Interior and Upholstery Cluster bezel sitting out too far

sav22rem22

Active Member
Feb 6, 2020
380
77
38
North Carolina
So when I bought my car a few years ago the cluster bezel was busted up at the top screws and the dash mounts were busted too. Fast forward to now and I’ve got a new cluster bezel and LMRs cluster bezel repair kit in. The problem is that the cluster bezel is sitting too far out not allowing me to put the column shrouds in place. It’s been like this ever since I did the heater core job the day after I bought the car even before I replaced the bezel.

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If I take the cluster bezel out I can fit the upper and lower column shroud on just fine. No wires are getting in the way and it fits just fine up at the top. Anyone ever had this happen?
 
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That’s not too far off where where mine sits.

However the amount that your column trim isn’t fitting by makes me wonder if something else isn’t right. Looks like your are off a good 1/4” or so, but you’re pod gap is maybe 1mm tops
 
That’s not too far off where where mine sits.

However the amount that your column trim isn’t fitting by makes me wonder if something else isn’t right. Looks like your are off a good 1/4” or so, but you’re pod gap is maybe 1mm tops
I was wondering the same thing because if I push hard enough I can get the middle section of the bezel to flex enough to allow the column shroud to fit but as soon as I let go it goes back. The column shroud fits perfect when the bezel is removed. It’s just super bizarre because I’ve never seen anything like it. I doubt there’s anyway my dash could be too far out after the heater core job or none of the screws would’ve lined up
 
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Here’s the dash and the passenger side. The driver side does seem to be further out but I could be wrong. Does the column have any back to front adjustment? I’ve got it dropped right now and I see that it does move back and forth at the steering shaft U Joint but I’m not sure if it will still bolt up like that.
 
I compared your pics to my stuff and I have some space between the column cover and the bezel so maybe the column needs to be moved out a little, try mounting the steering column loosely and place the cover on and pull out on the column.
 
I compared your pics to my stuff and I have some space between the column cover and the bezel so maybe the column needs to be moved out a little, try mounting the steering column loosely and place the cover on and pull out on the column.
I’ve got the dash and column out right now but I’m going to see if I can find the issue once I put it all back together. I noticed in LMRs video on the column shroud for 87-89 when they were installing it, the ignition switch screw closest to the steering wheel was visible. Mine isn’t as it’s tucked behind the cluster bezel.