Shifter Console Side Trim Panel help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Noblesville Indiana
Shifter Console Side Trim Panel help
Does anyone have any experience replacing/reinstalling this part:
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...1&dept_id=1644
Since these are replacements, what's difficult for me is locating the screw holes to secure the panels even with the seats out because the panels are in the way. Any tips or suggestions to make this easier?? I'm trying to avoid drilling a bunch of trial and error holes into the carpet. The interior looks terrible without them!
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...1&dept_id=1644
Since these are replacements, what's difficult for me is locating the screw holes to secure the panels even with the seats out because the panels are in the way. Any tips or suggestions to make this easier?? I'm trying to avoid drilling a bunch of trial and error holes into the carpet. The interior looks terrible without them!
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I’m pretty sure ours already have the holes in them, but I would not swear to it.
You should mark and drill the holes before you install the carpet on them too!
You could insert the screw in the nylon nut leaving it extended about ¼” and then put lipstick on the screw head.
Place the panel up where it belongs on the console and parking brake cover and then push down toward the screw head to mark the location. This should mark it pretty close.
You should mark and drill the holes before you install the carpet on them too!
You could insert the screw in the nylon nut leaving it extended about ¼” and then put lipstick on the screw head.
Place the panel up where it belongs on the console and parking brake cover and then push down toward the screw head to mark the location. This should mark it pretty close.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Noblesville Indiana
I’m pretty sure ours already have the holes in them, but I would not swear to it.
You should mark and drill the holes before you install the carpet on them too!
You could insert the screw in the nylon nut leaving it extended about ¼” and then put lipstick on the screw head.
Place the panel up where it belongs on the console and parking brake cover and then push down toward the screw head to mark the location. This should mark it pretty close.
You should mark and drill the holes before you install the carpet on them too!
You could insert the screw in the nylon nut leaving it extended about ¼” and then put lipstick on the screw head.
Place the panel up where it belongs on the console and parking brake cover and then push down toward the screw head to mark the location. This should mark it pretty close.
....don't know if I have any of that laying around
. Seriously, thanks a lot for the tip. I'm new at all this.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
With some of the "repro" or aftermarket panels I have had to trim them a little where they fit under the console to get them to line up to the screw holes correctly. All that I have purchased always had the screw holes already in them. WIth one set I had to trim about 1/2" off the top to make them fit properly.
As suggested, put a nail or something in the screw hole and then line the panel up to the holes and see where they end up and tweak accordingly.
As suggested, put a nail or something in the screw hole and then line the panel up to the holes and see where they end up and tweak accordingly.
Last edited by 78Vette-SA; May 16, 2008 at 05:33 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Use your old ones if you have them as patterns for hole marking. These are vinyl covered for the 77s and carpeted for the 78-82 models. Assembly instruction manual (AIM) shows the installation. Trim screws and u-nuts.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,134
Likes: 4,206
From: Westminster Maryland
Mr. Willcox,
Since my car is vey original, would it be possible to get some NOS lipstick to use?
Always read your very helpful replys!! This was just too good to let go!!
Regards,
Alan
Since my car is vey original, would it be possible to get some NOS lipstick to use?
Always read your very helpful replys!! This was just too good to let go!!
Regards,
Alan
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Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Well now, this is getting interesting. I’d better watch what I say on this reply.
Alan, I’m sorry but I’m out of NOS Lipstick, but I’m sure someone has it listed somewhere on Flea Bay. Get red if you find it, the light brown won't show up as good.
Alan, I’m sorry but I’m out of NOS Lipstick, but I’m sure someone has it listed somewhere on Flea Bay. Get red if you find it, the light brown won't show up as good.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Noblesville Indiana
Thanks for the tips guys, this forum is the best. I was able to get them on with a little trimming. Not perfect, but good enough for my standards (which seem to get lower everytime I D.I.Y. 
).
).
Friend Request Magnet
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 50,242
Likes: 149
From: ♫ ♪ ♫♫ ♪ ♫ ♪♪ ♫
I did mine...no prob.
Even if the first holes arent right (holding tight to the console to hide gaps)...once you make the right holes that the side covers do indeed fit tightly; just brush the carpet over the old holes and they will never be seen.
This "brushing" may come in handy with time; as you drive and the carpet and side panels go through climate changes; you may lose the tight fit if for some reason you made your holes too low or too high and new holes have to be made ...even if you missed the to left and right aiming.
Jim
Even if the first holes arent right (holding tight to the console to hide gaps)...once you make the right holes that the side covers do indeed fit tightly; just brush the carpet over the old holes and they will never be seen.
This "brushing" may come in handy with time; as you drive and the carpet and side panels go through climate changes; you may lose the tight fit if for some reason you made your holes too low or too high and new holes have to be made ...even if you missed the to left and right aiming.
Jim
Last edited by Strats-N-Vettes; May 22, 2008 at 08:07 PM. Reason: add pics
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
From: Tucson AZ
Mine came with holes (just got them in 2 weeks ago).
I ran zipties out from the inside of the screw holes, and then through the holes in the console sides. Pull tight, hold in place and snip the tie, push the screw through.
had them both on in 10 minutes (including beer break between sides)
I ran zipties out from the inside of the screw holes, and then through the holes in the console sides. Pull tight, hold in place and snip the tie, push the screw through.
had them both on in 10 minutes (including beer break between sides)
