RizVet

Can a new carpet be installed wihtout removing the shift console? I would be happy to just remove the ebrake console and forward side trim panels and the rest to do this job. Removing the center console is always a major hassle with that tight fitting AC control mechanism. Take top plate off to reach inside is ok, but removal as we all know is not fun.

jcloving

It could probably be done. Just a hassle to guide carpet in and up beside shifter console. Your pain, your choice.

Alan 71

Hi R,
The shifter console really needs to be in place while you're installing the carpet.
Generally the carpet needs to be trimmed so not so much extends up under the sides of the console. The only way you know how much to trim is if the consoles are in place.
I put the carpet in, put the consoles in place, mark the carpet, remove the consoles, trim the carpet, re-install the consoles.
If too much carpet is left it 'spreads' the sides of the console and makes fitting the e-brake console more difficult.
Regards,
Alan

Before Trimming.


Before trimming.


Trimmed amount.


Trimmed amount.

redrdstr72

Alan's SO right on this. I did it this way too. I found that by removing the screws and trimming a very little at a time, the carpet tucked under the sides perfectly. I think if the console wasn't there, I'd have customer the carpet way too long and would have had to be re-trimmed when console was put back in.

Hi Alan! Hope Spring has sprung in your neck of the woods. Finally, I'm seeing some signs of the lawn...

kjbuster1

Alan's pictures and details are so right. I just finished my '72 carpet. Left the console and ebrake console in place.

You can use a soldering gun to make holes.

Be prepared for a long fussy job.

ctuinstra

That carpet looks great! Man that is a beautiful interior. Where did you get that carpet?

Alan 71

Hi ct,
The carpet in the picture is from Al Knock. The material is very nice but it takes a good bit of finesse to to fit it well.
Regards,
Alan

Alan 71

Hi rr72,
Still no spring like weather here…. we've had an unusually snowy cold winter.
I'm very ready for a 70 degree afternoon!
I hope you're well.
Regards,
Alan

Alan 71

Hi AW,
The carpet in your picture looks very nice.
However, if the carpet extended that far up under the consoles on a 68-72 car, a person wouldn't be able to install them properly.
Regards,
Alan

7t9l82

there is no possible way I'm pulling the dashboard to install the carpet
but carpet is next on the agenda.

Zeus-of-Boost

quick question while im replacing my carpet. the freaking back of the ebrake cover seems to be attached to a bolt though the body of the car . looks like you have to go under the car to loosen it to remove the ebrake cover . is this correct ?

redrdstr72

This bolt can be a bugger to work with, especially when it comes time to re-install it. I've lost a pint or two of blood each time I've messed with it.

FWIW, you might want to consider reversing the orientation of the bolt so that it is first secured to the console. This would allow you to "thread" the bolt through the storage bin wall when replacing the console. You could then add a washer and nut from the bin side. It is easier, however, not quite the same orientation as when The General" assembled your car.

Hope this helps...

Alan 71

Hi,
I've found that you can reach the bolt from either the jack storage compartment or the battery compartment.
However if the battery is in place you can't reach it from the battery compartment.
I use a 3/8" socket, on a 1/4" drive socket wrench with no extension under the socket.
After you do it the first time its pretty straight forward.
Regards,
Alan

The bolt…. looking from the jack compartment, you can just see the front of the cardboard liner in the glove box.


The hole in the seat bulkhead the bolt passes through.


The rear of the e-brake console showing what the bolt tightens in to.

MrJlr

I've read a lot of posts about what a PITA that bolt is, but having done it twice in my life I gotta say it's not that bad at all.......IF you remove the storage compartments!

If you're doing the carpets, I'd have to assume the compartments are out anyway



Edit: Alan has pictures of EVERYTHING! Can't tell you how much his pictures have helped me! !!!!

Zeus-of-Boost

THANKS SO MUCH GUYS. and sorry to jack the thread. totally didnt think about the storage bins.

PHIL 68

I totally agree Allan has great pictures and they make it a lot simpler to know what to do when you can see these. Thanks Allan