68 Shift Console Installation
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 783
Likes: 38
From: Mankato Mn
68 Shift Console Installation
I finally have the speedo/tach pad in and the gauge cluster in but now I can't get the shift console in where it needs to be. I can't get it ahead far enough to put any screws in it. It needs to move forward about another inch and up a little more. What am I missing here...any ideas ?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,333
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Fore/Aft location on the shift console is dictated by the parking brake console, if the shift console needs to go forward and can't, it's usually because the main dash has drooped down, there's a lot of weight hanging from in and that little tin bracket in the middle doesn't really do much to hold it up.
M
M
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 715
From: Marietta GA
I hope this will help. On my 73 convertible, here is the order I reinstall the dash/console parts. I only LOSELY Tighten all screws until everything has been installed. The metal bracket with the two nuts (that is below the radio) should not be tighten, just loose fitting.
1. Center Gauge cluster
2. Front shift console (use a bare socket to tighten the metal bracket nuts, some guys use wing nuts)
3. Parking brake cover
4. Passenger side dash panel
Once all the fasteners are installed I then tighten them, a little at a time. It is impossible to get everything aligned perfectly. The egg carton/vinyl covered assemblies are usually warped and distorted after all the years of being heated and cooled. The restoration parts don’t seem to fit any better, from all the posts that I have read.
1. Center Gauge cluster
2. Front shift console (use a bare socket to tighten the metal bracket nuts, some guys use wing nuts)
3. Parking brake cover
4. Passenger side dash panel
Once all the fasteners are installed I then tighten them, a little at a time. It is impossible to get everything aligned perfectly. The egg carton/vinyl covered assemblies are usually warped and distorted after all the years of being heated and cooled. The restoration parts don’t seem to fit any better, from all the posts that I have read.
