1979 console bevel
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 231
Likes: 13
From: Uganda, Baltimore, PNW, italy
1979 console bevel
I need to replace the bulb in my HVAC head. To do so, I have to remove the bezel.
It is one piece, running from the upper vent to the window switches. I can find lots of videos that show the shorter H bezel removals, but none for mine.
Would mine be held in by the protruding tabs on the backside? And use a couple of dental pics to remove?
It is one piece, running from the upper vent to the window switches. I can find lots of videos that show the shorter H bezel removals, but none for mine.
Would mine be held in by the protruding tabs on the backside? And use a couple of dental pics to remove?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31,179
Likes: 4,172
From: Philly PA
To remove the console trim ,
pull the center vent to the rear of the car evenly it has a pin in each corner.
if you have a radio then that will need to be removed as the holder is going to hold the trim in.
remove the right side console cover.
from the top gently pull the trim out it will come free ,
then remove the 6 screws that hold the HVAC and warning switch plates in,
NOTE use a magnet as the screws will drop and then you will lose them or the washers.
the HVAC head has to come out and be taken apart ,
if you try to remove the sliders you will break them off,
and possibly damage the tabs holding the face plate on.
The bulb is wedged between the slider plates,
and slides out with its holder from the rear of the unit, once the covers are off.
Loosen the light cables so you have some slack then pull the bulb holder out.
NOTE Mark all connectors before taking them apart,
connect all the connections back and test the bulb operation before reassembly of the covers.
NOTE snapping off the slider fingers can cause parts of them to fall into slider grid,
this can cause the fingers to be lifted clear of the grid and cause operational issues.
NOTE best bet, get new sliders and springs and a few spare bulbs,
though you can take a bulb from one of the pod switches,
Roger has them.
pull the center vent to the rear of the car evenly it has a pin in each corner.
if you have a radio then that will need to be removed as the holder is going to hold the trim in.
remove the right side console cover.
from the top gently pull the trim out it will come free ,
then remove the 6 screws that hold the HVAC and warning switch plates in,
NOTE use a magnet as the screws will drop and then you will lose them or the washers.
the HVAC head has to come out and be taken apart ,
if you try to remove the sliders you will break them off,
and possibly damage the tabs holding the face plate on.
The bulb is wedged between the slider plates,
and slides out with its holder from the rear of the unit, once the covers are off.
Loosen the light cables so you have some slack then pull the bulb holder out.
NOTE Mark all connectors before taking them apart,
connect all the connections back and test the bulb operation before reassembly of the covers.
NOTE snapping off the slider fingers can cause parts of them to fall into slider grid,
this can cause the fingers to be lifted clear of the grid and cause operational issues.
NOTE best bet, get new sliders and springs and a few spare bulbs,
though you can take a bulb from one of the pod switches,
Roger has them.
Last edited by Mrmerlin; Nov 23, 2021 at 03:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 231
Likes: 13
From: Uganda, Baltimore, PNW, italy
Merlin,
Thanks for this. But how do I get the head unit out? It sure looks like the bezel/frame for the entire console has to come off first. I am assuming the head is head is held on with screws
Thanks for this. But how do I get the head unit out? It sure looks like the bezel/frame for the entire console has to come off first. I am assuming the head is head is held on with screws
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 28,544
Likes: 8,351
From: Clemson, SC
That may be the nicest console bevel I've ever seen. Work carefully as it's worth a fortune with your sides having not been cut to accommodate a newer radio. It's vinyl over hard foam over a metal frame. By a fortune, I mean over $500
