Anyone have the dash bezels (ignition, R. Vent, L.Vent, etc) for my '59? Mine are chipped and worn; may not be worth salvaging or rechroming.

Also, is there a rear view mirror with the day/night switch that will fit the stock mirror shaft or 3-bolt pattern along the windshield header?

Thanks,
Daryl

 

Daryl

This isn't a total solution. you would be surprised how much the bezels will recover with a good machine buffing. I just use my S/S polishing equipment (nothing at all elaborate, I am cheap)

Your truck is sweet and deserves new pieces but this is just an option if they are hard to get.

'fenders

 

'fenders,

I am having difficulty locating replacement bezels in good condition. I'll try to find a local machine shop that can repair what I've got. Thanks for the lead on machining the bezels, I didn't know that was possible.

Daryl

 

Daryl

I am just talking about a buff with a firm wheel and some compound. The shine will be totally restored and very minor scratching and rust removed. No miracles will occur. It won't repair severe pitting etc.

'fenders

 

Daryl,
fenders speaks the truth. They will clean up nicely providing they are not badly pitted.

Please use caution however, because these bezels for our years are only chrome plated pot metal.
Go lightly. If you buff too hard or use the wrong compound, you could buff right through the finish.

Unfortunately, no one is re-producing the bezels at this time. Which bezels specifically are you looking for? I sometimes run across N.O.S. ones on e-bay.

 

hey daryl i have found that buffing compound and a dremel tool can do wonder's,just go lite on the presure.have fun/scott.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-14-03 AT 12:42 PM (EST)]Kenny,
I am looking for the L.Air, R.Air, Lights(mine has a chip out of the edge; damaged), Wiper(if one exists?) bezels. I don't need the ignition bezel because my ignition is on a tilt column now.

'Fenders & Scott,

Thanks for the pointers on buffing. I'll go lightly and see how the shine comes up. I know that one of the bezels has a decent sized chip taken out of it along the rim. Bummer. And 'fenders... yes, knowing me, I WOULD replace them all if I could find nice new ones! I've already drilled the satin-finished Billet ***** to fit on the posts. But before I secure them onto the posts, I want to clean up the bezels.

Thanks gentlemen,
Daryl

 

Daryl,
I have had good luck with the initial cleaning when using GOOP hand cleaner. It will remove the grunge and put a shine on them. From there you can evaluate what you have.
P.S. great photos of your truck. That is one sweet ride. I am watching for a 57 shortbed with a big back window. Then I can hit you up for help!

 

Thanks, TruckFarmer!
I have that "orange" hand cleaner stuff in a pump bottle. Will that work on the bezels same as the GOOP?

Daryl

 

Daryl

You may know this, but you can buff the satin billet ***** to look like chrome. So close it is very hard to tell the difference. If thats the look you desire. Satin aluminum and chrome don't usually go together well when side by side.

'fenders

 

 

>Daryl
>
>You may know this, but you can buff the satin billet *****
>to look like chrome. So close it is very hard to tell the
>difference. If thats the look you desire. Satin aluminum
>and chrome don't usually go together well when side by side.
>
>'fenders

'Fenders,
I found some bezels!!! Bob's F-100's had some. Not shiney and new, but they are in good shape... and their color will not contrast with the satin Billet *****! Dang, it's nice when something good falls in your lap for once, huh?!?

See ya AFTER the 18th on the new and improved FTE!
Daryl