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Console Reinforcement Install Question

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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 02:13 PM
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Default Console Reinforcement Install Question

I have a brand new replacement console and new reinforcement that needs to be attached. According to AIM it requires what looks like 4 each rivets. Two on top and one on each side. I understand the top part but the sides have large elongated oval holes that would make riveting difficult or not possible. Can someone offer help here please.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 05:36 PM
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Without seeing it, pop rivets are a standard size and you can probably find a longer rivet and washer that is snug on the rivet and large enough to cover the oval.
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Old Jun 6, 2017 | 09:41 PM
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Originally Posted by ignatz
Without seeing it, pop rivets are a standard size and you can probably find a longer rivet and washer that is snug on the rivet and large enough to cover the oval.
Its weird that the AIM manual shows an elongated hole as well and they don't call out a washer. Go figure.
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Old Jun 7, 2017 | 01:32 PM
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On my 68, which I don't think is much different than your 74, the reinforcement is attached to the shifter console by the two rivets on top and the elongated holes are where screws go to attach the shifter console to the bracket attached to the shifter tunnel with "u" nuts. My AIM clearly shows them as screws and not rivets.
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Old Jun 7, 2017 | 01:48 PM
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I just went through this with my '69. I used nuts/bolts on the 2 top bolts and they are completely hidden after install. The side holes will likely not line up any way so leave those loose until you can mock it up on the car and determine course of action. Definitely do not rivet anything until after mockup.
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Old Jun 7, 2017 | 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted by sullyman56
On my 68, which I don't think is much different than your 74, the reinforcement is attached to the shifter console by the two rivets on top and the elongated holes are where screws go to attach the shifter console to the bracket attached to the shifter tunnel with "u" nuts. My AIM clearly shows them as screws and not rivets.

Well then my AIM is definitely different than yours because mine shows rivets and no washers to take up the huge elongated hole. Very odd.
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Old Jun 7, 2017 | 02:18 PM
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Here's a pic
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Old Jun 7, 2017 | 02:24 PM
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This is from my AIM. If you were to put a rivet through the elongated hole, how would you attach the shifter console to the bracket on the shifter tunnel? Seems odd that your AIM shows a rivet and not a screw.
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Old Jun 7, 2017 | 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnnieUtah
...Here's a pic...
Is the existing bracket in the console riveted in four places?
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Old Jun 7, 2017 | 02:42 PM
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Originally Posted by sullyman56
On my 68, which I don't think is much different than your 74, the reinforcement is attached to the shifter console by the two rivets on top and the elongated holes are where screws go to attach the shifter console to the bracket attached to the shifter tunnel with "u" nuts. My AIM clearly shows them as screws and not rivets.


The elongated holes aren't for rivets....a screw goes through there to attach the console to the bracket on the shifter tunnel.
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Old Jun 7, 2017 | 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by hzz


The elongated holes aren't for rivets....a screw goes through there to attach the console to the bracket on the shifter tunnel.
Mock up it first. The repro console likely won't line up with the tunnel bracket. Also, consider where the center gauge panel needs to sit in relation to the lower dash panels and how fragile it is during mockup. The C3 dash, center console and e-brake cover is a big puzzle and everything relates to everything else on final fitment. Take your time before riveting anything or drilling any new holes.

Last edited by Neil B; Jun 7, 2017 at 03:31 PM.
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Old Jun 7, 2017 | 09:53 PM
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Here's a pic from my '70 AIM. As you can see, it shows the rivet (#5) that the OP mentions. The pic also includes the screw and nut that are installed at that location. I'm sure the screw and nut are original, as I'm the original owner. The AIM is incorrect at the 2 elongated hole locations.

Hope this helps.
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Old Jun 8, 2017 | 12:40 PM
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That picture from the AIM also shows an extra hole in the console (above the elongated hole) and your console clearly doesn't have that hole. My console did not have that extra hole either. If your car is anything like mine, the elongated hole in the console won't come anywhere near lining up with the tunnel bracket. The tunnel bracket lines up closer to the top hole shown in the AIM.

Last edited by Neil B; Jun 8, 2017 at 12:42 PM.
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