Question Regarding 73 Console

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Apr 13, 2013 | 05:20 PM

gr8t73

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From: Usa

Question Regarding 73 Console

I bought a replacement console for my73 & the directions say to align the center gauge console studs with the holes in the metal plate on the bottom side of the console. There is no metal plate on the new or the old console. Should there be a re-enforcement plate on the bottom side of the console?

Apr 13, 2013 | 05:31 PM

BBCorv70

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From: Tolland CT

My 70 has a reinforcement bracket under the console. I assume 73 should as well. Do you have an AIM for 73?

Apr 13, 2013 | 05:46 PM

gr8t73

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From: Usa

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBCorv70

My 70 has a reinforcement bracket under the console. I assume 73 should as well. Do you have an AIM for 73?

I've looked at the AIM & it appears there should be a reinforcement. I would appreciate if someone could post a photo as the AIM is not clear as to how the reinforcement should be installed. Do any of the vendors sell this reinforcement?

Apr 13, 2013 | 06:23 PM

7T1vette

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From: Crossville TN

There should be a "U" shaped brace riveted to the underside of the console. And, it should have 2 slots for the lower gauge cluster studs to slide into (with nuts already installed loosely). Without that brace, there is no structural support for the front end of that console, nor is there any solid surface for the gauge cluster stud nuts to clamp against.

Apr 13, 2013 | 08:32 PM

BBCorv70

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From: Tolland CT

There are a few on ebay.
Here's one...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-1976-Corvette-Forward-Shift-Console-Reinforcement-Plate-/330903414448?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4d0b6166b0

Apr 13, 2013 | 09:46 PM

gr8t73

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From: Usa

I've ordered the reinforcement plate from one of the vendors. I am hoping Alan or a another forum member can post a photo showing how this is riveted to the console it seems to me a rivet would just pull through the plastic console.

Apr 14, 2013 | 10:08 AM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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FWIW: you can install the console without riveting the reinforcement to it. I did not rivet the reinforcement to the replacement console I installed in my 68. No console fit problems by skipping the rivets.