1971 Console mounting question??
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
1971 Console mounting question??
Hey folks,
Yes, got the clutch problem fixed and now a new problem, but a little one!!
Does anyone know how to access the small single bolt that goes through the rear of the console behind the emergency brake, that holds the rear of the console down?? I looked inside the middle compartment hoping to see the other side of the screw/bolt thingy, but no luck, and it is not accessed underneath the vehicle. Any ideas?? Thanks, JB
Yes, got the clutch problem fixed and now a new problem, but a little one!!
Does anyone know how to access the small single bolt that goes through the rear of the console behind the emergency brake, that holds the rear of the console down?? I looked inside the middle compartment hoping to see the other side of the screw/bolt thingy, but no luck, and it is not accessed underneath the vehicle. Any ideas?? Thanks, JB
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
It's tight but I can get to it through the compartment behind the passenger seat. I work by feel using a 1/4" ratchet. Sorry, but I can't remember the socket size. I've done it several times now. It would go easier if I had smaller hands.
I think the only other way to get to it is to completely dismantle the rear storage compartments.
DC
I think the only other way to get to it is to completely dismantle the rear storage compartments.
DC
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 34
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DC3, thanks for the quick response!! I will deal with it first thing tommorrow morning!! Thank you again my friend. JB PS. I know what you mean about needing smaller hands! Im 6'4 and about 260, and yes, hands pretty big!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 97
From: Lake Norman, NC
As it sounds like some have gotten better/faster at removing this bolt, I have too. This first time I removed it, I pulled the storage bin frame out for direct access. The risk in this is that the storage bin frame is somewhat fragile. Get it cocked when removing it (which is easy) and it gets pinched between the rear wheel wells. When it gets pinched, it can break. I've also learned that my wife has smaller hands than me. 
I learned (I think here) that it could be reached with a 1/4" drive swivel socket from the jack bin side. The last time I removed it, I decided to vary from the GM design a bit. I put the bolt in the console, facing rearwards in the car. This way, the bolt sticks through the bulkhead and then I attach a lock washer and hex nut on the bolt to secure the console to the bulkhead. I can spin the hex nut to till it stops, then torque it tight with a short box wrench. In essence, I have reversed the orientation of the bolt to make it easier to service. I think it works much better this way. Anyone else try this?
I learned (I think here) that it could be reached with a 1/4" drive swivel socket from the jack bin side. The last time I removed it, I decided to vary from the GM design a bit. I put the bolt in the console, facing rearwards in the car. This way, the bolt sticks through the bulkhead and then I attach a lock washer and hex nut on the bolt to secure the console to the bulkhead. I can spin the hex nut to till it stops, then torque it tight with a short box wrench. In essence, I have reversed the orientation of the bolt to make it easier to service. I think it works much better this way. Anyone else try this?
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Easier just to cut the head off that bolt and grind the shank to a "bullet-nose". Then install it in the threads of the e-brake housing and lock down with a jamb nut. Now you can just slide the bullet-nosed end of that bolt shank into the hole on the bulkhead and button everything up. Why GM designers put a bolt in that location, I'll never know. Must've been something a new guy did.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 34
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Thanks for all the help guys! I got it handled today and just used the feel behind the passenger seat compartment and took my time and removed the bolt and then reattached the mount to the underside of the console piece then put it back in and tightened her up!! All is good now. Thanks all!! JB