Console hell
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
Console hell
I'm restoring the console on my 1978 pace car edition. Everything came off ok but when I try and install the new upper console trim panel it overlaps the parking brake console by 1/2". I've tried wedging it in but it will break I'm sure. Any experience/ideas? Thanks!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
Yes good idea. After wrestling with it for a couple more hours I managed to get it together except for a few screws that the holes weren’t even close. Love the car but as I’m sure you’ve experienced too the poor engineering is maddening!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,103
Likes: 789
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I had to loosen every screw from the brake console to the wiper switch and only with a lot of jiggling and wiggling did I finally get everything lined up to tighten the screws. Dread having to take it apart in the future
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
I was thinking the same thing about taking it apart again. I'm planning on a major interior restoration at some point. Thanks for the tip on keeping things loose until everything lines up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
I've removed and replaced the entire console and gauge pack in my '79 numerous times now and discovered that order of disassembly and reassembly is of PRIME importance to get a proper fit and greatly reduce the possibility of damage.
The order of removal is:
1) Seats. This is not absolutely necessary but it takes little time and makes everything that follows FAR easier and more comfortable!!!
2) Carpeted console sides
3) Parking brake cover
4) HVAC/shifter/power window plate. No need to completely remove but remove all fasteners and push it towards the rear of the car.
5) The radio (if one of the big heavy originals, especially with CB.
6) The gauge pack.
Replace in reverse order. It takes considerable pressure to push the HVAC/shifter plate forward as the one-piece dash wants to push it back. A helper for a couple minutes makes this MUCH easier and this is also when you will most appreciate having removed the seats.
The order of removal is:
1) Seats. This is not absolutely necessary but it takes little time and makes everything that follows FAR easier and more comfortable!!!
2) Carpeted console sides
3) Parking brake cover
4) HVAC/shifter/power window plate. No need to completely remove but remove all fasteners and push it towards the rear of the car.
5) The radio (if one of the big heavy originals, especially with CB.
6) The gauge pack.
Replace in reverse order. It takes considerable pressure to push the HVAC/shifter plate forward as the one-piece dash wants to push it back. A helper for a couple minutes makes this MUCH easier and this is also when you will most appreciate having removed the seats.
Last edited by SwampeastMike; Oct 17, 2018 at 06:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
I've removed and replaced the entire console and gauge pack in my '79 numerous times now and discovered that order of disassembly and reassembly is of PRIME importance to get a proper fit and greatly reduce the possibility of damage.
The order of removal is:
1) Seat. This is not absolutely necessary but it takes little time and makes everything that follows FAR easier and more comfortable!!!
2) Carpeted console sides
3) Parking brake cover
4) HVAC/shifter/power window plate. No need to completely remove but remove all fasteners and push it towards the rear of the car.
5) The radio (if one of the big heavy originals, especially with CB.
6) The gauge pack.
Replace in reverse order. It takes considerable pressure to push the HVAC/shifter plate forward as the one-piece dash wants to push it back. A helper for a couple minutes makes this MUCH easier and this is also when you will most appreciate having removed the seats.
The order of removal is:
1) Seat. This is not absolutely necessary but it takes little time and makes everything that follows FAR easier and more comfortable!!!
2) Carpeted console sides
3) Parking brake cover
4) HVAC/shifter/power window plate. No need to completely remove but remove all fasteners and push it towards the rear of the car.
5) The radio (if one of the big heavy originals, especially with CB.
6) The gauge pack.
Replace in reverse order. It takes considerable pressure to push the HVAC/shifter plate forward as the one-piece dash wants to push it back. A helper for a couple minutes makes this MUCH easier and this is also when you will most appreciate having removed the seats.
