I got the console for $250 and it was just re-chromed. needs to be painted but that is easy but time consuming.
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[C2] Shift Console repair/changes
Thread Starter
ASE Master Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 156
Likes: 23
From: Rogue River Oregon
Shift Console repair/changes
I got ahold of a very nice shift console to replace my bad chrome and cracked one. The only problem I have is this newer one is NOT for power windows which I have. The back side has the bosses for the screws and I should only have to cut out the square for the power window switch and thread the bosses. Has anyone done this or have suggestions on how to avoid problems?
Drifting
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From: Florida
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Australia
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
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Cut it. Drill the hole and carefully use a Dremel with a carbide bit to enlarge the hole and finish up with some files. Mask the area with tape to protect the console. Be careful and be patient. Jerry
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,667
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From: Shamong, NJ
Do it yourself with a Dremel.
78-82 Corvettes have a plastic shift console that when ordered through the GM parts system came without any of the cutouts precut. Obviously plastic is a little easier to work with, but depending on the year and options you could have as many as 5 different shaped holes to cut (defroster, 2 power window switches, and a power mirror joy stick and left/right toggle switch). Before the precut repros came out I used to cut the GM ones for customers using a Dremel, a drill and a set of different size and shape hobby files. It was time consuming, but not difficult, it just took a little patience.
One thing I would do is initially cut the hole a little small, and then carefully work with the Dremel and files to slowly open the hole up a little bit at a time, repeatedly test fitting the switch until you get a fit you're happy with. Since you said your old one is broken, you might want to practice on it first. Pop the 4 speed (or auto if it's a Powerglide) shift indicator off the console, and use the indent left behind to practice cutting a hole out of the pot metal. This way you'll know if you can do a satisfactory job of cutting a hole out of the pot metal console, without screwing up the rechromed one. .
78-82 Corvettes have a plastic shift console that when ordered through the GM parts system came without any of the cutouts precut. Obviously plastic is a little easier to work with, but depending on the year and options you could have as many as 5 different shaped holes to cut (defroster, 2 power window switches, and a power mirror joy stick and left/right toggle switch). Before the precut repros came out I used to cut the GM ones for customers using a Dremel, a drill and a set of different size and shape hobby files. It was time consuming, but not difficult, it just took a little patience.
One thing I would do is initially cut the hole a little small, and then carefully work with the Dremel and files to slowly open the hole up a little bit at a time, repeatedly test fitting the switch until you get a fit you're happy with. Since you said your old one is broken, you might want to practice on it first. Pop the 4 speed (or auto if it's a Powerglide) shift indicator off the console, and use the indent left behind to practice cutting a hole out of the pot metal. This way you'll know if you can do a satisfactory job of cutting a hole out of the pot metal console, without screwing up the rechromed one. .