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I'm wanting to replace the lower shift console in my 1970 with a gently used one. It seems most sellers list them as fitting 1969 to 1972. Apparently, they are not aware of the differences between the years. Can someone confirm that the OEM lower shift console in black for 1970 is #396151?
Thanks for your response.
Hello DrV,
I believe the difference between the 70 and 71-72 lower shifter console is that the 71-72 console has 2 small 'fins' on the upper forward corners of the console that help keep the console in line with the corners of the right and left dash pads.
Regards.....
Alan, thanks for your response and for posting the photo. The photo is really clear and helps address one of my concerns. A little history here. I purchased a new aftermarket lower console for my 1970. From an appearance standpoint, the console mates nicely to the original dash pads but needs to move forward and upward by about ¼ inch to fit properly. This ¼ inch has caused fitment issues with the upper trim plate, brake console and operation of the A/C control panel wheels. I can make it work but I prefer one that fits close to like an original. The original console was damaged to the extent that I could not take measurements to determine exactly where the problem it. However, what looks like a part number on the front underside of the original is 5960762. I have my eye on one advertised as an original 1970 with a part number of 3963151. Not wanting another mis-fit. Thanks again for your help. You are a great asset to this forum.
Hello DrV,
Working on the position of the center gauge bezel is VERY DANGEROUS to say the least.
It's extremely easy to break the bezel at it's narrowest point.
Just to the right and above the small gauges.
So be very very careful. Almost ANY pressure will break it.
That's why so many of the bezels you see are broken or reproductions.
Regards....
I can remember cracking my windshield and the sound it made an also breaking my bezel and the sound it made.
It's easy to spot the reproduction bezel.
I am a member of the broken gauge bezel club, as described by Alan. The bezels are made of pot metal and it doesn’t take much pressure or cussing to break them. The fitment of the dash vinyl / plastic / fiberglass dash parts are impossible to get 100 per cent aligned. Let’s face it … these cars are fifty years old and all the years of hot / cold environments have caused changes that keep things from fitting perfectly.
1970 Lower Shift Console Part Number
