Gauge/Bezel Question

[1980 Chevy]

What's the scoop on instrument gauges/bezels? I have a 1980. Are all 73-87 interchangeable?

[86 GMG]

yes they are all interchangable but you will find a little difffrents in the windshield wiper/washer knob are diffrent on a few years some trucks had them on the turning signal and some were in the dash

[N2TRUX]

NO, they are not "all" interchangeable. Although they will fit, that does not mean they will work. I'll have to post the details later since I'm trying to leave my office now. There are quit a few changes made through the years at are very important....

[1980 Chevy]

Looking fwd to reading about those differences N2Trux. BTW- Nice truck!

[KShortell]

The bezel will vary a little based upon whether the truck had A/C or not (has to do with the vents), was in a year with the wiper control on the dash or on the column, had brushed aluminum, woodgrain, or was plain. Note that The brushed aluminum and woodgrain are basically factory appliques (stickers) over the base model bezel.

The LMC catalog actually does a pretty good job in showing the differences over the years.

Good luck!

[1980 Chevy]

I sort of felt that KShortell...but just wanted to make sure before I spend the big bucks on a new brushed alum one for my truck.
Thanks for the reply.

[Captkaos]

The aluminum is cover is split 73-77, 78-80, 81-87.
They are listed here, but the pic is the same for simplicity.
http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/merc...tegory_Code=7G

[1980 Chevy]

Yea, that's what I'm talking about...they all LOOK identical, but for some reason they are split up between the years you've listed. Thanks Capt.

[bigblock73]

The only real difference is the diameter of the gauge openings. I believe LMC has their diameters in their catalog. If you are going to put in aftermarket gauges, get the one with the largest openings. They still won't be big enough, but you still have less to trim off.

[86 GMG]

1980 chevy sorry for the miss leading i just learned something myself today. boy those ele. gauge set really would look sweet in our trucks wouldn't they anyway have a good day

[1980 Chevy]

No worries 86 GMG, that is what is cool about this site..we all learn something every now and then....there are all kinds of parts that are soooo close, but for one reason or another may not bolt in. I have the same questions regarding front grilles. I really like the older ones....and they look close, but just not sure if the bolt holes are in the right place, etc...
Thanks for the info bigblock73...I'll keep that in mind.

[Captkaos]

To clarify, the trim plates ARE different, I just listed on pic for each piece. Jeff listed the actual difference which is the diameter size.

[TrainD5115]

I put a 77 bezel in my 79 and it fit about 90% correct. It had clearance issues on the lower side of the bezel and the lower column covers did not interchange. As stated earlier, they can be made to work but it will look a tad off. Ended up buying a used correct year for my truck (78-80) and am alot happier.

[KShortell]

Originally Posted by 1980 Chevy

I sort of felt that KShortell...but just wanted to make sure before I spend the big bucks on a new brushed alum one for my truck.
Thanks for the reply.

I only know that 'cuz I did the ChevyDuty replacement aluminum decal deal. I'm not all that thrilled with it, so I bought a new bezel. The old one's OK, I'm just anal retentive that way and I got a killer deal on a new one that was too good to pass up. I'll have the old one for sale sooner or later, though...