Trying to find a winch/ratchet-like device to snug my bezel..description inside

**Mears** · 12-10-2006, 07:34 PM

I made a custom bezel for my 2000 Malibu about 2.5 years ago. In the process, I had to relocate the HVAC controls and cut out the change tray and cig. lighter. Unfortunately, that meant that I had to cut out some slots that the factory bezel used to anchor the bottom section. My custom bezel integrated the same fastners that snapped into factory slots, but of course, I didn't have anything to snap in at the bottom of the bezel since I got the slots out. The result is that the bottom of my bezel doesn't sit flush to the center console, which adds a bit of tackiness..

Now if I press on the bottom of my bezel, I can get it snug with the center console. What I was thinking was that I could get some picture frame wire and cut two lengths of it and screw each into the the backside of the bottom of my bezel. I would then cut two more lengths and screw them into the underside of my dash across from the bezel. I would then attach this mini-ratchets/winches to the wires attached to the underside of my dash and use them to pull the wires attached to my bezel, which would pull the bezel snug to my center console.

Do you guys follow what I'm saying and now if any such thing exists? I am also open to other suggestions.

**gameboy** · 12-10-2006, 07:42 PM

sounds ghetto as hell

but since your going that way have you thought about using turnbuckles?

**Mears** · 12-10-2006, 08:02 PM

Hmm....those just might work. Little more industrial than what I was looking for. I realize this is a little "ghetto," but I haven't been able to think of anything other than a wire solution since there is nothing behind the bottom of my bezel to anchor to.

Any idea where I might find a place that sells really small turnbuckles?

**JimmyFitz** · 12-10-2006, 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by Mears

Hmm....those just might work........

Any idea where I might find a place that sells really small turnbuckles?

Try Home Depot

**guizai** · 12-11-2006, 01:38 PM

post some pics of the bezel and the surrounding area. You'll get a lot more advice that way. Hard to visualize what you're saying.

**steelbluesleepr** · 12-12-2006, 10:17 AM

you might use some heavy duty zip ties, the thick ones that are 1/4" wide. that would hold it in pretty well

**deadbolt** · 12-12-2006, 04:37 PM

I don't think it is any more ghetto than how manufacturers use a strap metal brace behind many car decks. KISS. Could one of those galvanized metal straps with holes along its length do the trick ? I'd go with your idea. Maybe visit a picture framer to see if they can offer a workable solution.

**BassBinDevil** · 12-13-2006, 09:52 PM

Could you epoxy one or two bolts to the back of the bezel, then make a bracket or bar with hole(s) for the bolt(s) and then use wingnut(s) to attach it? If you see what I mean. Take a look at how a Stewart-Warner gauge clamps to a dashboard - same idea.

**scott_fx** · 12-14-2006, 12:12 AM

why dont you just use the panel fasteners that are ribbed and push into a hole. you could use abs sludge or epoxy to adhere them to the piece and it'd be a clean install

**parksgm** · 12-18-2006, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by scott_fx

why dont you just use the panel fasteners that are ribbed and push into a hole. you could use abs sludge or epoxy to adhere them to the piece and it'd be a clean install

That's a good idea!

If there's nothing directly behind the trim piece now, then epoxy something in, then drill holes in it, and use the trim panel fasteners as described above.

I've found the JB Weld epoxy to adhere well to just about anything (ABS plastic included), provided you roughen the surface a bit before application. They make a steel-filled epoxy that can be cut, sanded, and drilled as well.

I had a similar situation behind a factory dash panel in my Mustang...I cut out the stock plastic frame and then had to epoxy in nuts so that I could screw the panel back in it's original location. I think the trim panel fasteners are an even better solution though, because you don't have to have precise alignment between the parts or in the size of the hole that the trim panel fasteners fit into.