Too simple?....bezel replacement

[Wil Ferch]

I've read the two ( or so) tech articles on gauge repair and refurbishment in the Tech Section of Pelican. The drill about how to use a small screwdriver to remove the bezel is well documented.

The odd thing, however, is how do you ( elegantly) go about re-attaching the bezel...how do you fold-over the bezel ring back into shape? I think the NoHo guys and their ilk must use some kind of wooden ( or non-marring) roller mechanism...but for the DIY'er...do you simply place this in a padded vice somehow and gently squeeze the bezel back on tight? What's the trick ??

- Wil

[cmonref]

"Reinstallation is the reverse of removal." Or so says the factory manual.

Seriously, reassemble and place face down on a firm but nonmarring surface. Use a light hammer and a small flat-tip screwdriver to re-bend the mounting ring. Go round and round with light taps until the mounting ring is recrimped to the instrument housing.

[Wil Ferch]

Sounds like a three hand project..... one to wield the hammer, one to steady the gauge, and one to hold/position the bezel in-place as you go incrementally around the circumference....

Place gauge against a solid but non-marring "back-wall" on your workbench as you do this ??

???

- Wil

[cmonref]

I did the clock recently, so had a piece of 1/8 pine with a hole for the clock hand adjustment. Covered with felt. I had the screwdriver in one hand (thumb and forefinger) and steadied the clock with the palm of that same hand (diametrically opposed to where the screwdriver was being applied. I could do perhaps 45-60 degrees before rotating the clock and repositioning my hands.

I did this on the kitchen table while sitting down -- beats standing at the workbench in the garage in winter. One of those tedious jobs that you just have to wade thru.

While doing this removal/reinstallation, I had visions of the special tools at the instrument shops that make this a 5 second operation.

[ben parrish]

Wil,
I just did this on my 1950 Chevrolet truck. While the gauges are very different, I believe the process is the same. Place the bezel on the bench, face down, on a towel or other soft material. Take the gauge and place it down on the bezel; ensure that it is pressed all the way down, flush with the glass. Then simply follow Brian's advice and re-crimp the bezel around the perimeter. I actually used a small piece of oak instead of the screwdriver to help distribute the load and not dimple the bezel. Start at 12 o'clock, then 6, then 9, then 3 ...you get the idea.

good luck,
Ben

[SWISSMADE]

Ditto Brian K Haggard, but used a piece of 1/4" diam. hardwood dowel instead of the screwdriver.....leaves no marks.

Cheers, Mike

[Porsche_monkey]

I just pushed mine back with the tip of a screwdriver, it is aluminum, so it's easy. Just work your way around the perimeter. As long as it doesn't rattle you'll be fine, with the rubber seal in place you can't see it.

The correct way, IMO, would be to spin it in a lathe and roll it back into place.

[RoninLB]

i've never done this job, but


would a large hose clamp work ?