Having the seats redone in 100% leather and am going to finish the carpet job. The part I
did not do before is the 2 long panels on each side of the console.

They seem to be made of cardboard or something. I have the carpet to cover them but
how do you do this, do you just rip the old carpet off and glue the new carpet on or can
you buy these panels somewhere ?

 

The panels are a little bit better than cardboard, but not much.

I would think that Ecklers should have these panels.

If not you should either be able to dye the carpet, or install new carpet to these panels.


[Modified by BSeery, 11:00 AM 8/6/2001]

 

The console side panels are fiberboard. Trying to remove the old carpet and glue in order to install the new carpet pieces would be a PITA. I ordered two replacement panels from Eckler's or ZIP Products (can't recall which). The new carpet trim glues to these panels.

 

Thanks for replys guys I think I'll see if I can get new ones.

 

Another, less expensive option is to go to local home repair retailer, and buy a chunck of fiberboard, trace outline of old panels on new fiberboard, then take jig saw and cut out a couple of new panels! Shouldn't take too long and don't forget to mark the screw hole locations as well.

 

These panels are also kind of bent a little at different angles to fit
snuggly around the console. If I made my own do you think they
would bend and stay that way for a good fit.

Also I wonder if new ones are bent to fit properly ?

 

I just did the same job. I went to a art supply store and bought 2 large sheets of illustration board. This is heavy duty stuff and is rather thin. Just trace the shape and cut it out carefully with an ex-acto knife. Note the hole locations for your screws. I used 3m heavy duty adhesive (follow directions on can) The board as I said is thin so you won't have any problems tucking the completed pieces under the edges of the shift console. The stuff is cheap...around 7 or 8 bucks. Good luck!!!!!!!!

 

I feel pretty lucky that the previous owner, who did a good interior restoration, got these pieces mounted to a flexible plastic sheet. If I need to get to anything in the radio area, I just remove one or two screws and peel back. Then everything goes back nice and tight. Unfortunately I don't know where he got his carpet replacement set from.

 

Motorhead,

Had the same thoughts as you. Ended up buying new fiberboard from Eckler's, but never was able to get it to "mold" the the transmission hump. Ended up carefully removing the carpet from the old fiberboard, repairing a few cracks, then gluing the new carpet on. Best part was that the re-carpetted pieces fit EXACTLY. No trimming, or trying to get it to "bend" a little. Just thought I'd throw that in, as I ended up learning from experience that using what was originally in the car is the best way to insure proper fit and finish.

Good Luck

 

I have to thank all you for your help but now I am not sure what
to do. I thought there might be a problem getting it to 'mold' correctly
around the console.

My first thought was to reuse the old particle board.
But then a few of you have said you made your own out of different types of materials.

Geeze don't know what to do :confused:

 

Motorhead,

Decisions, decisions!!! You might just try taking the old carpet off the original fiberboard, and see how it goes. Worst thing that happens is the old fiberboard isn't useable, and you end up going with one of the other suggestions!! Having just finished doing my interior, I'd like to throw in a few observations:

1) When you pull the seat foams out to replace them with your new leather ones, take the time to disassemble the seats, clean up and repaint (if necessary) the plastic seat buckets and hinge covers. I assume you'll also be putting new carpet on the upper backs of the seats. I was floored when I did this on mine, how good seats looked!
2) While you have the seat buckets apart, check the hinges for loose play. Mine had "spread" a bit over the past 20 years, and I was able to tighten them back up by popping the circle clip off, and inserting a thin washer. This will solve the seats from "popping" back when you put a lot of pressure on the upper seatback (like when you're digging for change at a toll booth). Also, great time to buy a new set of acorn nuts for the seat reassembly.
3) If your Vette didn't originally come with the optional rear speakers, it's a great time to run the wiring when you have the carpet out. All the parts to add rear speakers are available in the major catalogs.

Just a few thoughts, having been down the road you're travelling, and banging my head against the wall saying, "Why didn't I think of fixing/replacing that while I had it apart!!!!"