so i see that cnn finally has a black bezel for the 9700
has anyone tried it yet. did it for my 8900 and that was plenty easy.

Yeah. I have one that I got a while back from TrueSupplier since I could not find one on CNN (my normal source).

It is more difficult to change this out on the 9700 than it was on the 9000. You don't have to mess with moving buttons over, but you do need to use an opening tool and be pretty delicate with things. Also, from what I can see, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get the top part of the faceplate off the chrome bezel (in order to re-install on the black one) without screwing up the plastic clips that lock it in place. I ended up having to use some cyanoacrylate (i.e. super glue) to put mine back onto the new black bezel. TrueSupplier sells a version of the black bezel with a brand new OEM top plate already attached. This is what I would recommend using rather than going through the brain damage of trying to disconnect and reattach your existing top plate.

Also, it was a serious pain in the rear to try and get the black bezel to go back on correctly in the spots adjacent to the lower half of the LCD screen. I eventually did it, and it looks flawless/factory, but it took a while and I was worried I was going to break something in the process (although I didn't break anything in the end).

The 9700 with a matte black bezel and no-brand chin plate looks freakin' sweet though. I am very happy I went through the hassle of changing this part out.

Good write up. Do you have any pictures you can share? Thx

yeah id like to see some pics!

I will try and get a pic up later today.

I did the exact same. Im glad to hear that I'm not the only one that had to superglue the top cover on

So you only used superglue to attach the top piece to bezel? I read on crackberry that you need to solder first.

it sounds like you would solder the plastic if it was a NEW piece. he reused his and had to remove the material that would have been soldered. the only option left is glue.

and FYI for everyone, i contacted truesupplier, and discovered that if you buy the kit that comes with the bezel and top plate, the top plate is NOT pre fastened. we would have to do it ourselves with a solder iron. it doesnt look like a big deal though

Yup I can vouch for that. I did order this (I wanted a spare on hand) and the top plate is not pre-fastened. I am going to have to solder it apparently. I can see how the original one had been attached that way. There are plastic tabs that stick through holes in the bezel and then the soldering iron melts the ends of them into "end-caps" that hold it on.

Here are some pics of the black bezel installed on my 9700. Click on each thumbnail to see the larger version of the image.

that looks sick!

Would this be all you need from TrueSupplier to make a OEM 9700 look exactly like the one above?

http://www.truesupplier.com/blackber...-pr-19759.html

Dude, you should make a YouTube video to show others how to do this mod.

hey JG, did you order a new mesh screen behind the speaker opening, or use your old one?

That looks very nice. I have a 9000 with a black bezel, but your 9700 looks wayyyy nicer.

I don't get why RIM doesn't do them in black, or at least provide that option.

Hi,

Thanks y'all. I will try to answer everything below.

@ckinglam - Yes. That link you provided gets you all the parts you need for this. They even send you a little screwdriver (didn't fit mine) and a plastic opening tool that will last for about 1 install.

@Smoothoperator - I don't know how to make the video. However, I did see a very good video that shows dissasembly steps for the 9700 on the CNN (aka Cellular Nationwide Network) website. I watched that video before I ever tried to work on my 9700.

@trax95008 - I used the same screen that was already on my original part. I can't remember if the new OEM top plate they send you has the screen on it or not. I will look when I get home and let you know.

@rdef - I totally agree with you. The matte black looks better IMHO and in my experience it also wears WAY better than the chrome...doesn't show scratches etc. I wish they came this way "stock". On the other hand it is kinda cool having a unique one. Now if only they would come out with a red-number keyboard like I had on my 9000 this thing would be perfect.

i just ordered this one. its a new package. just showed up on the website today

Blackberry bold 9700 housing faceplate cover Matte Black x::x9700/9020 Onyxx::xBlackberryx::xHousing/Faceplatex::xTruesupplier - Blackberry Accessories & PDA Accessories wholesale Co.

JG, I'm thinking about doing the same as you did (i.e., removing the top plate and bonding it on with superglue). However, I have a question: when you removed the original top plate, did you just use the case opener tool and pry it forcefully lose? I'm wondering if I will damage anything if I lean into it a little.

I have it too!

***** to install but if you you do it, it looks hawt!

dude - that looks sick! nice and "stealth"! would also look good in a gunmetal colour... definitely like the black!