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Tips on reassembling shifter console /reinforcement & side trim?
Upgraded the lights and replaced some parts on this '73 stingray.
I'm putting things back together and I see no way to attach the shift console side trim, as is?
There is only one hole in the shift console and I presume this would be the hole to screw in the side trim, but it doesn't align up at all.
I have a picture of the old shift console and it appears someone drilled an extra hole in the console to use to attach the side trim. Is that the best solution or have I put pieces back together incorrectly?
I'm wondering if the shift console reinforcement bar isn't attached correctly and / or that same bolt going from the reinforcement into the shifter tunnel bracket?
IIRC the side panel was "drilled on assembly" so the location varied to suit the fit
M
Thank you!!
I'm terrible at reading diagrams... I'm still a bit confused what goes in the existing hole in the new console. Is the bolt that attaches the metal support bar to the tunnel floor supposed to go through this existing hole?
The console gets screwed to the floor brace through the main hole in the side and then the side panel got put into place and a self tapping screw went in through the console and the metal brace that's riveted into the console wherever it fit best
Looking at your photo with the new console it seems that the riveted inner brace is screwed to the floor brace but it's ahead of the console, Did you try to fit the parking brake console behind the shifter console? It looks like the shifter console is too far back as that screw should go through both the console and the brace.
More often than not the dash droops down and we try to install the console to match the dash rather than the way it was meant to be the other way around.
M
Looking at your photo with the new console it seems that the riveted inner brace is screwed to the floor brace but it's ahead of the console, Did you try to fit the parking brake console behind the shifter console? It looks like the shifter console is too far back as that screw should go through both the console and the brace.
More often than not the dash droops down and we try to install the console to match the dash rather than the way it was meant to be the other way around.
M
Hah too funny, you read the thought at the back of my mind that showed up at 2am this morning.
The parking break console is NOT in yet. And I see what you are saying, once that goes in, it's possible everything else needs to be pushed forward. Once it's all pushed forward (and the dash board gently lifted from the sagging) then I bet all the holes will align!!
Then I just drill out a new hole through both the housing and the metal brace for a screw into the shift console side trim?
OEM or aftermarket parts? I bought some after market parts for my 71 and ended up searching for OEM parts. The aftermarket parts not only didn’t fit but didn’t even look right. I recently purchased the upper halo panels and they aren’t even close enough to make work.
Small adjustments here and there add up, make sure your upper dash panel, left and right dash and console are set correct.
Good Luck!
I'll add to be careful with the metal gauge bezel, there's a reason so many are broken right at that thin spot on the sides. Don't try to push the dash up with it, loosen everything, adjust the dash to fit and then tighten but don't try to use it as a jack to force the center up
My two cents, the bolts for the radio bracket look a little big. Are they causing the cover plate not fit correctly. Also, you need to know, that Restoration Parts are famous for poor fitment, and that is why so many guys look for used OEM Parts. The restoration part doesn’t have to be large or complex for bad fitment. I purchase a restoration antenna body mount for my 73, it looks great except for the 1/4 of extra threads that are not covered by the decorative cap, and starting to rust. I called and the large vendor who could care less. I learned my lesson.
Figured out that I needed to cut excess material from the shifter console in the area where the posts (pictured below) sit. Once I cleared that excess material on that aftermarket part it came together much better.
Tips on reassembling shifter console /reinforcement & side trim?
yup
