radio bezels in originality

[dan the man]

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!

[gro51]

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.

[bertfam]

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

[dan the man]

Isn't a firebird woodgrain different than a camaro?  (Burlwood)  Mine is walnut grain

[gro51]

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?

[bertfam]

Dan, yes, as per the 1968 FIREBIRD SALES MANUAL:

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:



REPRODUCTION:

[firstgenaddict]

Wow... 67's are much lighter... almost looks like Pecan.