ImBatman

My exhaust bezels are pitted and scratched to the point that they need to be replaced. Wow these things are expensive $85 for the exhaust bezels and $69 for the license bracket. These were repro!! What is the difference between repro and GM and if I am not shooting for NCRS are the repro's just as good? Also has anyone found any cheaper venders for these? :crazy: :smash:

LAvetteman

Got the same problem, not on my imediate list.

zwede

I just went through the license bezel. Got hit from behind and my original one got bent to hell.

I found that the older repro is junk. A company just started making the "GM" one. It's not really GM. They bought the molds from GM and that gives them the right to use the GM name.

I got this new one (it's about $10 more than the other one). I'd say quality is very good, but not quite show quality. There is a section of chrome that is not quite perfect. But from what I understand it is light years ahead of the other (cheaper) one.

I think Gruhala sells the new one for $75 or so.

MacA1979

Wade,
I would recommend calling The Last Detail. Their number is 770-414-0077. They have quality products, Great Prices!!!, and unmatched service. Out of their catalog I found the following:

Part# 595179, Rear License Plate Bezel....$60.00

For the exhaust bezels you have two options (chrome or stainless):

Part #583456, Exhaust Bezel, LH(Chrome) GM....$38.50 (original??)
Part #584456, Exhaust Bezel, RH(Chrome) GM....$38.50 (original??)
Or,
Part #583707, Exhaust Bezels (Stainless Steel) Pair....$72.00

They also have a pretty good website... http://www.TLD-Corvette.com

BTW, Have you been enjoying this weather we've been having here in Charlotte? T-tops off in January. Who woulda thunk!!! :cheers:

Mark


[Modified by QikStik, 10:51 AM 1/30/2002]

zwede

Quikstik:

Doesn't matter WHO you order it from. Only 2 companies make the license bezels. The first one (which I hear is junk), and the second one that is good and says "gm repro parts" on it.

TerryN68

Wade,

Not that this will do you any good, but I got mine at Carlisle. It was interesting looking at a pille of them. They may be made by the cheaper manufacturer but I got to pick through them and find the best of litter. There were some rough looking pieces in the pile and wherever you order them from, you are at the mercy of the guying picking them off of the shelf.

T

ridadyna

I found exhaust bezels at Caldonia in Mich for $48. Just bought them, chrome, and the say GM on the box.

MacA1979

:confused:

Markus,
Not sure exactly where you are coming from with your response, but if it was only to inform us of your opinion of the two aftermarket license plate bezel manufacturers, the point is well taken and appreciated!

My response was to Wade's request for alternate vendors for these parts. I happen to believe that TLD is a good alternative! I bet they even carry the "good" license plate bezel!! AND at a price that I bet you will be hard pressed to beat. Therefore, it DOES matter WHO you order it from!! :cheers:

BTW, that is a good looking '71 LS5 you have there!!! :cool:

Mark

Wrencher

I had the original rear bezel re-chromed for $110.- (ouch!), but it is perfect. I don't have the cutouts.

Hans

zwede

Qikstik:

Don't take my response as a flame or anything. The way I read it, was that by ordering from TLD you would get something they made. I pointed out that there are a lot of choices for vendors, but no matter who you order from you will get one of the 2 manfufacturers, and to make sure you get the good one.

Many are under the assumption that each reseller makes their own parts and a bezel from TLD will be different than a bezel from ZIP etc. Truth is that for most parts there are anywhere from one to four companies making them, and dozens reselling. Your point about getting the best price is taken.

Again, I wasn't trying to slam you in anyway.

MacA1979

Markus,
Thanks for the explanation! :cheers:

We're cool!! :cool:

Tom Johnson

71 Vette, I bought my stainless steel exhaust bezels from Rik's Unlimited for $84.95. Very happy with the fit and opted for stainless steel ones because they will last longer. The license plate bezel I ordered from Ecklers and will let you know on that when it comes in.

ImBatman

Thanks for all the help guys. I think I will be buying some parts tonight.
Mark, unfortunately my car is know where near the point of driving in this beautiful weather. But I have gotten a ton of work done since it finally stopped raining. BTW I have a favor to ask. Would it possible that since you live in Charlotte we could get together and Icould take some detailed photos of your car? When I bought mine the previous owner had gotten ratchet happy and removed alot of stuff with out documenting anything. The AIM is helpful but pictures would be nice.

Thanks again to everyone for the advise.

MacA1979

I would be happy to let you take pictures. It is not perfect, but pretty close to original. I will e-mail you right now!

Mark