Frustration! Reproduction inst. bezel etc.

[4X4GMC1972]

I purchased a reproduction instrument panel bezel, lens, and woodgrain applique via mail order.

Upon inspection of the woodgrain applique, it did not match the holes on the new bezel properly. I layed it over my original bezel and it fit a little better. Furthermore, the woodgrain is not the right shade of color and grain. Not even close really. I stuck it on the bezel anyway. It actually turned out a little better than I expected. There is up to a 1/16" mismatch in places. I'm not sure how noticable it is to the casual observer, but it aggrivates me!

I received the lens later on a backorder. When I compared it to the original, I was even more disappointed. First, the font style and size does not match the original. When you lay it over the original, the letters and numbers are as far as 1/8" off from the originals. When I installed it, of course, it was not centered with the holes on the bezel.

These were bought through a supplier that sells GM parts. I didn't take the cheapest route by any means. I am not trying to do a concours restoration but, I would like something that is close to appearing original.

Has anybody else had this particular problem? Any recommendations as to who supplies these pieces that are close to the originals in quality and appaerance?

Sorry for the long winded post. I just hope nobody else throws away as much money as i do on crap!

Todd

[chickenwing]

I feel for ya. I purchased a repop bezel with a woodgrain aplique. It looks like poop. Ebay transaction. I bet one of the board vendors can steer ya straight. Me? I got no stinkin money so I'm living with it for now. Dreaming of finding a nice original junkyarding.

[Solver]

I have bought the wood grain from multiple places and never have found a brand that fits the bezel!

[HeavyD]

I am also interested in what repo bezel and lens fits well. Any vendors out there care to point us in the right direction??

[69 Short Fleet]

Todd. I went through some repop headaches myself (carpet x2 & still does not fit right/hoodbowtie trim paint falling off/outergrill x3/ect.ect.) and it sucks. There seems to be no continuenty (sp?) with the parts for our trucks (nos GM can be a pain also). Yet repop Vette parts are bang-on from everyone I've talked to, why I'm not sure. As far as the gauge bezel goes I got mine from Chevyduty and its pretty good (no fittment issues). Doug

[4X4GMC1972]

Was the Chevy Duty bezel woodgrained? Their online catalog states that it is "correct".
Todd

[bowtie]

I bought a couple of sets from a Las Vegas store, TUCKERS, and paid 2 different prices. I noticed the difference of the quality right away. One was definately made better than the other.

[PICKMUP]

All of the lens now have thinner numbers than the original, even GM. I don't know why they don't just do it right. I have one of the old/old NOS GM tach lens with the correct original fat numbers. I wonder what that is worth? . However, they are all off center to the bottom so you can read them better. This is correct.
I have looked at several wood decals and they are just not very good. Some a little better. I have one style that is closer to the original color, but of course it costs twice as much.
I quit selling bezels with pre-installed wood decals. They were put on so crooked, that everyone brought them back. I now sell them separate and explain I don't think much of them, but that is the best there is.

[4X4GMC1972]

Well, let me know how much you want for the lens. Also let me know the price for the almost close to original applique.
Thanks
Todd

[69 Short Fleet]

Tood, no mine is the black & chrome one with the 7 holes.

[PICKMUP]

NOS lens not for sale...just info for your thread. I use it for comparison to show the differences. I have two GM NOS lens, in the boxes, with the same GM #6458266, yet one has thick numbers and one thin.
I will see if I can get pics of the different wood decals, to see if they are any better.

[MOTHERTRUCKERS]

Many years ago i had a company that were going to reproduce them correctly for me, we got the template made and the color correct and were going to use 3M quality. 3M only sells that in a 5000 foot roll by 48 inches wide, cost with shipping was over 12,000.00 dollars, project ended abruptly. I have not found any repro decals that fit correctly but have found the American made bezels Brothers Trucks and a few other vendors like us sell and their decals with a heatgun and a little tugging and contact cement will get you in the ballpark.

[franko72]

I bought a bezel , lens,and woodgrain decal from LMC. It ws very disappointing .The match up was not even close.I didnt like the way that the molded lights and wipers area on the bezel looked.It looked like it should have been put on a model car.I put it on the truck anyway. People say that it looks good ,but I notice the difference.If you have the extra $$ get the good stuff and be pleased.

[bagged91]

Is there anyway to "safely" remove the original woodgrain from an original bezel and reapply it to a new USA bezel? My 72 Cheyenne Super has nice woodgrain but the chrome is frigged up.

[Tim Christian]

When installing the woodgrain it does work better on a all chrome bezel. The reason being if it is off a little you just see chrome not back which will stand out more.

[4X4GMC1972]

This is how it turned out. I had to use a heat gun to fit it around the lower corners. I am disappointed to say the least. I think the glove box door applique turned out alright though.
I ordered a new bezel from Chevy duty with the woodgrain installed to see if the grain matches close to the glovebox door. We'll see. I still haven't found a lens yet.
Todd

[chickenwing]

I'd trade ya in a heartbeat! Looks much better than mine.

[franko72]

looks dead on mine! there is a small amount of chrome that is seen around the rings where it doesnt exactly fit.