Instrument bezel fitting help

nice. Only i don't have to rebuild something about 10 hard passes down the quarter. ;p

 

wth, how did this post order happen?

 

whew, enough Fair Tax for a bit... ;p

So I got a cheapy cluster gauge pod, but the fitment is not ideal, here's some pics.

The gapping at various corners and seams look pretty awful. Any ideas how to get it to fit better?

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/sixstop/nobezel.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/sixstop/loose1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/sixstop/loose2.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/sixstop/loose3.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/sixstop/loose4.jpg

 

your cluster seems to be broken. It has P R N D 3 2 1 on the left side?

 

I have one of the same ones, it fit right off the bat. maybe add some screws or tape?

 

well, i didn't get the autometer, i got a $12 from ebay. You think I should try to get another cheapy?

I could get 2 more before I reach close to the asking price for the autometer version...

 

I think your better off just spending the extra $ upfront now and getting the Autometer Bezel.

And WTF to the time warp. #1 this really needs to be fixed.

 

well, i'm not to the point where that bezel from autometer is worth what they're charging in my mind.

So back to my original question, how to make this one fit better?

 

Can you tell where it is getting caught up, could it just need a little sanding here or there to make it fit better? I would have to see it in person to be able to give any real advice.

 

i know, i can't get a reeeely good pick of the problem, but the general idea is that its seams aren't lining up.

they aren't oversized to where sanding would help, they're actually leaving gaps. I think if I twist and or warp it enough, the edges will cover it, but I can't be sure or figure out how to do such a thing.

figured I'd ask you all since I'm not much of a craftsman...

 

Maybe try a heat gun to warm up the plastic to make it more pliable. Then try twisting and pushing into place. Don't fasten it permanently, but let it cool while in place and see if it holds positions well. Repeat a few times if necessary???

 

i grabbed my heat gun to give this a try, but then I realised I may have a problem doing this.

The only way to get a good fit is to heat it in place, but how do I not cook my dash, or my hands? I'm rapidly approaching the cost threshold...

 

wait, i just read, is Autometer made in the USA?

.. if thats the case, i can justify the price more easily.