[Pete 67]

I think the caveat to that is that if plating is available it’s likely to be prohibitively expensive.
I think that’s true at least for pot metal stuff. I’ve got a pot metal pieces that are pitted but fit so much better than reproduction stuff.

Hard to say in today's world, but when I had my pieces redone, the cost of the plating was basically the same price as the comparable repop part.

 

[JohnC]

Well sounds good. I’d rather replate original stuff that just fits better

 

[L78fanatic]

Follow up! I've decided to leave the original chrome dash (plastic) pieces as it came from the factory (the glove box piece is a bit worn/chrome faded for 50+ years!). The more I learn about my new family member I am finding out how original the car is. 50+ years in one family, protecto-plate, etc. It only has a light refurbishment (repaint) by the 2nd owner before it came available on the market (for me!). I believe in leaving it as original as possible...doesn't bother me a bit!

Lots of work to do, but I am enjoying doing things as my health allows. Being on oxygen really sucks (COVID pneumonia can do that to you!....been ill then battling COVID because I had no immune system for 5+ months total now). I will post up progress on the car as best I can. I named it "Big Red"!

Ready for summer here! Then, I can repaint the inner fenders and under hood....prior owner botched it with gloss paint (so-so job). Fortunately the Bolero Red body paint is really REALLY good!

 

[cage2592]

It sounds like you made the right call.

Sometimes I don't think people take that into consideration when they have an overall thought of how they'll process through the car to their vision. Some might not know until they dive in. I purposely bought my 70 years ago searching for a certain level of completion. I knew what my vision was and didn't want to cut up a good vehicle on my pursuit to a Retso-mod.

It's yours. Looks like it's coming along great. I hope your health is getting better and glad to see you're staying busy.

 

[cheveslakr]

Great plan! Original, respectable classics get used and loved far more than perfect shiny ones.

 

[JohnC]

Looks good to me! I'd be pretty happy with that. I decided long ago that I don't want a car that looks brand new, or more realistically, looks like it was assembled with brand new, poorly made parts.
I like a little "patina" on my dash etc. I know I can get shiny new instrument bezel for the Cheyenne but I really like the aged, faded "chrome' look.

Hope you get past the health problems or at least get back to be functional and doing the things you want to do. Keep at it. If you don't use it, you lose it.

 

[Nashville Cat]

Follow up! I've decided to leave the original chrome dash (plastic) pieces as it came from the factory (the glove box piece is a bit worn/chrome faded for 50+ years!). The more I learn about my new family member I am finding out how original the car is. 50+ years in one family, protecto-plate, etc. It only has a light refurbishment (repaint) by the 2nd owner before it came available on the market (for me!). I believe in leaving it as original as possible...doesn't bother me a bit!

Lots of work to do, but I am enjoying doing things as my health allows. Being on oxygen really sucks (COVID pneumonia can do that to you!....been ill then battling COVID because I had no immune system for 5+ months total now). I will post up progress on the car as best I can. I named it "Big Red"!

Ready for summer here! Then, I can repaint the inner fenders and under hood....prior owner botched it with gloss paint (so-so job). Fortunately the Bolero Red body paint is really REALLY good!

I knew you were looking for a 67 to build a L78 like the one you had a long time ago.
Did you find a car ? Is this it ?

 

[L78fanatic]

I knew you were looking for a 67 to build a L78 like the one you had a long time ago.
Did you find a car ? Is this it ?

Well, yes that was the plan. Then after surviving treatment for a rare auto-immune disorder (and buying the car) I got COVID pneumonia, no doubt due to my severely suppressed immune system and I had no resistance. The weekly blood tests were my downfall...my nurse gave me COVID drawing my blood! Coughed all over me through her mask, and she had just returned to work after being out with COVID...well, DUH!!!!!

I am still on oxygen, but trying to wean myself off of it. It may take a long time or I may never get back to normal. So, I'm just enjoying tinkering on "Big Red" for now.

None of us knows what the future holds, but I'm not gonna say I will never build my clone.....for now, I at least have a nice '67 which brings back so many good memories. It just feels right for me at present time!

Growing up as a little guy, red was always my favorite color. Today, not so much, but at least you will "really see me coming"...no stealth look for this '67. Thankfully, my '67 L78 was dark blue and very stealth or I'd have gotten into trouble ALOT!

I may follow up with the L78 build as I have every major part (parts numbers & date correct for the '67 L78 block). So, that will be fun regardless.

All the best,

John

 

[Nashville Cat]

Well, yes that was the plan. Then after surviving treatment for a rare auto-immune disorder (and buying the car) I got COVID pneumonia, no doubt due to my severely suppressed immune system and I had no resistance. The weekly blood tests were my downfall...my nurse gave me COVID drawing my blood! Coughed all over me through her mask, and she had just returned to work after being out with COVID...well, DUH!!!!!

I am still on oxygen, but trying to wean myself off of it. It may take a long time or I may never get back to normal. So, I'm just enjoying tinkering on "Big Red" for now.

None of us knows what the future holds, but I'm not gonna say I will never build my clone.....for now, I at least have a nice '67 which brings back so many good memories. It just feels right for me at present time!

Growing up as a little guy, red was always my favorite color. Today, not so much, but at least you will "really see me coming"...no stealth look for this '67. Thankfully, my '67 L78 was dark blue and very stealth or I'd have gotten into trouble ALOT!

I may follow up with the L78 build as I have every major part (parts numbers & date correct for the '67 L78 block). So, that will be fun regardless.

All the best,

John

Great car , John !
Sorry to hear about the pneumonia.
Definitely keep us updated !
--------
Dr Pierre Kory has a treatment for post-covid that you might want to check out :

I-RECOVER: Long COVID Treatment - FLCCC | Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance

Months after acute infection of COVID-19, up to 80% of patients experience prolonged illness, and likely did not receive adequate treatment.

covid19criticalcare.com

Treatment protocol

I-RECOVER: Post-Vaccine Treatment - FLCCC | Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance

I-RECOVER Post-Vaccine Treatment Protocol is intended to assist healthcare professionals providing medical care for vaccine-injured patients.

covid19criticalcare.com

 

[JohnC]

Great looking car!