96-98 versus 99-02 AC and radio bezel

[AntleredRuin]

Ok so after a bit of research, could not find anything definite, hence the new thread.

I have a 99. The AC/Radio bezel is cracked and held together with black electrical tape and it looks like crap. I've scoured junkyards, but the radio bezel always seems to be the 1st thing removed from a 99-02 junker.

I had this thought a few days ago; Could I use a 96-98 instad of a 99-02? The junkyard was full of them, but I just passed on by because I thought they were useless for my application.
I'm pretty sure the whole bezel snaps in place fine. I know I'll need to swap over the AC vent assembly also.
My biggest concern is the cupholders. Could the cupholders be removed from the bezel on a 96-98 and simply replaced with the ECT/ Defroster/ Rear window controls from my 99? The whole button 'bar simply snaps out on my 99. Would it snap back in place on a 96-98?

I know I could try a junkyard again to see, but if anyone know anything definite without me potentially wasting my time, that'd be great.

 

[habanero]

The older style cup holder slot and blank area next to are part of the molded bezel and do not separate. There is no slot or way to simply snap in the 99's button bar.

I took pics of the center bezels to answer a question for somebody...dunno if the pics would help you any....
Comparison of the 96 vs the 99's dash center piece:
Yellow= clips
Red= plugs that need to be undone. Not pictured: the light above the ashtray- I don't have one of those.
Green= where the two screws hold the center piece onto the dash are

and the 99:
Yellow= clips
Red= places with unpluggables. (there may be two more where the other two sockets are, under the ashtray- this piece is missing those)
Green= where the fabled dummy plug is

 

[gamefreakgc]

Ok so after a bit of research, could not find anything definite, hence the new thread.

I have a 99. The AC/Radio bezel is cracked and held together with black electrical tape and it looks like crap. I've scoured junkyards, but the radio bezel always seems to be the 1st thing removed from a 99-02 junker.

I had this thought a few days ago; Could I use a 96-98 instad of a 99-02? The junkyard was full of them, but I just passed on by because I thought they were useless for my application.
I'm pretty sure the whole bezel snaps in place fine. I know I'll need to swap over the AC vent assembly also.
My biggest concern is the cupholders. Could the cupholders be removed from the bezel on a 96-98 and simply replaced with the ECT/ Defroster/ Rear window controls from my 99? The whole button 'bar simply snaps out on my 99. Would it snap back in place on a 96-98?

I know I could try a junkyard again to see, but if anyone know anything definite without me potentially wasting my time, that'd be great.

Nope, like mentioned above. The slim fold-out cupholder is part of the unit, which is where the buttons are on a 99. Also, if yours has the two power outlets instead of a cig lighter, it won't work there either since one will have no power and having an empty plug might make the other not work if it's a shared ground.

Tried Ebay yet? Or looking at part outs here on the site?

 

[AntleredRuin]

Ok, thanks for the pictures [MENTION=5345]habanero[/MENTION].
So it looks like it'll fit into place, but will require some decent modding and plastic weld, which I'm not willing to do. These things are fragile enough.

I've looked on eBay and on the 'for sale' on this site, but these things go for $80+ and shipping, vs around $30 at a junkyard.