Author Topic: Replacing clock bezel  (Read 2373 times)

lreppond

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Replacing clock bezel
« on: July 26, 2021, 16:29:32 »
I recently had my clock refurbished.  The bezel was beat up and i ordered a replacement from Vintage Euro Parts. Unfortunately what I received was the more angular early version bezel.  So I order the rounded one for late 280SL from Authentic. The repair guy says the factory used a special crimping tool to install the new bezel onto the body of the clock. He doesn’t have such a tool. 

Has anyone else been in this situation and how was it resolved? 
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

mrfatboy

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Re: Replacing clock bezel
« Reply #1 on: July 26, 2021, 18:46:53 »
North Hollywood Speedo has the special crimping tool. If you are brave you might be able to do it yourself using a screwdriver. Some people have had success. Be careful not to damage new bezel. Ask me why I sent mine to North Hollywood Speedo🤣🤣🤣🤣
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

lreppond

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Re: Replacing clock bezel
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2021, 19:14:46 »
I had no idea that replacing the bezel required a special tool otherwise I would I sought out a shop who could accommodate.  I didn’t even know there were two different style bezels.  At nearly $100 for a bezel (cost, shipping, taxes) I’d be hesitant to using a screwdriver on it.  I think we will place a couple of drops of glue and call it a day.
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

mrfatboy

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Re: Replacing clock bezel
« Reply #3 on: July 26, 2021, 22:20:10 »
Please post pictures of your results. I’m in the same boat as your are.
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

Nicolas Aristodemou

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  • 280SL Auto 1970 W113, 380SL Auto 1982 R107
Re: Replacing clock bezel
« Reply #4 on: July 27, 2021, 05:47:25 »
I think you can carefully bend the bezel with a small screwdriver and create a perfect fit without damaging it, especially if it is brand new. Just put the bezel on and lie flat the clock on its face on a flat non slip surface and carefully bend it inwards. It would be easier if you have an assistant to hold the clock firmly down.

I did this at least twice when trying to fix the fuse in my clock with no damage to the bezel. You can also use a wooden peg to push it the bezel lips. Try 3 - 4 bends at 90 del to each other and then carefully bend inwards the rest of the bezel’s circumference.
Nicolas Aristodemou
Nicosia - CYPRUS
280SL Auto 1970 US spec (W113), 380SL 1982 R107, Citroen DS23 Pallas 1973, Triumph TR4 1963, Triumph Stag 1973, Mini Cooper S Mk1
1965, Jaguar 3.8 Mk2 1962, VW Beetle 1978 Karman Converible, 1987 Ferrari 328GTS

col320ce

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Re: Replacing clock bezel
« Reply #5 on: August 04, 2021, 04:03:27 »
I replaced the glass in the rectangular one and cleaned the inside if the glass on the tach and speedo. I carefully removed the old bezel with a screwdriver and put it back in and recrimped with a screwdriver. Worked a treat.
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline

Merc_Girl

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230SL

lreppond

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Re: Replacing clock bezel
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2021, 20:20:12 »
I ended up taking my repaired clock to Palo Alto Speedometer to affix the bezel.  Here’s the finished product.  Jeffrey Read from Classic Clocks in Houston did the repairs.  From a non working clock with a badly dented bezel and cloudy crystal to this. 
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

lreppond

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Re: Replacing clock bezel
« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2021, 02:29:37 »
Here’s how it started out. 
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)