CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Originality => Topic started by: dan the man on August 11, 2008, 03:56:37 AM

Title: radio bezels in originality
Post by: dan the man on August 11, 2008, 03:56:37 AM
My 68 rs/ss (04A)  has a woodgrain dash panel and ash tray. It also has a woodgrain radio bezel. Was this original to this model? It looks factory!
Title: Re: radio bezels in originality
Post by: gro51 on August 12, 2008, 12:00:53 AM
Hi Dan - I also have a 68 SS/RS 04A ! (350, Norwood  car)  The woodgrain is part of the Deluxe Interior (RPO Z87) .  Mine has it too.
Title: Re: radio bezels in originality
Post by: bertfam on August 12, 2008, 03:45:45 PM
The woodgrain radio bezel wasn't used on the Camaro, but it was used on the Firebird. This is a typical changeout by previous owners although it isn't "correct" for the Camaro.

Ed
Title: Re: radio bezels in originality
Post by: dan the man on August 16, 2008, 12:13:08 AM
Isn't a firebird woodgrain different than a camaro?  (Burlwood)  Mine is walnut grain
Title: Re: radio bezels in originality
Post by: gro51 on August 16, 2008, 02:33:00 AM
Here's a pic of the bezel that was in my '68 SS/RS, deluxe interior, when I bought it in '83.   It doesn't match the dash panel . The color is off just a bit (not sure if it's burlwood, Dan) and the grain goes in the opposite direction.  The part number on the back is 3886998.  I've since replaced it with a repop black one.

Ed, do you think the one I have pictured is a Firebird bezel?

(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j82/gro51/bezel.jpg)
Title: Re: radio bezels in originality
Post by: bertfam on August 16, 2008, 04:44:32 AM
Dan, yes, as per the 1968 FIREBIRD SALES MANUAL (http://firstgenfirebird.org/firebird/1968/sales_manual/Q-10.html):

Quote
The centrally located heater controls, radio provision and ashtray are mounted in a burl wood grained appearance trim plate framed by a bright metal molding.

However, in 1967 the dash was "straight grained" so what you have there Joe, is a 1967 Firebird radio bezel. Yours appears to be a reproduction though, since original bezels are a little lighter than that, and the P/N is different. Reproduction 67 'Bird bezels use the same black Camaro bezel (P/N 3886998) and just apply the (darker) wood graining on it instead of the black!

Compare an original setup (Top picture) when the repop (Bottom picture). Notice how dark the repop is. I think it's because they can't get the correct 67 Firebird pattern and color.

Ed

ORIGINAL:

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/bertfam/Original67birdbezel.jpg)

REPRODUCTION:

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/bertfam/Repop67birdtrim.jpg)
Title: Re: radio bezels in originality
Post by: firstgenaddict on August 18, 2008, 02:07:47 PM
Wow... 67's are much lighter... almost looks like Pecan.