How do I install a replacement center vent? It was missing when I bought the car. I found a replacement on eBay. Is there a trick to installing it?

 

Ok, I figured out that I have to remove the instrument bezel to install the vent. But, I bought a replacement vent from 2 different eBay sellers, and both were wrong. I’m going to buy a replacement bezel now. Below are pics in case someone else needs to replace a center vent for a 82-84 firebird.

1- What’s left of the vent I’m replacing
2- Wrong vent. It has the tabs, but it doesn’t have square corners.
3 & 4-Wrong vent. It has the square corners, but no tabs. The studs are bigger and different. The tabs from the other vents don’t fit.

 

W

 

Finally! I had to buy a used gauge bezel that fit the square vents without the side metal tabs. The vents are a little loose, but that’s better than a missing vent. I think the style I had was 1984 only. I almost bought the $450 gauge bezel out of frustration. I’m glad it didn’t come to that!

 

OMG! If those bezels actually sell for $450 then I’m gonna list the three that I have out in the garage.

 

those other vents are for I think the 85? - 92 models or so.