If it were metal, it would further indicate that it was a 69 as only 69 had the metal gauge bezel. Moreover, I have only seen metal on 69's and I have never seen a plastic bezel on a 69 model and I've seen dozens of 69's. I asked for a source before you or anyone else posted a comment. You responded without a source and it left the question. I didn't mean to offend you!!

I absolutely believe you if you say that you saw it in a brochure that it was an option to have plastic in 69. I do not believe however that most trucks came with plastic. That is my opinion and will stay so until someone shows me otherwise. My experience leads me to think that the metal ones were more common in 1969. Common sense tells me that if it were a superfluous option and flimsy one at that plus it cost more money, it is unlikely that the military would order it or a frugal businessman working for himself would. That would be like the military ordering pin striping.

I am wondering if John's rig is a 70 model!! The 71's (or most of them) had an unstamped tailgate. John said his has stamping. John also has the plastic gauge bezel. If it is a 69, perhaps it's not a military truck. Or, perhaps someone changed the gauge bezel and/or tailgate!!

A serial number would clear things up about John's rig!! A poll asking who's 69 rig came with plastic or metal would clear up the other thing!!



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66 W200, 440/727, almost back together, restored!.
68 Galaxie 390
70 W200, 392, NV4500, d60f, d70r, hydraulic clutch, p/s, hydroboost, HD factory gauges
70 F250, 6BT, NV4500, d60f, d70r, hydraulic clutch, p/s, hydroboost, A/C
70 Olds Cutlass 455 Convertible, A/C, pw, discs, console
86 Jeep Comanche 4.0, auto, 4x4
91 Ford Ranger shop truck
99 Cadillac Seville
12 Jeep SRT8