The post '67 US gauge surrounds were raised, matte silver painted rings. It wore off, eventually.
Sometimes, the plastic underneath was nylon- colored, sometimes black.
The nanny state also prevented the brakes from suddenly failing, the
steering wheel from stabbing you through the heart,
and then getting grilled like a hot dog when the gas tank ruptured, but, whatever.
71.5 saw the all- black gauges with all- black flat surrounds.
Replaced in 1974 by the Faaaaabulous woodgrain.
I never understood that- it was the only fake- wood on the car, and looked like
a refugee from a Pinto wagon. The optional shift knob was really wood, and looked
like part of a tree.
Yes, the stud length changed over the years with the style of dash (one, two or 3 pieces.)
Because the gauge surround sat in a different position in each dash.
it's all pretty... lightweight.
t