Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**jlmerie** · 01-11-2022, 06:21 PM

I am helping a friend who is restoring a 1973 GMC Sierra Grande truck. We are trying to figure out how to restore a 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel. Does anyone make a woodgrain "overlay" that can be fitted? We know working with the 1973 / 1974 model years can really complicate things. I will include a couple pictures of the dash we are working on. You should be able to see the cracking and peeling on the woodgrain. Any suggestions are appreciated.

**hatzie** · 01-11-2022, 06:57 PM

The Kenworth, Freightliner, and Peterbilt trucks had woodgrain in the 70's.
I've seen replacement vinyl overlay material for the 359 Petes.

The bright chrome is vacuum deposition plating.
The woodgrain is an overlay on the plastic dash panel.
Here's a repop.
https://www.cheyennepickup.com/produ...973-1977-bezel
Another option is to keep your eyes open on evilbay.

**smupser** · 01-11-2022, 11:40 PM

Tagged

**dagnabbitt** · 01-12-2022, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatzie

Here's a repop.
https://www.cheyennepickup.com/produ...973-1977-bezel.

Hope this does not count as hijacking since I am on the same mission, I have a 73 woodgrain too.

Has anyone bought the Cheyanne repop, it looks really good, I think it matches the woodgrain on my door panels.

**jlmerie** · 01-12-2022, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatzie

The Kenworth, Freightliner, and Peterbilt trucks had woodgrain in the 70's.
I've seen replacement vinyl overlay material for the 359 Petes.

The bright chrome is vacuum deposition plating.
The woodgrain is an overlay on the plastic dash panel.
Here's a repop.
https://www.cheyennepickup.com/produ...973-1977-bezel
Another option is to keep your eyes open on evilbay.

Thanks. That is just what I was envisioning. It shows correct for 73-77 and I am sure the overlay would fit the bezel. The woodgrain in the picture looks quite dark. I know that can be a problem with the different woodgrain patterns on the 73-77 trucks.

**jlmerie** · 01-12-2022, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

Hope this does not count as hijacking since I am on the same mission, I have a 73 woodgrain too.

Has anyone bought the Cheyanne repop, it looks really good, I think it matches the woodgrain on my door panels.

No problem. I would also like to know if anyone has already tried these.

**hatzie** · 01-12-2022, 04:03 PM

The color differences are likely the amount of UV exposure.

The faux woodgrain on the outside of pickups, station wagons, and mini vans is hard to match for the same reason.

Not to mention matching paint colors for the same reason.

**HOTFUN** · 01-14-2022, 02:12 PM

I bought one a year ago from Cheyenne parts but have not installed it. It is really close to the 73-74 correct walnut grain and color on my 16k mile original 74 C10 Cheyenne Super dash. It should work absolutely great for a match on 73-74 woodgrain.
I have an nos 75-76 black bezel I was going to install this woodgrain on and use in my truck just to have the nice chrome rings around gauges. I also have to install the 75-76 lighted wiper switch and light switch to compensate the difference in bezel.

**jlmerie** · 01-19-2022, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatzie

The color differences are likely the amount of UV exposure.

The faux woodgrain on the outside of pickups, station wagons, and mini vans is hard to match for the same reason.

Not to mention matching paint colors for the same reason.

I understand, and agree about the UV exposure. Our concern is the differences in the woodgrain itself on the trucks. I have a couple pairs of early deluxe door panels. When seen side by side, you can see how different the patterns are.

**HOTFUN** · 01-19-2022, 08:30 PM

The blue panel is 73-74 woodgrain and the brown panel is the 75-76 Sierra Grande-Silverado Tigerwood-burlwood style woodgrain. Also note the trim around the brown panel wood is top end 75-76 Silverado- Sierra Grande trim only! The Sierra and Cheyenne used the same black textured trim surround all 4 years. I have a left and right NOS trim panels in both of their original October1974 dated boxes that are for the sierra -cheyenne but still using the dark walnut inlay but not tigerwood woodgrain. Works.perfect for my 1973 Sierra Grande restoration.
Should also ad my nos panels GM boxes have the correct part # as 1975-76 Sierra-Cheyenne panels.

**TKCR** · 01-19-2022, 08:34 PM

Someone over in one of the FB Groups restored his door panels. He used vinyl, it looked great. Not sure if I can find the post, but I’ll look.

**TKCR** · 01-19-2022, 08:40 PM

3M DI-NOC marine teak....

**smupser** · 01-19-2022, 08:56 PM

Not to jack the thread but does anybody know how to reproduce the map pockets?

LT7A · 01-20-2022, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKCR

3M DI-NOC marine teak....

That came out nice. I think that's a good call - getting a UV resistant material that is as close as reasonably possible to the original grain. With the amount of UV deterioration of an original, who knows what they exactly looked like from the factory.

**dagnabbitt** · 01-20-2022, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKCR

3M DI-NOC marine teak....

Wow. That looks great, there is no question that I will try that on this old set of door panels I have.

Wonder if you could use it on a dash bezel... heat gun, some patience?

**HOTFUN** · 01-20-2022, 12:38 PM

That does look great. I think the reproduction woodgrain dash applique is a very light flexible plastic backing the vinyl is attached to. Maybe the original applique can be stripped of the vinyl and new material attached?

**69Tom** · 01-20-2022, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKCR

3M DI-NOC marine teak....

Wow. Those look great!

**hatzie** · 01-21-2022, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOTFUN

That does look great. I think the reproduction woodgrain dash applique is a very light flexible plastic backing the vinyl is attached to. Maybe the original applique can be stripped of the vinyl and new material attached?

Should be able to strip the old stuff with a moderate application of heat.

**dagnabbitt** · 01-21-2022, 10:03 PM

I think I will try that vinyl on the later bezel, I have a spare. The one that has the flat aluminum on it, might be easier.

**jlmerie** · 01-22-2022, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOTFUN

The blue panel is 73-74 woodgrain and the brown panel is the 75-76 Sierra Grande-Silverado Tigerwood-burlwood style woodgrain. Also note the trim around the brown panel wood is top end 75-76 Silverado- Sierra Grande trim only! The Sierra and Cheyenne used the same black textured trim surround all 4 years. I have a left and right NOS trim panels in both of their original October1974 dated boxes that are for the sierra -cheyenne but still using the dark walnut inlay but not tigerwood woodgrain. Works.perfect for my 1973 Sierra Grande restoration.
Should also ad my nos panels GM boxes have the correct part # as 1975-76 Sierra-Cheyenne panels.

I am sometimes amazed at the detailed knowledge on here. I knew a lot of that, but not all the detail. PS early door panels are grey. (LOL)

**HOTFUN** · 01-22-2022, 01:26 PM

info chart from 1973 Chevrolet Truck Data Book

**HOTFUN** · 01-22-2022, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlmerie

I am sometimes amazed at the detailed knowledge on here. I knew a lot of that, but not all the detail. PS early door panels are grey. (LOL)

Yeah my old age and looking at it on a mobile phone is a challenge. lol
I am recently gathering and trying to change my restoration project back to the original 73 GMC Sierra Grande instead of the Cheyenne Super route I had saved up 20 years ago.

One other 1973-74 interesting fact as far as the interior colors. In the first edition 1973 GM dealer master ordering book says the vinyl bucket seat option were NOT available in code 672 charcoal but only with bench seat. Bucket seats were only available in slate blue, slate green, pearl and saddle.

**TKCR** · 01-22-2022, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlmerie

I am sometimes amazed at the detailed knowledge on here. I knew a lot of that, but not all the detail. PS early door panels are grey. (LOL)

It’s not grey, technically it’s Charcoal

**jlmerie** · 01-23-2022, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKCR

It’s not grey, technically it’s Charcoal

Well, I am literally old school. My crayon box had 8 colors.

**TKCR** · 01-23-2022, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlmerie

Well, I am literally old school. My crayon box had 8 colors.

01-11-2022, 06:21 PM	#1
jlmerie Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,074	Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel I am helping a friend who is restoring a 1973 GMC Sierra Grande truck. We are trying to figure out how to restore a 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel. Does anyone make a woodgrain "overlay" that can be fitted? We know working with the 1973 / 1974 model years can really complicate things. I will include a couple pictures of the dash we are working on. You should be able to see the cracking and peeling on the woodgrain. Any suggestions are appreciated. Attached Images __________________ James

01-11-2022, 06:57 PM	#2
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,912	Re: Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel The Kenworth, Freightliner, and Peterbilt trucks had woodgrain in the 70's. I've seen replacement vinyl overlay material for the 359 Petes. The bright chrome is vacuum deposition plating. The woodgrain is an overlay on the plastic dash panel. Here's a repop. https://www.cheyennepickup.com/produ...973-1977-bezel Another option is to keep your eyes open on evilbay. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

01-11-2022, 11:40 PM	#3
smupser Active Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 162	Re: Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel Tagged

01-12-2022, 04:03 PM	#7
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,912	Re: Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel The color differences are likely the amount of UV exposure. The faux woodgrain on the outside of pickups, station wagons, and mini vans is hard to match for the same reason. Not to mention matching paint colors for the same reason. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

01-14-2022, 02:12 PM	#8
HOTFUN Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 2,135	Re: Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel I bought one a year ago from Cheyenne parts but have not installed it. It is really close to the 73-74 correct walnut grain and color on my 16k mile original 74 C10 Cheyenne Super dash. It should work absolutely great for a match on 73-74 woodgrain. I have an nos 75-76 black bezel I was going to install this woodgrain on and use in my truck just to have the nice chrome rings around gauges. I also have to install the 75-76 lighted wiper switch and light switch to compensate the difference in bezel. __________________ '66 CST BBW swb fleet 327 fac ac '67 CST 4x4 swb 327 stepside project '72 Cheyenne K20 50k original '72 Cheyenne Super K20 project '73 Sierra swb 4x4 frame off in paint stage '74 Cheyenne Super swb w/16k actual '71 & 72 Cheyenne K10 4x4 swb's '70 426 HEMICUDA conv SHAKER 4 sp Dana 60 '60 Impala conv 327 PG fac ac loaded 3rd owner '72 GMC K2500 4x4 '59 Apache CST BBW fleetside swb 283 '73 ElCamino SS LS1 T56 true SS bucket tach '76 ElCamino SS 52k survivor '87 Grand National 41k True 2nd to last built in 1987. '86 K30 454 SRW fleetside CA since new '88 Trans Am GTA 39k bought new 2018 DEMON plum crazy @ 840HP! "Need for speed"

01-19-2022, 08:30 PM	#10
HOTFUN Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 2,135	Re: Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel The blue panel is 73-74 woodgrain and the brown panel is the 75-76 Sierra Grande-Silverado Tigerwood-burlwood style woodgrain. Also note the trim around the brown panel wood is top end 75-76 Silverado- Sierra Grande trim only! The Sierra and Cheyenne used the same black textured trim surround all 4 years. I have a left and right NOS trim panels in both of their original October1974 dated boxes that are for the sierra -cheyenne but still using the dark walnut inlay but not tigerwood woodgrain. Works.perfect for my 1973 Sierra Grande restoration. Should also ad my nos panels GM boxes have the correct part # as 1975-76 Sierra-Cheyenne panels. __________________ '66 CST BBW swb fleet 327 fac ac '67 CST 4x4 swb 327 stepside project '72 Cheyenne K20 50k original '72 Cheyenne Super K20 project '73 Sierra swb 4x4 frame off in paint stage '74 Cheyenne Super swb w/16k actual '71 & 72 Cheyenne K10 4x4 swb's '70 426 HEMICUDA conv SHAKER 4 sp Dana 60 '60 Impala conv 327 PG fac ac loaded 3rd owner '72 GMC K2500 4x4 '59 Apache CST BBW fleetside swb 283 '73 ElCamino SS LS1 T56 true SS bucket tach '76 ElCamino SS 52k survivor '87 Grand National 41k True 2nd to last built in 1987. '86 K30 454 SRW fleetside CA since new '88 Trans Am GTA 39k bought new 2018 DEMON plum crazy @ 840HP! "Need for speed"

01-19-2022, 08:34 PM	#11
TKCR Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,853	Re: Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel Someone over in one of the FB Groups restored his door panels. He used vinyl, it looked great. Not sure if I can find the post, but I’ll look. __________________ FB Page for my Seats Belts https://www.facebook.com/73-87-Chevy...9439407476735/ Restoring Seatbelts: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809750 SOLD My 86 Build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654972 Past Restored Bench Seats:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=715398 PayPal link to pay for your items: https://www.paypal.me/TKCR Last edited by TKCR; 01-19-2022 at 09:51 PM.

01-19-2022, 08:40 PM	#12
TKCR Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,853	Re: Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel 3M DI-NOC marine teak.... Attached Images __________________ FB Page for my Seats Belts https://www.facebook.com/73-87-Chevy...9439407476735/ Restoring Seatbelts: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809750 SOLD My 86 Build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654972 Past Restored Bench Seats:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=715398 PayPal link to pay for your items: https://www.paypal.me/TKCR

01-19-2022, 08:56 PM	#13
smupser Active Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 162	Re: Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel Not to jack the thread but does anybody know how to reproduce the map pockets?

01-20-2022, 12:38 PM	#16
HOTFUN Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 2,135	Re: Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel That does look great. I think the reproduction woodgrain dash applique is a very light flexible plastic backing the vinyl is attached to. Maybe the original applique can be stripped of the vinyl and new material attached? __________________ '66 CST BBW swb fleet 327 fac ac '67 CST 4x4 swb 327 stepside project '72 Cheyenne K20 50k original '72 Cheyenne Super K20 project '73 Sierra swb 4x4 frame off in paint stage '74 Cheyenne Super swb w/16k actual '71 & 72 Cheyenne K10 4x4 swb's '70 426 HEMICUDA conv SHAKER 4 sp Dana 60 '60 Impala conv 327 PG fac ac loaded 3rd owner '72 GMC K2500 4x4 '59 Apache CST BBW fleetside swb 283 '73 ElCamino SS LS1 T56 true SS bucket tach '76 ElCamino SS 52k survivor '87 Grand National 41k True 2nd to last built in 1987. '86 K30 454 SRW fleetside CA since new '88 Trans Am GTA 39k bought new 2018 DEMON plum crazy @ 840HP! "Need for speed"

01-21-2022, 10:03 PM	#19
dagnabbitt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,294	Re: Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel I think I will try that vinyl on the later bezel, I have a spare. The one that has the flat aluminum on it, might be easier. __________________ DAVE Edmonton, Alberta 1959 Apache 1967 K20 1968 C20 1970 C10 1972 GMC 2500 1981 C10

01-22-2022, 01:26 PM	#21
HOTFUN Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 2,135	Re: Restore 1973 Woodgrain dash bezel info chart from 1973 Chevrolet Truck Data Book Attached Images __________________ '66 CST BBW swb fleet 327 fac ac '67 CST 4x4 swb 327 stepside project '72 Cheyenne K20 50k original '72 Cheyenne Super K20 project '73 Sierra swb 4x4 frame off in paint stage '74 Cheyenne Super swb w/16k actual '71 & 72 Cheyenne K10 4x4 swb's '70 426 HEMICUDA conv SHAKER 4 sp Dana 60 '60 Impala conv 327 PG fac ac loaded 3rd owner '72 GMC K2500 4x4 '59 Apache CST BBW fleetside swb 283 '73 ElCamino SS LS1 T56 true SS bucket tach '76 ElCamino SS 52k survivor '87 Grand National 41k True 2nd to last built in 1987. '86 K30 454 SRW fleetside CA since new '88 Trans Am GTA 39k bought new 2018 DEMON plum crazy @ 840HP! "Need for speed"

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