Gauge Bezel Removal Question

[camaro73lt]

Has anyone dropped / lowered their steering column to make removal of the plastic gauge bezel easier? I have removed my bezel a few times without dropping the steering column and it is very tight and tedious. I use painter's tape over the column to avoid scratches, but each time I worry about snapping the bezel. I was thinking if the column could be lowered a bit to make removal of the bezel easier.

 

[suds788]

Has anyone dropped / lowered their steering column to make removal of the plastic gauge bezel easier? I have removed my bezel a few times without dropping the steering column and it is very tight and tedious. I use painter's tape over the column to avoid scratches, but each time I worry about snapping the bezel. I was thinking if the column could be lowered a bit to make removal of the bezel easier.

That's how I normally do it. Makes life alot easier!

 

[Green hornet]

I usually drop the column. That added room just makes it easier.

 

[camaro73lt]

Green hornet - thanks info. Is is fairly obvious how to drop the column? If you can explain in a few steps, I'd appreciate it. I noticed a mount / plate on the column directly under the dash... haven't gone any farther. Thanks!

 

[RickM]

Easy, 2 bolts that are located around the middle of the column. Just loosen them up a bit and you will have the extra room

 

[Hrothgar]

Easy, 2 bolts that are located around the middle of the column. Just loosen them up a bit and you will have the extra room

Yep. I had no luck removing the bezel without dropping the column. You'll also have to remove part of the underside of the dash panel where the heater/ac controls and ashtray is to drop the column. Couple of screws in total, plus the 2 bolts for the column. So much easier then trying to manuever a bezel in/out without damaging it.

 

[FS87LT]

ALSO, do not forget the fishing wire wire for the instrument panel shift position indicator, unless you have a manual trans. That little "wire" attaches to the shift bowl on the column, with one hex-head screw. Easy to do. Column will not come down all the way with it attached!

 

[camaro73lt]

Great info! Thanks to all for the help.