I posted a few weeks ago on this subject but didn't get any reply. I am installing a new dash bezel and have acquired an original AM Delco radio. It came with a support bracket which looks to be original. I was wondering how the bracket mounts.Does it mount to the ashtray suuport rail with the heater control bracket stacking right on top of it and both held together with a face mounted bezel screw? Also I was wondering about reinstalling the Astro vent. I assume the easiest way to reinstall would be to assemble all vent parts together and connect to the new instrument bezel then lastly connect the plastic duct to the the firewall connection. Any other install tips would be appreciated. I am aware however of the problem with the bulb and socket assemblies falling apart.

A little JB Weld where the metal ring goes into the plastic bulb housing should hold pretty good. I also had pretty good luck plugging in the bulbs after the bezel was in. It would help to have a buddy with you just to look to make sure you are not hanging up on anything. It was very grueling to say the least. Also make sure heater cables move freely before screwing it all down. Take your time and be in a good mood w/ your favorite beverage. I hope this helps a little. Tim

I have noticed an additional problem area. The column cover is a different size than the receiving area in the repo bezel. The original is 1/2 inch wider at bottom and bottom mounting holes are spaced 7 inches apart while the repo receiving holes are spaced 6 & 3/4 apart. Anyone have a remedy for this, or do I have to purchase a repo column cover as well? If so I wish they would list this info in their catalog. It is going to fry my butt to pay another shipping charge when I could have purchased the cover with the bezel.

I had that problem too. It seemed the bottom of my guage cluster was hung up a little even though it didn't look like it. I pushed up on the bottom of the cluster and it went back a little more. I mean the bottom of the bezel went back into the opening a little more. It took a little wiggling but once it went back my column cover fit fine. I hope it works for you too. Tim.

When I read your post I got a sick feeling. In the meantime I attempted to trim my original column cover down. It didn't turn out very well but I could use it if I would have to. I then ordered a repo column cover from the same place I got the bezel. They dry fit it on another bezel and said it was a perfect match. I had measured the cover against the bezel before I installed it. Today I installed the bezel and after reading your post I went and remeasured the receiving area of the column cover, it is still 1/4 inch narrower than the original column cover, so it looks like I will be needing the repo cover. I did have some trouble hooking back up the Astro Vent ducting. It was a real pain in an area just below my lower back. I ended up getting a 4 inch flexable aluminum duct at Home Depot. I cut a piece about a foot long and slipped the corrugated end over the damper duct. I then slid the plastic Astro duct inside the aluminum duct and hooked everything up. It was a snap as the Astro duct was able to pivot inside the aluminum duct. the last thing I did was duct tape the aluminum duct to the plastic astro duct. I know it is nowhere near correct but it should work just fine and nobody but me will ever know the aluminum is there.

can i ask where you got the dash bezel? I have a new one from NPD sitting here, getting ready to install maybe later this week..it came in a box 'golden legion'...the dreaded gold stickers indicating made in taiwan..is this the same bezel everyone else has been using? It looks really nice, but I want to be aware of any potential problems before getting started.

I like your tip on the astro vent ducting..I am going to need to do the same thing I think.

I was just about ready to post a question about mounting of the radio and rear bracket when I saw your post. Does anyone have an answer and maybe a pic also as to where this bracket attaches? Thanks

The radio support does sit on top of the horizontal ashtray mount bracket,then the heater support bracket stacks immediatly on top of the radio bracket and all is held together with a single screw. My bezel is a Golden Legion also so I imagine everyone is selling the same thing. If you compare it to your original you will notice the extreme outer edge is black on the repo and chrome on the original. I picked up a tip from another post to take lacquer thinner and a rag and carefully remove the black paint from the edge, it worked pretty good. I think the appearance of the repo is excellent but I would have to say the fit is not as good. It was a bit of a struggle to get all the holes lined up. Also as said check the column cover mine wasn't even close.