718 Sports Chrono Bezel Progress

[Bob Z]

We did that a few weeks ago with a piece of paper and it appeared it had to go halfway around, from 9 to 3. The entire gauge face is reflected onto the inside of the windshield so without even checking it one would think it would have to block it all out, right? It Tom can send what he posted a pic of and another with it covering the upper half I am sure one will work!

[Tom]

Like this? The hood goes from 9 to 3 on this one. Could you still see the gauge?

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[Tom]

I love that bezel! Nice work. This will be a really nice addition.

Thanks. For some reason your post reminded me this isn't my first bezel rodeo. I had mismatched gauges for years in my 944 Turbo, and when I got this printer, this was one of the first things I did. They attach in totally different ways -- one screws on like a big bottle cap, while the other clips on -- but I managed to make the two gauges seem like a matched set.

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matching gauges.gif (224.32 KiB) Viewed 1870 times

[Bob Z]

Like this? The hood goes from 9 to 3 on this one. Could you still see the gauge?



bob2.jpg

Yes, just like that Tom. I think that will be the only way to eliminate all of the reflection and I think I will still be able to see the gauge, but I will make sure. I like your first version better but if it does not eliminate all of the reflection then it will not serve its purpose! Regardless, it has to stick out a bit so even if it does eliminate the reflection I am not sure how it will look in the car, but if it clips on then maybe it can be used only at night.

[Bob Z]

Here is the reproduction OEM bezel - perfect - I painted it Satin Black and it takes paint better than the OEM trim ring:

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[Tom]

The replica bezel looks great Bob!! In the meantime, you said you wanted some options. So I've got some for you....

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[Bob Z]

Outstanding work Tom, as usual! I guess we will stick with these vice a clip-on hood/eyebrow? I am fine with it and it is very easy to pop off the OEM bezel.

[Tom]

Outstanding work Tom, as usual! I guess we will stick with these vice a clip-on hood/eyebrow? I am fine with it and it is very easy to pop off the OEM bezel.

We'll get there. I wanted to start with a replica bezel that clips in like the original. Seems like we have that nailed at this point. Next, using that same base bezel, we can fine-tune a hood to the size and shape that works best -- maybe one of these I just printed. Adding various hoods to try out is quick and easy honestly. Once we get the hood the way you like it, my plan is to work on a design where the hood swivels on the bezel, so if can be rotated around the bezel. That way it can rest at the bottom against the dash when not needed, or rotated up over the gauge when glare is an issue.

Now I just need to figure out how to do that.

[Bob Z]

You are way ahead of me Tom! When I get them I will test them to determine how they eliminate or reduce the reflection on the windshield. As I originally stated it appears we will need a hood that is 2 1/2" long albeit that may look funny in the car; however, if it can be rotated to the bottom it would solve that issue if it bothered someone. When I get them and test them I will report back!

[timothykinnard]

Love to get a red bezel cover for my 718. Is one available? Thanks