Author Topic: Dash grab handle bezels  (Read 1165 times)

Wallington

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Dash grab handle bezels
« on: June 13, 2022, 02:28:36 AM »
Has anyone used a set of original GM grab handle bezels with the reproduction grab handle from OER? I've wasted a good part of a day trying to file and modify a pair of OER bezels to fit and still not even close. And of course, I painted them first with the last of my custom mix before finding out they have no chance of actually fitting, and now all chipped up.

I can't imagine all others have the same dramas, as with most things, some sellers even repaint them prior to sale and doubt they test fit either, so must be a fair variation in the thick coating on the handle perhaps.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/lhIAAOSwE-tfF8JA/s-l500.jpg
« Last Edit: June 13, 2022, 04:31:47 AM by Wallington »

Gene-73

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2022, 04:55:44 PM »
I've used the reproduction bezels on an original grab handle (I think it was original) and there was no fitment issue.
Is that different than what you are doing? It sounds like you are attempting the opposite.

Would it be easier to modify the handle instead of the bezel?
Gene


Wallington

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #2 on: June 13, 2022, 05:52:23 PM »
Thanks, I'm modifying both where possible, will keep going. I have the OER repro of both and the handle is well oversized that it would never fit inside the recess of the bezels. I've filed the handle slots larger which was also limiting movement but after that only filing and trimming handle ends, yet to have one that fits, ran out of time.

I figured most original handles were tugged out of shape yet the bezels were likely fine, for the typical swap using a reproduction. But I'd expect they would find similar issues. My handle was left off when dash retrimmed in leather, might be a good way to stay.

I certainly wasn't expecting to have to spend so much time on a new part that is meant to go together. It would be interesting to have a GM and repro comparison, prior to mods, compare the grain and end size.

I'll measure the depth of the bezels now and mark on end of handle as the area to cut down. I was only chamfering the edge before and still didn't get one to fit inside bezel, let alone seat.

One of the Firebird restoration shops that sells these and offers them repainted at an extra cost. But naturally, their sample photos of painted item and installed are clearly a used original, complete with kinks. The same shop sold me a set of painted seatbelt sleeves years ago. They were terrible condition, complete with rough casting and plastic hanging off, but still painted over. I still have them years later, cleaned-up, repainted and looking 10x better, have been listed at 1/2 price on ebay for years. Yet when a shop lists them like that we just pay top price, get crap, and pretend we are happy with the quality. Anyway...
« Last Edit: June 14, 2022, 01:42:10 AM by Wallington »

Wallington

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #3 on: June 16, 2022, 01:33:57 AM »
All done, doesn't look like much but took some time to slowly file and trim away until happy with a snug fit in bezels. Had to keep checking as too much off would be visible when installed, had to chamfer around perimeter of both ends. Now to touch up again.

Firebird dash grab handle mods 6-22 (1) by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

Firebird dash grab handle mods 6-22 (2) by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

Firebird dash grab handle mods 6-22 (3) by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

Firebird dash grab handle mods 6-22 (4) by Aus78Formula, on Flickr


FormTA

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2022, 03:07:29 AM »
That turned out nice.
79 Trans am low buck LS swapped
79 Formula 301 (Work in progress)
67 RS Camaro (waiting it's turn)
69 Dodge charger on late model charger chassis
49 Ford F1 on a 2003 Chevy ZR2 Chassis (current project)
Names, Luke. If I hear anyone telling me they're my father....

Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2022, 03:07:29 AM »

roadking77

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #5 on: June 16, 2022, 06:37:48 AM »
Looks nice, typically most repro parts are a good start but tweaking to fit is a necessity.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

5th T/A

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #6 on: June 16, 2022, 08:13:50 AM »
Wallington, turned out great. This is one of those things that only someone who cares about there car can appreciate. I know in my case if it wasn’t perfect my eyes would be drawn to the grab handle every time I got in the car. I suspect it would be the same for you.
« Last Edit: June 16, 2022, 12:48:42 PM by 5th T/A »
1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

Wallington

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #7 on: June 17, 2022, 01:33:43 AM »
That's pretty much the case. The parts can also be super expensive to source and ship, new or used, so also disappointing if not the condition they should be in.

I touched these up today. Had just enough left in a can for 3 coats over chipped areas then light coat the blend the lot.

Wallington

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5th T/A

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #9 on: June 18, 2022, 07:05:08 AM »
Looks great Wallington!

Please send more photos of your car when You have a chance. For years you have been very helpful to other TAC members by sharing your knowledge, but I don't ever recall hearing about your car?
1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

Wallington

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #10 on: June 18, 2022, 01:56:40 PM »
Yeah nothing to really share. All in pieces and unlikely ever run again. This is the trivial sort of progress these days!

FormTA

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #11 on: June 18, 2022, 05:49:21 PM »
I'm beginning to wonder if you even have a car.... Just a bunch parts
 :grin:
79 Trans am low buck LS swapped
79 Formula 301 (Work in progress)
67 RS Camaro (waiting it's turn)
69 Dodge charger on late model charger chassis
49 Ford F1 on a 2003 Chevy ZR2 Chassis (current project)
Names, Luke. If I hear anyone telling me they're my father....

Wallington

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #12 on: June 18, 2022, 11:30:32 PM »
Not the only one!

5th T/A

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #13 on: June 19, 2022, 06:17:50 AM »
Wallington, my apologies if I struck a nerve. I was just interested in what you have going on. Compared to most members here I am a newbie. With the system crashes and data loss I thought I missed out on your car. I am aware some projects of fellow TAC members that have been going on for decades. Family, careers and life often gets in the way of things. I was pretty much out of the hobby for 37 years. I really regret selling my 1975 TA after restoring it. Fortunately I got back into my love of cars and Firebird’s a couple years ago, between retirement and Covid my timing was good. My opinion is you are a real asset to TAC. You have helped a lot of people here including me. I have seen piles of parts turn into great cars. If you hang in there and stay with it, one step at a time you will get there.
1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

Wallington

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #14 on: June 19, 2022, 09:27:12 PM »
No, not at all. I keep plodding along with tiny projects but none really affect the project. It ran out of steam years ago when waiting for years for paint work, paint shops closed up, moved and kept accepting mate's cars. It was even booked in twice to start, date came and went. And then had to live off the money put aside for it. So it just sits. The fact it's in boxes is all that stopped it being sold off, no market here for them now. Everyone just imports a LHD already restored, wasn't an option several years ago. I'd still get more of a kick out of saying "I restored that, albeit poorly and at high cost" instead of "I just bought this, now I'm an instant enthusiast. I even check the oil myself."

I should also mention, my car doesn't even have a grab handle! It did 44 years ago, but lost it when converted to RHD about 1980. I just thought it would be 'nice to have' but still not sure I'd install, needs to beef up more than stock due to fibreglass dash, can't risk someone tugging on it. More ideas for another day. 10x the amount of work to re-engineer and no one will ever know the difference! Just me. If it looks like a factory option and original, job done. If they can tell what you've done, it's done badly!
« Last Edit: June 19, 2022, 09:29:28 PM by Wallington »

Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #14 on: June 19, 2022, 09:27:12 PM »

5th T/A

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #15 on: June 20, 2022, 04:41:33 AM »
Wallington,  People like me who live in North America, often complain about the cost of parts shipping or availability of services. But from what I have heard it’s totally outrageous in your part of the world. It really puts things in perspective! I feel for you. I agree there is a lot more satisfaction from doing any work you can versus writing a check for a turn key car.
1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

aussieta

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #16 on: June 20, 2022, 05:11:15 AM »
dont want to hijack the thread
but shipping and import duties for my bumper covers
was over $1000 7 or 8 years ago
1978 Y84 W72 WS6
A Camaro looks like it could kick your ass.
A Trans Am looks like it's coming over to do it

TA301

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Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #17 on: June 27, 2022, 01:08:05 PM »
It takes talent to make poor fitting reproductions. Where is the quality control?

Re: Dash grab handle bezels
« Reply #17 on: June 27, 2022, 01:08:05 PM »
You can help support TAC!