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Instrument panel install

nfrntau

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 15, 2004
Messages
1,020
Location
Rosharon, Texas
Trying to install an after market instrument panel bezel today and ran into a small problem. I couldn't get the original nut to twist onto the screw post located on the right hand side of the bezel.
It didn't have a nut on it when I got it.
Does anyone know if it was supposed to have a nut and if so what size? My bucket of assorted nuts had nothing that fit. The bezel is already on the car with all the wiring attached so I really don't want to remove it if I don't have to.
Any help would be appreciated.
 

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franklinair

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
4,741
I never have re-installed those bezel nuts for the instrument cluster. (I do put them on the panel above the glove box)The cluster is such a tight fit, I put the 2 upper & lower screws in, and have never had a problem. (The bezel is secure to the cluster by the screws on the backside.)

Neil
 
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@Holmes

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 22, 2006
Messages
238
Location
McAllen, Texas
Its probably metric. Take the bezel to the auto store and use there little plastic nut sizer ---- thing --- dosen't sound right. Anyway you will be able to get the correct nut
L
 

franklinair

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
4,741
Sorry - I don't agree with trying to install that nut, be it metric or SAE. It's virtually non functional. (The bezel is secured to the cluster by the 8 screws on the back, and the cluster is secured to the dash by the four screws - 2 top & 2 bottom.) Twelve fasteners ought to do the trick (without skinning your knuckles and frustrating yourself). I consider that threaded stud no more than a guide pin for putting the cluster into place.

Neil
 

clubpro

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 24, 2003
Messages
665
Our family member from Texas is correct. About 15 years ago I learned this lesson the hard way and ended up breaking the stud off. I sent my original to Mr. G's in Ft. Worth Texas and had it rechromed and painted and it came back good as new. I can't say that for everything that I've sent to Mr. G's, but the instrument bezel came back like new. Current cost is $80 plus shipping.

The bezel in question is metric, but I agree with Neil there is no need to try and put a nut on it.

Cheers,

Ron
 

rvrtrash

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2003
Messages
3,649
I think there is a need for the nut--if you have air conditioning. My vent piece was pushing everything out until I tightened that nut down. If you just have a blank piece in the middle of the dash, it's probably not a big deal.

Steve
 

franklinair

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
4,741
:smile: All of mine (6) had factory A/C with the center register. Never had a problem leaving the superfluous nut off. But, "to each his own".

Neil
 
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OP
nfrntau

nfrntau

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 15, 2004
Messages
1,020
Location
Rosharon, Texas
I picked a #5 metric nut up yesterday but havn't had a chance to see if it fits yet, I'll let y'all know how it works out.
Stay tuned
 
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