Technical What is the best way to remove the stainless gauge insert bezel on a 32 Ford?

I have an original three window dash and I would like to remove the stainless bezel that surrounds the gauge opening. What have you guys done to carefully remove the insert so the dash can be painted?

Thanks!

Eric

 

I just gentle pry it off from the back side of the dash with a small screwdriver or knife. HRP

 

I am guessing it's easier than it seems...just one of those things that you don't want to screw up.

 

As hotrodprimer said......carefully.

 

Try first with no tools. Spray some Gibbs brand around it, leave overnight and it may just lift off with your fingers.

 

use a thin ,very thin putty knife.

 

I would not remove it. It is origionally very tight radially in the opening. You have to flex it to get it out. It was impossible for me to get it back in without triming the end. It is still not right. Tape it off.

 

Patience is the best tool to use when removing the ring. I have done several over the years, it takes time to get them off. The trick to re-installing the trim ring is make sure there is no primer/paint build up on the dash where the ring sets .....otherwise...the ring will not seat properly and you won't be able to have the ends meet without trimming them.

 

It has been a very long time but if I remember correctly the ring is split. Start by pushing it off at the split.

Charlie Stephens

 

Thanks for all the responses. It does appear to be split and I couldn't tell if it was welded at the split or not as it is really tight.

I'll try a few of these ideas. It may be a bigger challenge to re-install it after paint and not chip it....WIll have to make sure there isn't too much primer and paint build up.

 

This site is excellent with so many useful posts which are helpful to me.I hope there will be more people finding the site and the articles they like.


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I've removed and re-installed several of them. I just use a piece of wood to tap it loose on one side of where it's split from the back side. I've not ruined one yet.

 

That's sound like a good method.

 

I ended using a piece a small rectangular block of aluminum and light tapped it at the seam. Once it started I could work it around and pull it right out.

Thanks for the suggestions!