I recently purchased a 78 corvette and am excited to start digging into it with my son so he can learn some good practical skills on how to take care of and work on a car.
We also want to do some superficial things to it to make it more fun.

This is my first post and I have searched to death on different center console mods, but have not found my answer.

2 part question:
1. Can the AC controls be moved to where the radio is?
2. Is there now room enough where the AC controls used to be (assuming it was moved in 1), to fit a 2 din stereo or is it not deep enough to house one?

 

Welcome to the fun. This forum is a great resource for knowledge. I really can't answer your specific question. I do recommend you purchase two manuals, the Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) and the GM service manual. Don't waste your money on the Hayes, it is too generic, you need your specific years manual. Also PM Papawana, he will email you electrical drawings for your year. You might want to update your profile to indicate what state you in. Post some pictures also.
Good Luck, Bill.

 

In 78, the center console is a commonly reproduced and replaced part, so easy to modify. I 3D printed a plug for my HVAC controls, intending to have the heat controlled from where the radio is (using an Arduino, so no cables or vacuum hoses required). Other systems, like Vintage Air, also do away with vacuum hoses and cables, their head unit is just a few switches to control their system. Maybe the stock system could be moved, or you could replace vacuum and cable actuated throws with servos. The Vintage Air controller is shown below (which is made to work with their AC replacement system).




Take a look at the depth. You may be able to fit a shallow 2-DIN unit there. I don't know if you will be happy with the viewing angle. To get access to the panels, I remove the seats (4-bolts each), and the side skirts (3 screws each), then it should be pretty clear how to remove it. You'd need to relocate the defroster switch, if you have one. And please do pick up an Assembly Manual and Shop Manual specific to your year, before you dive too deep.

Here's are photos of my modified center console, if it helps.





I woudn't want to do away with my charger, though. I enlarged the hole for the cigarette lighter to install this, which fits below the cover when cables are removed.

 

Welcome!
Great posts above and advice…and great project with kid..mine is doing oil change with me first time!!

in my opinion..if your car is stock….I would not screw with ac controls..a stereo would be cool but will need to hack into panel.
I personally would pick another project or amp speaker Bluetooth seperate..
you can also refurbish the oem unit and add aux and or Bluetooth!

how about some pics of you all’s ride!
Diy skill level budget?