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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ What tool to remove/install bezels?
Posted by: StarBear Nov 20 2023, 02:38 PM
Gauge-curious: What tool is used to remove and install the black outer bezels on the center console oil and temp gauges? Is there a source and approx cost?
Looking to buy (or borrow) one to clear the fog haze off the inside glass surfaces.
Not sure if I trust myself with the small screwdriver pry method list in a past thread. Last resort would be to ship to CA, but seems excessive for just glass back cleaning.
Posted by: FlacaProductions Nov 20 2023, 03:26 PM
Small, thin straight screwdriver is the ticket.
Gauge face down on a towel. Go slow - you'll get it.
Posted by: 76-914 Nov 20 2023, 06:28 PM
And you only need to roll up ~2/3 of it. When you re-install it the back side will have some peaks as it is stretched when prying it off. 
Posted by: StarBear Nov 20 2023, 06:57 PM
Good to know face side down. Better leverage.
Posted by: bkrantz Nov 20 2023, 08:44 PM
The more patient you can be, i.e. pry each spot only a tiny bit as you go around, the less peaky the bezel will look when you crimp it back into place (and be patient crimping).
Posted by: DC_neun_vierzehn Nov 20 2023, 09:59 PM
A jewelers tool works well. Otherwise, the smallest, thinnest flathead screwdriver (the kind you need to change batteries on kids toys and small electronics). Go slow, be patient, be gentle. Do some Googling … you’ll see videos.
Ian Karr did a video on 914 gauges.
Posted by: StarBear Nov 21 2023, 07:53 AM
Thanks to all for the encouragement. On my winter “fiddling with” list!
Will check out Ian’s video.
Posted by: peteinjp Nov 21 2023, 08:37 AM
Or you can buy a new bezel and work it on with a plastic trim tool. Put the unit face down on a soft cloth and work the back edge of the bezel over and down the back of the gauge. Take your time and go around multiple times slowly changing your angle and crimping the back edge down. 
Posted by: StarBear Nov 21 2023, 11:22 AM
Like the idea of new bezels. Black Friday or Christmas list!
Posted by: Jamie Nov 21 2023, 11:42 AM
Like the idea of new bezels. Black Friday or Christmas list!
In anticipation of such a winter project, where can we buy new bezels, such as for my speedo?
Posted by: 76-914 Nov 21 2023, 12:02 PM
Like the idea of new bezels. Black Friday or Christmas list!
In anticipation of such a winter project, where can we buy new bezels, such as for my speedo?
Apparently lots of places. Who knew! I just Googled "where can I buy new VDO black bezels" and was pleasantly surprised.
Posted by: StarBear Nov 21 2023, 04:46 PM
Yeah, but none is correct - 52mm, triangle, aluminum. There was one NOS on eBay but it was gone by the time I went down to check diameter and if triangle or round. Most all 52mm ones seem to be plastic and/or round. 
Posted by: peteinjp Nov 22 2023, 04:30 AM
Yeah, but none is correct - 52mm, triangle, aluminum. There was one NOS on eBay but it was gone by the time I went down to check diameter and if triangle or round. Most all 52mm ones seem to be plastic and/or round.
Try 2 1/16”
Posted by: worn Nov 22 2023, 06:50 PM
Gauge-curious: What tool is used to remove and install the black outer bezels on the center console oil and temp gauges? Is there a source and approx cost?
Looking to buy (or borrow) one to clear the fog haze off the inside glass surfaces.
Not sure if I trust myself with the small screwdriver pry method list in a past thread. Last resort would be to ship to CA, but seems excessive for just glass back cleaning.
I have always felt that there ought to be a bezel opener that would work in a manner analogous to a can opener. When you are done it should zip the bezel back on. I know that such things sort of exist kind of. In the real world you can hammer and file a screw driver to make the perfect tool. Good luck with a needed repair,
Posted by: Mikey914 Nov 23 2023, 02:13 PM
I bought a new stamping machine, Thinking this may be a perfect project!
Posted by: StarBear Nov 23 2023, 05:36 PM
Such a tool, if simple and inexpensive, would be a great addition to any of our toolboxes. While tooling cost may dictate viability, the market far exceeds us - many other car and marine applications for folk who want to work on or just clean their units.
Might be limited by newer plastic bezels? Market could be expanded by having variability to do 100 mm bezels, too.
My (retired) mechanical engineer brain cells are tingling……
Posted by: Shivers Nov 24 2023, 08:27 AM
I went and looked for one, including reading a bunch of threads. I did not see this mentioned here so I’ll mention it. The pics of the machines, store bought and home made seem to have one thing in common, the bezel is bound around the outside. I would imagine it keeps the bezel in its factory shape while it is pryed open. One of the guy’s said he uses a large hose clamp and I think he said a strip of cardboard to protect the bezel from scratching.
Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Nov 24 2023, 08:55 AM
palo alto speedometer
Gauge-curious: What tool is used to remove and install the black outer bezels on the center console oil and temp gauges? Is there a source and approx cost?
Looking to buy (or borrow) one to clear the fog haze off the inside glass surfaces.
Not sure if I trust myself with the small screwdriver pry method list in a past thread. Last resort would be to ship to CA, but seems excessive for just glass back cleaning.
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